• What is TMCnet.com?
• Who reads TMCnet.com?
• How does banner advertising work?
• What does CPM mean?
• What does "click-through" mean?
• How can I find out how well my banner is working?
• What kind of click-through rate should I expect?
• Why are some CPM rates higher than others?
• What size Banner can I use?
• What size Button can I use?
• What is the difference between a Banner and a Button?
• Do you cooperate with ad agencies and media buyers?
• Can you serve banners through third parties?
• What should I do if my question isn't answered here?

What is TMCnet.com?
TMCnet.com is an online publication that complements the editorial content of all four TMC publications by disseminating original, technology-oriented information to our readers, while leveraging the immediacy and flexibility of the online medium.

Who reads TMCnet.com?
TMCnet.com's readership comprises telecom, datacom, and call center managers; developers and system integrators; distributors and resellers; VARs and interconnects; MIS departments and other technology managers; plus telcos, cable companies, and all types of service providers. TMCnet.com imparts information that will help readers become communications and call center technology advocates (who make purchasing decisions) and participants (who will make these technologies work in any given implementation -- whether it be call centers, the central office or a corporate enterprise).

How does banner advertising work?
We display your banner ad on our site where our site's visitors can see it. If someone is interested in your product or service, they click on the banner and are transferred automatically to your site where you can tell them more, and hopefully, get them to make a purchase. We sell you advertising space on our site on the basis of how many times your banner is seen, a measurement called CPM.

What does CPM mean?
CPM refers to "cost per thousand" and is used by the advertising industry to describe how many people or "potential customers" have viewed the banner ad ("page views" they call it), or received "impressions" by seeing the ad.

What does "click-through" mean?
When someone is interested in a banner ad, they click on it, and are transported to your Web site. Every time someone clicks on your banner, it is called a "click-through," and the "click-though rate" is expressed either in percent or clicks per thousand.

How can I find out how well my banner is working?
We track the number of times your banner is viewed, click-throughs, and the click-through rate. All of which are available to you in real-time, online, using a secure password.

What kind of click-through rate should I expect?
Our site reaches a targeted audience, attracting key decision-makers in the markets we serve. You can expect a .7% to 2% click-through rate, or higher if your banner is very compelling. It all depends on your banner's message, catchiness, and how often it is updated. We often see banners run at 3% and sometimes as high as 7%.

Why are some CPM rates higher than others?
Typical industry rates range from $5 CPM to $50 CPM for sites with very general audiences. The more targeted the site, the better match between the visitors and the advertiser's product, and therefore the higher the rate. Not only is the click-through rate likely to be higher, but also the percentage of sales you make is likely to be higher.

What size Banner can I use?
We use the standard size: 468 pixels wide by 60 pixels high. We allow the file size of the banner to be no more than 15 Kb, so keep your animations tight.

What size Button can I use?
We use a standard size: 125 pixels wide by 125 pixels high. We allow the file size of the button to be no more than 12 Kb, so again keep your animations tight.

What is the difference between a Banner and a Button?
We sell our banners at the top of each site, rotating a maximum of ten banners at a time. Buttons are located on the right-hand side, from top to bottom in positions 1 (top), 2, 3, and 4 (bottom) with a maximum of two buttons rotating in each position. A Button typically gets more exposure as it rotates with only one other ad at a time.

Do you cooperate with ad agencies and media buyers?
Yes. Of course, the word "cooperate" really means: Will you allow an ad agency to pay 15% less for bringing their client to you? We like to work with ad agencies, since once they learn about our site, they may bring other customers. We also recommend that you consider working through an ad agency, since you have nothing to lose (it's our 15%, not yours). Of course, if you have a small budget, an ad agency probably won't be able to serve your needs, but we'll be happy to work with you.

Can you serve banners through third parties?
Yes. We can serve banners through third party servers upon approval (to date, AdKnowledge SmartBanner System has been approved).

What should I do if my question isn't answered here?
Contact Dave Rodriguez if you still have questions about TMCnet.com's advertising and sponsorship opportunities.