AdNetworks.NET has compiled a list of 5 young networks who offer a unique form of monetization.  Many of these are still under the radar.  It should be interesting to see how these networks are able to grow over the next year.

1.) FotoGilf

Provides bloggers and web publishers with the ability to publish high-quality, professional photos on their website at no charge. Fotoglif earns their money by pairing an ad with the photo which the split with the content owner and the publisher.  The ad appears just below the photo regardless to where it is published on the page.

However, AdNetworks.Net found one slightly annoying problem.  In between the photo and the ad is a FotoGlif logo and link to their site.  Obviously, it’s completely normal for a network to have it’s name by their ads.  That said, the layout of their logo could have been better integrated in with the ad.  I imagine some publishers might shy away as they fear by using a service like FotoGlif it come come across to users as trying too hard to monetize and borderline cheesy.

In close, Fotoglif has an extremely impressive selection of photos and could be an excellent option for some blogs or sites. However, since they’re not as well known as other networks I see them potentially struggling with finding their target audience.  Though if they are able to find their niche and execute this company is an excellent acquisition target for a larger, more established network.

AdNetworks.NET Rating: 3 1/2 Stars

2.) GumGum:

GumGum is founded by Ophir Tanz and Ari Mir, two very successful serial-entreprenurials. They are a content-licensing network, similar to Fotoglif.  However, there are 3 huge differences:

1. While they also offer a free option for the content where an ad is placed below the photo, they also allow publishers to use the content ad free and pay on a CPM basis.
2. They have a more strigent filtering process for publishers to get accepted into their network.
3. They offer the ads in display, text, or flash and better integrate their logo into the ads than Fotoglif.

AdNetworks.NET feels GumGum has excellent leadership, vision, and model to experience continued growth. Furthermore, they started their business by focusing on the entertainment vertical which is arguable the hottest space for utilizing this technology and an excellent strategic move.

AdNetworks.NET Rating: 4 1/2 Stars

3.) PredictAd

PredictAd allows the publisher to monetize their webpage without taking up any traditional ad inventory. When a user does a search in a publishers search bar, PredictAd places a contextual ad in the scroll down bar along with the other “predictive typing words.” Adnetworks.NET is high on this technology and company. However, PredictAd will have to overcome two large hurdles for success:

1. Overcome the pontential “spammy” feel the additional ads in a seach tool bar could bring to a site.
2. Develop strong relationships with advertising partners so they are able to compensate publishers a strong rate.

The bottom line is PredictAd, must compensate publishers an amount equal to or greater the intrinics costs of including additional ads in a publishers search bar.

AdNetworks.NET Rating: 3 Stars

4.) Adgregate Markets

They turn “banner ads into shop ads.”  In the Adgregate Markets platform when a user clicks on a banner ad they have the option to browse the merchants merchandise and make a secure purchase, all from within the ad, on the publishers page. This company is certainly the most well-known and celebrated company on this list.  In 2008, they were a TechCrunch50 Finalist.

AdNetworks.NET was skeptical at first whether purchasing merchandise in an ad would really catch on.  However, early results show to the contrary and this company is off and running.  Plus, they have a very seasoned, impressive management team and funding.  AdNetworks.NET expects many exciting things from this company in the future.

AdNetworks.NET Rating: 5 Stars

5.) Branchr

They bring the premium network to the masses.   They allow advertisers to launch campaigns for as low as $5 and are extremely flexible with altering campaigns on the fly.  Publishers can cash out at anytime and after apporval (which can take up to 12 hours) they receive payment via paypal that day.

When InterClick first broke into the market part of their rapid success was due to their ability to establish themselves a true partner of the publishers and advertisers in their network.  InterClick was able to accomplish this through transparency and quality content.  Branchr reminds me of InterClick with for their commitment veer of the beaten path to please their network partners.

Branchr is still a very young company. However, if their technology is executed effectively and they stick to the course, AdNetworks.NET expects huge success from this relatively tiny network.

AdNetworks.NET Rating: 4 1/2 Stars