Back in January, Google announced a page layout algorithm improvement to decrease the number of websites that don’t show content above the fold, for readers to locate easily once they click on a link to the site.
Why wasn’t the content above the fold?
This space was being occupied by excessive banner and pay-per-click ads. Website design was more invested in monetizing content than in having a content layout that delivers useful and interesting information to readers from the very second they reach the web page.
Because Google’s main objective is to make sure users have a great experience in finding the best content, something had to be done about all of the ads that were making content harder to find.
Don’t be a victim of lost SERP rankings because you use the prime real estate space above the fold to sell to readers instead of helping them find the content they thought they’d find once they click your link.
Not saying that you can’t place ads at the top of your web pages. Top placement is still a best practice.
However, having so many ads that readers have to scroll down to find information will hurt your chances of having a top spot on Google’s search results.
Instead of loading ads at the top of the page, place them in the midst of the content or on the right side of the web page.
Once searchers see that you have the information they came in search of, they will spend more time on your website.
In turn, your ads have a better chance of being clicked on, regardless of where they are placed.