Google AdSense is a free, cost-per-click (CPC) platform that allows publishers to earn money each time someone clicks on the ads. AdSense is a good fit for small publishers new to website monetization. It doesn’t require much technical knowledge, and the setup process is simple. If your website meets all eligibility requirements, it will be accepted into the network and granted permission to display ads. AdSense can be integrated into the publisher’s website directly.
The publisher must insert an HTML source code into their web page, after which all relevant ads will become visible to visitors. AdSense allows you to select the ad type you want to display on your site. You can choose between text & display, matched content, in-feed and in-article ads. It’s important to note that having lots of traffic does not necessarily translate to more money, what you need more is traffic that engages with the ads displayed on your site.
Requirements to use Google AdSense
Here are the main requirements to use Google AdSense.
- You must be over 18 years old.
- You need access to the website’s HTML source code you want to monetize.
- Your website should have sufficient content.
- Your website must have original, high-quality content.
- Your website should be at least 6 months old.
- You shouldn’t generate or encourage invalid activity on your site (e.g., invalid clicks, invalid traffic).
- Your site should be free from offensive, hateful, and adult content.
- You must comply with Google News, AdSense Program, and Google Search Essentials.
- Your site should have good usability and be free from malware, malicious redirects, phishing, and other bad advertising practices.
- Avoid misleading headings or buttons that can be mistaken for ads.
How much Google AdSense pays
The amount Google AdSense pays publishers varies depending on several factors, such as niche, geographical location, ad formats, ad sizes, number of ads per page, CTR, quality of the content, and the amount of organic traffic. If you’re wondering how much AdSense pays for 1000 views, then an estimated average CPM for Google AdSense is between $0.5 and $3. But it all depends on your website’s niche. Consider creating content based on the highest paying Google AdSense CPC keywords to maximize your earnings.
a. Payment models (CPC and CPM)
Publishers can get paid based on clicks (CPC) or impressions (CPM). The amount of money earned per click or impression varies significantly. CPC ads and CPM ads compete with each other in AdSense. The ad expected to earn the most revenue for the publisher gets displayed.
b. Payment methods
Depending on your payment address, several forms of payment may be available to you, including wire transfer, EFT, EFT via Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), etc.
c. Adsense minimum payout requirement
The Google AdSense payment threshold is $100. If your current balance hasn’t reached the payment threshold, your finalized earnings will roll over to the next month until the threshold is met.
Google Adsense Pros and Cons
Here are some of the Google Adsense pros and cons.
| AdSense pros | AdSense cons |
| • It’s a free, self-serve platform. • Easy approval process. • Suitable for small publishers (<100K monthly traffic). • Easy to set up, no advanced technical skills needed. • Auto Ads option allows users to easily serve ads without investing time in ad setup. • Allows users to choose between responsive and automated ads. • Doesn’t require updating coding for new ads each time. • Links to Google ecosystem (Analytics, YouTube). | • Lacks advanced monetization technology, like header bidding. • Can affect the website loading speed. • Limited support. • Only uses Google’s demand. • Lacks ad optimization features, therefore it isn’t a good choice for large publishers. • High revenue-sharing percentages (32% for display or 49% for search ads). • If your account is terminated, you won’t be able to use AdSense again and, in some cases, monetize content with other Google products, like Google Ad Manager. • Auto Ads feature can sometimes put two ads together or display a blank space instead of an ad, which is bad for the user experience. |
Case for Google Adsense Alternatives
AdSense is the best option for small and medium-sized publishers with limited technical expertise and resources to devote to ad management and implementation. It’s reliable and simple. Exploring AdSense alternatives allows publishers to find the best fit for their specific content and audience, ultimately maximizing their ad revenue potential and ensuring a more stable and diversified income.
a. Better ad types
Alternatives to AdSense often offer a wider variety of ad formats, including native ads, video ads, rich media, and interactive banners, which aren’t available through AdSense. These diverse ad types enable publishers to experiment with different strategies and choose formats that best align with their content and audience preferences, potentially leading to better monetization outcomes.
b. Higher customization options
Despite being a well-established ad network, AdSense’s contextual ads might not always match the style or layout of the website. Various ad networks provide greater options. Although the customization possibilities vary from service to service, many networks allow you to match your website’s original content and theme with the size and color of the ad units.
c. Better customer support
AdSense alternatives often distinguish themselves through enhanced customer support. These platforms typically offer more personalized and responsive customer service, with dedicated account managers and support teams that provide tailored assistance. This level of support is particularly beneficial for publishers who require guidance in optimizing ad placements, navigating platform features, or addressing specific challenges.
d. Additional revenue sources
Diversification of revenue streams is crucial. Relying solely on AdSense can be risky, as policy changes or CPC rate fluctuations can significantly impact earnings. Alternatives often offer more competitive revenue shares, advanced targeting options, and different ad formats, potentially leading to higher earnings and better user engagement.
