An advertisement entirely in text. Often used to refer to advertisements in World Wide Web.
Text ads are a continuation on idea of banner ads. Banner ads were good, but they were abused more often than they were used tastefully; They often didn't fit the site's design with their outrageous colors and were often animated and distracting, which is why people didn't look at them. Banners also brought some other considerations of abuse - Tracking cookies, for example.
Text ads are completely different, because they:
- fit to the site design - Text ads can be made to blend in to the site, while they are still noticeable.
- are not annoying - No animations, no blinking, just a link and description.
- are cheap - Often everyone can just buy 1000 ad impressions dirt cheap. Easy way to promote a site!