Publishers can maximize their profit potential by segregating their inventory. Some of the best practices involved are removing your homepage inventory from run of network, and having different pricing tiers for inventory above and below the fold.
Your home page inventory should not be included in your run of network offering if you are looking to maximize your profits. Your homepage should be treated like a premium property and excluded from your RON all together. This will prevent advertisers from being able to get brand exposure on the homepage of your site without paying the premium that you deserve. Make sure you are clear that the home page inventory is not part of a sitewide, RON purchase. If the advertiser is interested in running their creatives sitewide, as well as your homepage, they can purchase the two and combine them.
Another way you can earn more money for your premium inventory is to have separate pricing for above the fold and below the fold creatives. Advertisers want to be seen, and are willing to pay a premium for inventory that is displayed without the user having to scroll down on your site. Keep this in mind when you are setting your placement pricing for your inventory.
Separating your premium inventory will help realize your sites full profit potential. Don’t fear advertisers being unwilling to pay premiums. They understand that higher quality advertising will come with a larger pice tag. At the end of the day, if it can deliver better results for their needs, it is in their best interest to pay it.