Banner Creation

There are several generally accepted sizes for ad banners. 

• full size - 468 pixels (6.5 inches) wide, and 60 pixels (.7 inches) high.
• Half-size - 234x60. 
• 400X40 - used by some banner exchange programs.
• 88X31 - used for link exchanges and the like. I like these much better than the larger banners as they load more quickly.

Some tips for banner creation.

• Larger banner ads are better than smaller ones.
• Keep the graphics files smaller than 10K if you can.
• Use animation to draw attention to the banner. Some banner services do not allow "looping" animation.
• Use words like "Click here" to boost response.
• Create urgency with words like "Last chance"
• People love to get "Free stuff"
• Don't mislead.
• Link your banners to the page they are advertising, not necessarily your home page.
• Match your banners to your audience

There are many tools available which you can use to create banners. Adobe Photoshop is an excellent, though expensive, product. Paint Shop Pro is almost as full featured and less expensive. For animated GIFs you can use GIF Animator or Animagic GIF Animator.

Additional Information