Well, Today Earthlink has announced their Traffic Builder Program. Here is what they claim:
Traffic Builder generates the valuable online traffic to your Web site that your business needs to grow. Simply purchase a guaranteed number of clicks per year, and EarthLink’s Traffic Builder does the rest. We develop and optimize search terms, create ad copy, and then load it all across our network of search engines. This lets you spend your time managing your business.
Guaranteed Performance!
We guarantee that your site will get at least the number of clicks (leads) specified in your service package. If your site receives more than the guaranteed number of clicks, you won’t be charged anything for the additional clicks.
Content Network
Traffic Builder places your ad in front of millions of Internet users via today’s leading search engines, such as Google, Yahoo, and MSN
Here are the Prices for each Package:
Guaranteed 360 Clicks per year - No Setup Fee - $66.95/mo.
Guaranteed 600 Clicks per year - No Setup Fee - $111.95/mo.
Guaranteed 1200 Clicks per year - No Setup Fee - $199.95/mo.
Guaranteed 2400 Clicks per year - No Setup Fee - $399.95/mo.
Guaranteed 3600 Clicks per year - No Setup Fee - $584.95/mo.
Guaranteed 4800 Clicks per year - No Setup Fee - $759.95/mo.
Our Opinion:
It’s clear to us that Earthlink is just acting as a 3rd party between the advertiser and the advertising company, ie Google adsense, Yahoo, and MSN. They will basically manage your Google Adsense campaign and charge you a set price. The problem is that the rates they charge are more then just a ripoff. Lets look at the numbers. For the Basic package of 360 clicks per year, a business will pay $803.40. Thats $2.23 per click. Most people using adwords can get a much much better rate then that, not to mention you have complete control over which keywords you are targeting for as well as the budget. I personally would offer this service to anyone for 20% of what Earthlink charges.
Note: I am a shareholder of Earthlink (ELNK) stock.
You can read more about their Traffic Builder program at their site located at: EarthLink® Web hosting & E-Commerce - Traffic Builder