How to Apply for a Google AdSense Account

Google Adsense is one of the best advertising management solutions available. It’s not the only one, but you’ll be hard pressed to find a program that’s more intuitive and efficient.

Of course, if you’re new to the blogosphere and publishing world, you probably have no idea where to start when it comes to monetizing your ads. In this article, we’re going to walk you through the steps of applying for a Google AdSense account and the mistakes you need to avoid making.

One thing new publishers don’t realize is that just because you apply for a Google Adsense account doesn’t mean you’re automatically in. Google’s policies are intentionally murky, which gives them the elbow room to reject and accept whomever they please.

Of course, it’s not all that confusing why so many peoples’ applications get denied. People applying for an account can overlook considerations like privacy policies, contact pages, and having a subpar website.

It goes without saying that Google has high standards when it comes to the quality of its ad network. Therefore, they have very strict requirements, rules, and regulations that publishers must follow.

So, before you apply to Google AdSense, make sure you meet all of the following requirements:

You’re at least 18 years old.
You have an active Gmail account that isn’t already linked to an AdSense account.
You have a live website that meets all of Google’s terms of service requirements.
Your website is at least three (3) months old.
The content on your website is up to date and relevant — you should have at least 30 articles published that provide value to your visitors and it should also have a contact page and a privacy page.
You have ample website traffic (there’s no minimum amount required here, but the more the better).

In essence, you should have already established a decent web presence in the eyes of Google. If your content is spammy and lacking in search engine optimization (SEO) best practices, Google won’t acknowledge your content or website as relevant or authoritative, and will likely deny you an account.

The actual process of applying for a Google Adsense account is fairly simple, as long as you’ve met the above requirements and you’ve created a Google account that includes a Gmail address.

Now, here are the steps to applying for a Google Adsense account:

1. Apply to the program

The first step is to fill out Google’s AdSense online application. The very first page of the application requires that you fill out your website’s URL, your email address, and that you choose whether or not you want to receive Google’s emails.

These emails are essentially tips and performance suggestions that are customized to help you along your AdSense journey. If you choose not to receive these emails, it won’t affect Google’s decision (but it certainly wouldn’t hurt).

2. Provide the requested information

After you fill out your basic information, Google will direct you to the next section of your application, which will look a bit different — especially since Google changes its layout often.

However, the information requested remains the same, so be prepared with the following information:

Your business name or the individual name your account is under
Your contact name
Your physical mailing address
Your email address (from your Gmail account)
Your phone number

Once you fill out this information, Google will want to verify your phone number. It’ll also send a PIN number to your physical mailing address to confirm that your address is correct — so make sure everything is filled out correctly.

It may all seem really simple, but if you don’t verify this information once you gain approval, you’ll lose said account approval. So, pay attention!

3. Use your temporary approval to your advantage

Google AdSense will give you temporary approval within 24 to 48 hours of filling out your application. Of course, if you came prepared with a valuable and creative website that has never been involved with Google AdSense in the past, then it shouldn’t take long to gain official approval.

Within the two (2) days of filling out your application you should receive the temporary approval notice until you follow the other verification steps.

With temporary approval, you’ll receive a code that will allow you to start placing ads on your website immediately and see the click rate and incoming revenue. Google does this on purpose to ensure that you’re not clicking on your own ads or inviting suspicious traffic to your site to make it look like you have AdSense-worthy traffic.

It’s critical that once you post an ad, you leave it alone. That means no messing with your ad placement, code, or spammy methods to drive suspicious traffic — otherwise Google will reject your application.

4. Verify your account

Account verification is more of an unofficial step as you can take your time with it, but it still needs to be done as soon as possible.

To verify your AdSense account for official approval, you’ll need to verify the PIN that Google mailed you, your bank account numbers, tax information, and your phone number. Your PIN will typically arrive within one (1) week to 10 days, and you won’t be able to touch your new revenue unless you accurately verify this information.

Make Sure You Follow Google’s Guidelines

Lastly, it’s imperative that you continue to follow Google’s AdSense guidelines. You can use your AdSense code for multiple websites, however, you only want to post ads on other websites if they meet the aforementioned guidelines.

Also, remember to never click on your own ads or ask others to click on your ads — Google will know what you’re up to and it will shut you down. As long as you remain in compliance with the guidelines, you’ll have a long and fruitful relationship with Google Adsense. You can find frequently asked questions about Google AdSense here.

Speaking of monetizing your ads, let us help you increase your revenue stream. Get in touch with us today to learn more about what we can do for your website.