homepage adverts

We have a fitness equipment ecommerce site http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk

im looking to make major changes to the homepage.

Currently we have product category images such as treadmills, rowing machines, exercise bikes, etc. Im thinking of loosing these images and placing them on the left hand side "category menu" the space on the homepage can then be used for adverts / offers.

Im just a bit worried as we will loose the category image navagation which looks nice IMO.

Do you think it is worth loosing the image navagation in exchange for special offers / adverts?

No way. I love the image navigation...
You've got to think beyond the images, and consider what it means to a visitor. How it's interpreted. What impression does it make?

IMO, the image navigation straight away gives me the impression of a fun, simple and easy to use site.

And believe me, you need the image navigation to take focus because there's a lot going on elsewhere and it would make anyone dizzy if they had to look through it...

PS.: You've already got some many ads along the side columns, just leave them where they are. Don't bring them into the middle (main focus) of the page.

I would leave alone as well! I think it looks good. Any more adverts would make it crazy to navigate and view!

I strongly agree with Spinal here.

The image navigation is the best part of your page, by far. If anything, you should remove lots of other junk (especially the moving stuff) that's distracting users from this core item.

thanks for the replies

I totally agree with all of you, it was someones suggestion basically because our competitors do it.

I do agree that the images on the homepage are the best part of the homepage

okay personal opinion, on first impression which site has the best HOMEPAGE navigation:

Us - http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk

http://www.gymworld.co.uk

http://www.simplyfitnessequipment.co.uk

http://www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk

Yours. No question.
Yours: The main focus of your homepage is a very simple navigation list that will help a user find what he needs.
Theirs: I can't work out what the main focus is. The center of the page is full of stuff that doesn't help a visitor find what they need. It's just random junk...

In my experience, someone gets to your website because they're looking for something - help them find it.
You'll only wind them up by showing them stuff they're most likely not interested in.

are you just saying that to make me feel better, lol

(I edited my post and added my reasons - check again - )

Thanks

although ive got to admit i dont like the banners and adverts on the left / right hand side of our website. its personal preference but i hate "special offers"

but then saying that it does bring in additional £££ or if your american $$$ so i suppose special offers are worth it

yes, I don't like the banners on the side columns because they're too 'crazy# and deviate focus from the content. I find it all a little distracting.

A nice little fade-in on hover effect would take care of that just fine...

Yes we have a designer who creates these banners. i've been looking to revamp the banners - i do like the look of www.simplyfitnessequipment.co.uk banners.

Also our top homepage banner with the Logo could do with being more exciting.