I prefer on my sites a font size which is easy readable.
So I prefer the 4 lines version matching better the font size on my sites.

Some "modern" web designers prefer a font size to small to read.

I figured the four links might get a better rate just because they are larger and more noticable, but that's just my thinking.

Cheers,

[edited by: CWebguy at 5:42 pm (utc) on April 15, 2009]

As always, do a test. try out the four for a month, then the 5. I found that the 5 work best on my site - the font is smaller, but that also means that more words can fit on the line, ie instead of just "widgets" the link can say "red widgets"

I all too often see crowding of the next with five units. So I'm pretty much set of four these days.

4 links looks better because it has a larger font size.

I've checked in with AdSense's resident link units expert, and in general 5 performs better than 4 (YMMV, of course).

If you're looking to do some link unit optimization, there's a good overview on doshdosh.com [doshdosh.com] in addition to the great resources in the AdSense Help Center [google.com].

ASA

cool, thanks ASA, always good to hear from the expert on this ;) Thanks.

Oh, if you're still there, do you know if the difference is noticeable at all, or pretty negligible?

[edited by: CWebguy at 7:51 pm (utc) on April 16, 2009]

Interestingly, I changed mine from 5 to 4 (for the bigger font size) and CTR went up quite markedly. It's only been a day though, so I'm not ready to call it a done deal. Definitely worth testing further tho.

yeah, I could definitly see how the bigger font could help, especially depending on the size you already have

Cheers,

ASA's DoshDosh plug needs careful consideration as confusing Link Units with navigation could lead to SmartPricing or worse.

ASA: Isn't there a conflict between DoshDosh's recommendations and your program policies?

"place your link unit beneath or beside your on-site navigational links"

coupled with:

"Text color for the link unit should be the same as the link color for your website"

www.google.com/adsense/support/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=48182

Clicks on Google ads must result from genuine user interest.

How would this result in smart pricing?

How would this result in smart pricing?

How would you even know if it did? Beware of speculation about how Google does things.

Lower CPC I guess? I don't know, fill me in guys :)

[edited by: CWebguy at 8:53 pm (utc) on April 21, 2009]

CWebguy, Google SmartPricing for details.
The short version is that in theory Google protects advertisers from potential fraud, accidental clicks and other non converting traffic by heavily discounting CPC like you said.

cool, thanks I'll check it out. Definitly don't want that!

Cheers,