Most people think in terms of personal resolutions like losing weight, quitting smoking, etc. If you're a web site owner, you may want to think instead about making some resolutions for your web site. Here are some guidelines that may help you with this project. Take a look at what you already have on your site. If not, you are probably losing dozens of visitors who don't want to wait for ever to see what's on your home page.
Many webmasters use black backgrounds with colored lettering.
This is often very hard on the eyes or difficult to read particularly when the font is small. Consider changing the color of the background to something lighter and using black as your text color. This is your web site and what people see on your home page should directly relate to your business. You say the Banner Exchange insists that their banner has to be placed at the top of your home page. If that is so, then I'd think twice about participating in the exchange since it's going to detract from your home page and will lead your visitors away from your site.