Getting ads to work with SMF

[wdueck]

This is merely a tutorial on how to get ads working with your SMF (Simple Machines) forum. NOTE: This has only been tested by myself, using SMF 1.1.7 and 1.1.8. Also, you will probably have to insert the PHP manually into custom themes.

First, go to SMF to download the SMFads mod for your version of SMF. Then upload it and install it using the Package Manager in your Admin Center (You may have to change permissions by going to Packages > Options and choosing 'All files are writable.' This is much faster than manually doing it via FTP or Cpanel's File manager).

Next, go to the 'Ad Management' section under 'Configuration' (Sometimes it doesn't want to appear for the first time. Just go to another section and look again. The Package Manager is funny that way...) Then, click 'Add Ads.'

First, we will do the ad that has to appear after the first post on every page. give it any name you want, it doesn't matter...Now, paste the handy dandy Ad Code into the big box that says 'Content'. Then type '1' into the box that says 'Display ads within posts'. This will tell it to display the ad after the first post on every page of your forum. Make sure that it is set to HTML (it usually is by default). See attachment MainAd.gif.

Now for the footer ad. It is pretty much the same as the last one (obviously, use the footer code). However, leave the 'display ... posts' blank. Instead, check 'Display ads on the bottom of the page'. This will make it display the ad on the bottom of the page. See FootAd.gif.

THIS IS THE IMPORTANT PART!!! - Unless, of course, you only want Admins to be graced by the wonderful ads.
Go to The Permissions section of Administration. Then, check all of your membergroups, there is a 'check all' checkbox for your convenience. (you only really need to check 'guests' and 'regular members', but better safe than sorry). Then select 'Enable ads' from the 'Select A Permission' dropdown box. Hit 'set permissions' and your members can now see the Ads!

That's it! It's that simple!

Main Ad code at my Website

Footer Ad Code at my Website. (I added the images below it myself).

Tip: Under the 'Settings' tab of Ad Management, the is an option to not make it look like a post by your forums. I strongly suggest it.

To see the ads in real life, feel free to visit my website at Calamity Refuge Forums - Index