The fold is a website design term that refers to the area of a webpage that is instantly visible to the visitor without having to scroll either to the sides or up and down. The fold can vary of course, depending on the web platform, the template or the design of the site itself.

Also, remember that there are over 65 web browsers available that all render and display web pages in a different way so the fold can vary from browser to browser.

Use this great free tool to check out how your site looks in all the different browsers: Browser Shots

Optimal Ad Placement – Above the Fold

For marketing and advertising you will want to have your most important ads, products and service promotions “Above the Fold”. This may seem elemental, but you’d be surprised how easy it is to forget.

I assume we are all trying to make money online right?

A good amount of money targets should be readily visible without the user having to surf or scroll the site.

Many times we tend to showcase written website content or information, and other “non money” stuff, instead of showcasing the money makers.

This is especially true for blogs that have the 2 sidebars on the right, where the 3rd one is usually not visible without scrolling. Time and again I see blogs that place their ads or Adsense units in that invisible sidebar, which makes it a gamble as to whether or not the user will ever see them and hence be given the opportunity to click on them and make you money!

If you’re main goal is to get subscribers then of course your website content should be the main focus, but if you are trying to make money then the content matters less and optimal ads placement is more important.

And this concept of advertising above the fold does not only apply to banners and ads, but also to the navigation menus and links to your money pages.

Always make sure that your navigation, whether in the sidebar or top nav bar is visible above the fold and slaps them in the face!

Always think maximum exposure to the money targets!

This concept not only applies to the home (index) page but also to the deep or inner pages with articles and written content. Place your ads and products between paragraphs, don’t let them get pushed to the bottom of the page because the user may not ever get there.

Never assume that the user will check out your entire site, the Internet crowd has a short attention span and they are the epitome of instant gratification.

PUT IT IN THEIR FACE, YOU MAY ONLY GET ONE CHANCE FOR THEM TO SEE IT!