Looking for a Google AdSense Alternative? Do Not Look to AdBrite


AdBrite is ceasing operations effective February 1, 2013, reports AllThingsD.

AdBrite, an advertising network started in 2004, has long been used by online publishers as an alternative for monetizing a website, in place of Google AdSense.  Millions of small and large publishers (including this website) appreciate Google AdSense as a source of advertising revenue.  However, some publishers have been frustrated by having their accounts shut down without warning. Google last month vowed to provide publishers with a more transparent AdSense appeals process in that event.  Still, an alternative such as AdBrite was one that publishers banned by Google AdSense or simply wanting an alternative, could turn to — but no longer.

AdBrite was reported to employ 26 people, who presumably will now be out of work. The company tried to find a buyer, but talks fell through. It is now selling off assets.

AdBrite

Another sad part to these situations is that existing partners were advised by email, yet the AdBrite homepage, pictured above, has nothing on it about ceasing operations as of this writing.  We just went to the AdBrite website and were able to set up a new account. We even received the email confirmation for a new account.  When businesses shut down, the least they can do is put a notification on the websites, and not continue to accept new accounts.

So what alternatives are there to Google AdSense and AdBrite?  1 Singular Sensation lists a few AdSense alternatives.


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Anita Campbell Anita Campbell is the Founder, CEO and Publisher of Small Business Trends and has been following trends in small businesses since 2003. She is the owner of BizSugar, a social media site for small businesses.

13 Reactions
  1. Mark @ ThinkTraffic

    It’s always a shame when a potential Google competitor goes out of business. Ah well.

  2. Wow. I agree, the least they could do is stop accepting new accounts. What’s the purpose?

    • I don’t know why they don’t put something on their website, Ti. It’s a shame really — and if they ultimately end up not paying it is also unethical.

      How many unsuspecting small publishers will be out there signing up, placing ad tags in their site, only to find out later they will get nothing? I see from one article on the The Style Dragon (referenced in a pingback below) that their check bounced.

      Shame on AdBrite!

      – Anita

  3. Well, AdBrite was good. Payout was better. I still have 200$+ pending form them which was suppose to payout on 1st Feb, and still on their website the account status’s reflecting the same. I doubt my 200$! Unfortunate!

  4. What are the odds that they’ll actually pay out any balances owed to publishers?

    • Well, Mike, at this point it doesn’t look promising, I’m afraid. I see from one site, The Style Dragon, that their check bounced.

      – Anita

      • No, it does not look good. Last year a small comapny called Adgitize folded and they paid out every last penny to their publishers. A class act that we’d like to see Adbrite take a page from.

  5. My advice for any publisher reading this is: remove AdBrite tags from your website immediately. Send emails and letters to AdBrite if your check bounces. Don’t wait — follow up immediately. And keep trying to contact them. If you are owed a lot of money that you can’t afford to risk, contact an attorney.

    If you are an advertiser, then you should insist that AdBrite do a responsible wind down!

    If you are an investor in AdBrite, make the company settle with its small publishers.

    – Anita

  6. i registered at adBrite about a week ago and i noticed that they were not serving any advert even after i inserted their code into my blog. Thanks for the information at least i know what i need to do now. Please can you recommend another ad network that is very similar to Adsense but less strict though. I seriously need one

  7. Google search still show pages that recommend adbrite – Lucky i found this page after applying filter. Another good option crossed-out.

    Just got my ads serving blocked by adsense ($80 on account). Most probably because setting mistakes on fresh joomla installation that leaked some in-descend pages. Can I withdraw ? Any suggestions for my appeal to adsense ?

  8. New kid in town…

    AdPoints.eu Check this out

  9. I have used Adsense and Adbrite and I recently tried Altitude Digital Partners. The rates with Altitude Digital are a lot higher and there is an actual person you can talk to. Check them out altitudedigitalpartners.com