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!
It’s always a tough balance between having a site that’s clean and credible, vs one where the ads take center stage. You also have balance getting results from search traffic vs not annoying regular visitors. I’ve also found that on one of our blogs, the best converting ad is below the fold. It takes some experimentation.
-Casual
.-= SeductionList Directory´s last blog ..Audio Interview Series: GK (Charisma Arts) =-.
@SeductionList Directory,
Very true, plus blogs are trickier than pure money sites, does take some experimentation.
You make an excellent point about the third sidebar. Any blog that places their advertising there, is losing money.
I have seen sites that change their ad placements and see large increases in revenue. It takes some time to find the right place, the right type of ad, and the right content.
Like everything else on the net, the only thing that works all the time is test test test.
.-= Scott Lovingood @Stock Market Prediction´s last blog ..By: TheWealthSquad =-.
My experience is that above-the-fold works exponentially better than any other place on the page. I occasionally test other locations, but the money spot is always above the fold.
.-= Keith@Norman Rockwell Art´s last blog ..Sep 1, The 1939 Norman Rockwell Santa, Extra Good Boys And Girls =-.
What a nice post. Thanks for sharing this valuable info.
This is a really good point. I recently discovered as much when I put some Adsense blocks on the tops of some pages on one of my sites. I started getting heaps more clicks.
I have tried to do the same on other sites. However, it’s proving tricky in one “drag and drop” builder. Whenever I pull the widget onto the page for editing, it never stays on the top, where I want it. It keeps moving stubbornly down to the bottom!
There must be a way of fixing this. I’m sure I will in time, but it is frustrating.
You make some great points here. I hate sites that make you scroll side to side especially, just very annoying.
.-= Mailing Lists´s last blog ..This is a test run – Data Advisor Week of May 03 =-.
I totally agree. I always place ads inside the content and above the fold. I mean that’s is like a must. I always had better results than any other placement. Some say it’s better to have color of ads text sticking out, some say blend it… I say test, test,test!
@Gadgets &Technology,
Great point about colors, I have better luck when they blend, and so have most of the people I talked, but testing is always key!
Yeah, I haven’t said that in my first comment but I also did had more luck with blending. But on the other hand some people recommend standard blue color as people are used for links to be blue color. These are good starting points but still in the end you get the most of it if you test
@Gadgets &Technology,
I agree with blue links, I usually go for blue links on all my sites.
Yup, but orange can be pretty effective too. Talking from experience.
@Gadgets &Technology,
Really? Thanks I might try it, I like how orange eblogs look
I agree that the compatibility of website across different browsers is important. Also its necessary to have a good product which can be marketed easily because of its quality.
ohhh,, it is great article like other, but i’m tired to do this,, because it always test, try, and work hard..
.-= Akbar Amri´s last blog ..Healthy Eyes Tips for Netter =-.
Follow Me on Twitter @: moonheart
(3 comments)
From my experience ad above the fold is much exposure for reader so it better change for clicks
.-= Legitimate work at home jobs´s last blog ..Clerical work at home jobs [del.icio.us] =-.
Another great article.Thanks for the advice about apearence in different browsers, had never thought about that before!
Thanks for sharing the tips. #1 rule of Internet marketing – keep all your money making stuff above the fold!
I’ve been running Adsense on my sites for quite some time. I’ve seen big changes in ad revenue based on switching up the placements from time to time. Now, the placements on the inside left seem to be generating the most revenue on a day-to-day basis.
I like to change/add placements from time-to-time to test the different placements. The key is to label each one so you know which ads are most productive. Always be testing!
The key always is to offer your users something that he can use such as pictures, articles and videos in your blog. That alone can gain you exposure but you also need to promote your blog.
Utilizing “above fold” technique is great for attracting users, but for more legitimate reading, folds loses its potential. I strongly dislike sites, which force users to click through several page number, to read whole entry. This is an overkill for fold.
Follow Me on Twitter @: DennisEdell
(224 comments)
Yes indeed above the fold is best; for the header and sidebars.
The one thing I truly cant stand is Adsense above the first article; not the way you have it here, but the Adsense you have to actually scroll past to get to the content you came for in the first place.
Arg!
.-= Dennis Edell´s last blog ..The Time Has Come. The Deal Is Done. It’s Time To Move!! =-.
@ Dennis
Yes I don’t like that as well, I think within the article Adsense looks best placed div right, that way its within the post, but sitting nicely on the right of the text and not too obtrusive, that is what I do for the money sites.
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