Originally Posted by **********

What a good, fast way to waste $200 to $2000.

This is the problem - too many noobs would read this and think that its a crap shoot, or a "numbers game" when it doesn't have to be. There is more involved when it comes to testing traffic. Here's a slightly more complete picture of what really should be done.

- Choose a seller, for example, Choker.

- If your site accepts credit cards only, buy traffic only from countries that your card processor will accept.

- Make sure your banner or ad exactly matches your content. (Don't advertise Adidas if you only sell Nike). This will keep your traffic targeted and make your stats more accurate. People won't click the banner if they don't like it, and they won't buy if the product is not reflective of the banner.

- Use a referral code in your banner links. If you can't or don't have the programming skills to do this, sign up as your own affiliate using CCBill's affiliate program and set the payout at 0%, then use CCBill's reporting system to show you the performance of your ad.

- Track, track, and track everything.

- Use multiple join pages. A/B switch them if possible.

- Host your own banners. Place them on a sub domain that serves only these banners if possible. Yes this uses more bandwidth but you can then compare impressions to clicks if the seller doesn't offer this service.

- We never buy pop unders but if you must, see if you can track the pop-under load separately from the pop-under click. This will tell you if your pop unders are of any real use to you.

One you have it all setup and running, watch your Google Analytics. You'll know fast if you're getting the clicks promised, and if the quality of those clicks is what the seller promised you.

The next time you buy advertising from Choker or anyone else, try the above and if you feel like it, post screenshots of the stats in threads along with your rants and raves. Armed with real data, people will be able to offer solid advice on how to avoid the problem you are facing.