Banner ads vs. Text Ads

[Dingdong]

What works for you? Banner ads with its flamboyant images reminiscent of roadside billboards or direct to the point plain text ads?

Consider these:

1. Download time
We all aware that if a page downloads slow, chances are the viewer will go to the next page or cancel the page therefore you lose a potential customer. Banner ads (whether still, gif animation, or flash animation) have large file sizes and downloads slower. Text Ads however are made using widgets and downloads fast.

2. Attention-grabber
Our eyes are geared to something unique, therefore seeing animations in a webpage amuse us. It catches our attention. Text Ads however, if the headline caught our attention, we'll probably read the contents. But most often than not, we neglect to read it (unless that is what we're looking for)

3. Content or Recognition?
In terms of product recognition, banner ads do have the advantage. If a picture says a thousand words, then say it with stunning visuals. But if you want to maximize the ad space, then say it with words.

There's a golden rule in advertising and that is "Less is more". So whatever your choice is, keep things to a minimal. Keep your audience yearning for more information, enticing them to visit (and hopefully purchase) from your site.

So, what works for you?