If you’re a publisher with a sizable number of website visitors each month and don’t currently use AdSense for monetization, you could be throwing money away.
Even if your blog is “just” a passion project, if it generates a guaranteed number of visitors each month (based on your social media following and other resources), it makes sense to start thinking about website monetization.
Just think about how it would feel to get money in your bank account each month with a Google AdSense payment. If you haven’t started monetizing your site yet, here is a list of questions to get you thinking about Google AdSense.
What is Google AdSense?
Google AdSense allows digital publishers to monetize their content through targeted ads customized for your audience. Website owners then earn revenue each time a user clicks on the ad. Millions of publishers across the internet use Google AdSense.
Who created AdSense?
Initially created by a startup out of Santa Monica, Google acquired the company in 2003. Prior to buying AdSense, Google had their own contextual ad targeting service in 2002.
How much does Google pay per 1,000 views?
AdSense doesn’t pay based on views of an ad, instead, they use a cost-per-click (CPC) payment system. Whenever someone from your audience clicks on one of Google AdSense’s targeted ads, you receive a portion of the payment.
Whenever a user clicks on an ad, the publisher receives 68 percent of the payment. Google keeps the other 32 percent as a commission. You can use AdSense’s revenue calculator to see how much you can earn on 1,000 views.
How does AdSense work?
The process for getting started is pretty straightforward. Here’s how to set yourself up with Google AdSense and start monetizing your site.
- Create an account and then enter the URL address for the site you want to monetize.
- Connect your site to AdSense and provide your payment address and phone number.
- Your site will undergo a review process which can take 2 to 4 weeks to complete. Google AdSense will review your entire site to ensure it complies with its policies. If your site passes, you will receive an email with next steps.
- Once your account has been fully activated, you can decide if you want to enable auto-ads or if you’d rather create your own ad units.
- If using auto-ads, paste Google’s AdSense code on your site for each page where you want ads to appear.
- If you are creating your own ad units, create the ad unit and paste the code into the HTML where you want ads to appear.
- After that, AdSense will send targeted ads customized for your unique audience.
- Once your account earns over $100 in ad revenue, you can cash out for payment.
As your site grows, you’ll have the potential to earn higher streams of revenue from your targeted ads.
Can you use AdSense on WordPress sites?
Yes, you can! To monetize your WordPress site for AdSense, use Google’s open-source plugin, Site Kit. You can follow this handy guide to connect Site Kit to your WordPress site.
Where can I insert AdSense code into my WordPress site?
Once the Site Kit plugin connects to your WordPress site, the plugin places the AdSense code into your site for you.
Does AdSense pay through PayPal or Western Union?
AdSense offers a variety of payment methods, including:
- Cheques
- Electronic Funds Transfers (ETF)
- Wire Transfers
- Western Union Quick Cash
- Rapida
- EFT via Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA)
Simply choose the one that works best for you.
Can I connect AdSense to Facebook or Instagram?
Unfortunately, at this time, there is no way to connect AdSense to your personal or business Facebook or Instagram account.
Which AdSense niche pays the most?
While this could be subject to change, the current highest paying niches are insurance, finance, health and fitness, technology, and automotive.
When are AdSense payments paid?
AdSense pays on a monthly cycle. At the beginning of each month, your earnings are calculated and finalized. If you have earned over $100 for the month, you are eligible for payment. According to Google, payments go out between the 21st and 26th of the month.
Why did AdSense reject my application?
While it can be frustrating to have your AdSense application rejected, it does happen. Some of the most common reasons why an AdSense Application is rejected include:
- Your website is less than six months old.
- Your site doesn’t have a privacy policy.
- The site doesn’t meet Google’s quality standards.
- You lack original content on your site.
- The traffic you generate on your site is of low quality.
- You depend on paid services for traffic.
- Your content violates Google AdSense policies.
- You’re under 18.
- You were banned in the past from Google AdSense.
While these are not the only reasons, these are the most common issues people run into when their Google AdSense application is rejected.
What’s the difference between Google AdSense and Google Ads?
Google Ads allows advertisers to market their products or services on the search network, display network, or both. Advertisers pay Google on a pay-per-click (PPC) basis.
Google AdSense allows publishers to sell space on their site to advertisers looking to promote their products or services. Google pays publishers on a cost-per-click (CPC) basis.
Why have my AdSense earnings dropped?
While AdSense earnings can fluctuate from time to time, it’s essential to understand that many factors can influence your earnings, such as:
- Seasons and trends
- Less traffic or activity
- Ad placement
- Website issues
- Loss of traffic
It’s important to look at your metrics to find solutions for any drops in AdSense earnings.
Why is my Cost-Per-Click so low?
Many factors can affect CPC rates. It’s important to understand that CPC rates can fluctuate. Here are a few reasons why your CPC rates could be low:
- Your site is niche
- Your site isn’t responsive across multiple devices
- You may be blocking too many ad categories
It’s essential to monitor your site’s analytics and try multiple set-ups to find the sweet spot for your earning potential.
Need help increasing your AdSense earning potential?
If you’re a website owner looking to increase your earning potential, Google AdSense is an excellent addition to your website. It can bring in revenue each month, help your audience find new products or services in your niche, and monetize your site in ways you may not have considered.
If you’re already using Google AdSense and looking to take your Ad Ops to the next level, then you should look at working with an Ad Ops partner. Sortable can help. We provide our publishers with the tools to grow your ad revenue, a team of Ad Ops ready to strategize, and an analytics platform so you can make data-driven decisions. To get started, book a demo with our team.