For the most part, banner ads are still good for advertising your website. They aren't as intrusive as pop-up ads and people aren't actively installing banner killers on their PCs.

First you need to create a banner ad for your site. It can be something as simple as a graphic you make yourself in Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro. There are a number of good sites that will let you design your own banner online, complete with text and image effects such as http://www.addesigner.com. Most banners are one of two sizes. Either 468x60 (which is considered a "Full" banner) or 234x60, also called a "Half" banner. You have very few words, so make them count. If you are using a banner add to advertise a sale, put SALE in large letters to draw attention of anyone who would be interested in it. If you have an affiliate program, use the words "Make Money" to draw attention.

Next you need to get your banner seen. Join a banner exchange program, where like-minded sites agree to show each other's banners on a rotating basis. That way the same banners are never seen on a site and you get a lot of visibility. Be sure to read the fine print and make sure you won't be accepting adult advertising in exchange for posting your banner ad. There is normally an "out" for the types of advertising you will not accept on your site. Keep it family friendly so your site won't be indexed as an adult oriented site.

Banners are very powerful tools for advertising when used correctly. Check out some of the sites or open up your favorite graphics program and start designing a banner ad to advertise your product or services today!