You started a blog and you have some great content but you’d really like to start making some money. A great place to start is using Google AdSense. It takes time to build AdSense revenue, but we have 5 tips to help you get started.
Tip #1: Use Keywords
Is an article really good if no one reads it? Attract readers by writing your content using keywords that will get you found in a Google Search. This works for attracting readers to click on your ads too.
Tools: Google Keyword Planner and Google Webmaster Tools.
“Using Google webmaster tools, learn which Google queries created clickthroughs to your site and where you were positioned in the search results for that query. You can also view data for individual properties and countries as well. For instance, you can see the queries from users searching Google Images in the United States that returned your site in the results. You’ll only see properties and countries for which your site has data.” – Google
Tip #2: Use Popular Ad Sizes
It literally pays to be popular. Choose the most popular ad sizes to attract the largest pool of advertisers.
“As a rule of thumb, wider ad sizes tend to outperform their taller counterparts, due to their reader-friendly format. Readers absorb information in “thought units,” several words at a time. Wider sizes let them comfortably read more text at a glance without having to skip a line and return to the left margin every few words, as they’d have to with a narrower ad.
If positioned well, wide ad sizes can increase your earnings significantly. The sizes we’ve found to be the most effective are the 336×280 Large Rectangle, the 300×250 Medium Rectangle, the 728×90 Leaderboard, and the 160×600 Wide Skyscraper. Keep in mind that while these ad sizes typically perform well, you should use the size that best complements your pages. It’s better to add one recommended ad unit than two smaller ad units next to each other.” – Google
Tip #3: Play Around with Placement and Size
[image credit: Google AdSense]
Use a heatmap tool to see where your readers click the most and place your ads accordingly. Your most important content should always go “above the fold.” Things that make you money are important so make sure you place an ad somewhere in this premium space.
Additionally, ensure that you format the ad in design look and feel to coordinate with your site. There is no need so sacrifice design to advertise.
Tip #4: Place Ads in Multiple Places on Every Page
Mix it up: in order to max out your earnings, Google recommends placing three AdSense image ad units AND three text link units on every page. The more ads you display the greater the chance your readers will engage. Bonus tip: because some ads are paid on a cost per impression basis, you’ll earn money must for having the ad on your site.
Tip #5: Use Internal Links
Do you have another article on your blog that supports your topic? Link it up. You’ll expose your readers to twice the advertising.
Bonus Tip:
Serve up exactly what your readers are searching for with a custom search box. “A search box is the part of a Custom Search Engine that you place on your website using AdSense for search. You can customize a search box and add it to your pages so users can enter terms they’re looking for on your site or on the web, and perform a search directly from your site.” – Google
