Are banners really effective?

[haynesey]

I'm redesigning my site, and i realised how tacky some banners look. I've decided against using many banners and have chosen text links, as a kind of experiment, to see if pictures really do tell a thousand words.

Whats your views on using banners? Do you think banners are far more effective then descriptive sentences with a link?

[SunPoker.com]

I will let some affiliates give their opinion, but I still think banners when used in strategic places, can still work well. I think the days of banners posted throughout the page are over and can look very tacky and drive users away from the site. I think a banner or two here and there can still be very effective.

Of course, the quality of the banner should be taken into consideration.

Mark

[Brandon]

I think banners are only useful if creative. For instance the first time I say sunpoker.com new SICK banners I had to click on them to see wtf was that about

Perfect example is Donkeylotto. We have had over 300 clients post their banners on our site and we know which ones work and which don't. I have seen more advertisers make money off non prime positions than those who buy the prime position banners....due to one reason. Their banners caught our visitors eyes and intrigued them to click. Its sales 101. IMO be creative and differentiate yourself in everything you do and it won't matter what you choose because it will work.

[fatbill]

Banners CAN still be useful, as mentioned above...

My tracking program ( which rotates banners by designated type ) shows that Poker banners have had a 7.75% click thru ratio, and Casino 8.13%. This is Clicks vs impressions, so numbers are a bit lower...