Adsense strategies - review and revenue tips

Each time the page is viewed, the AdSense bot queries Google. If the page isn't listed in Google or has changed, then the bot will scan the page to determine what ads to display. The Adsense bot can be easily identified in your server logs - it's called Mediapartners-Google/2.1

Where does Google get the ads from?

The ads are drawn from the Google AdWords program. Google AdWords is a self serve program allowing advertisers to create their own ads and select keywords and phrases to bid on - it's a PPC (Pay Per Click) setup. Advertisers can specify if they want to appear in the Google SERP's (Search Engine Results Pages) and/or on participating publisher sites, such as Taming the Beast.net.

Basically, if the page you are implementing AdSense code on is about web marketing (with that term appearing throughout) and an advertiser has specified "web marketing" as one of the terms they wish to bid on, then that ad may appear on your site. 

Actually, it's a little more complex then that - it also depends on the popularity of the page, where the code is placed and a number of other of factors as to whether that ad is shown. If the page is popular, that increases the chances of getting higher bid ads generated on that page. Like Google's general ranking algorithm, the Adsense one is very intricate.

Even though there are many processes that go on behind the scenes, the delivery of AdSense ads is very quick - and in my opinion, very accurate; although it can take a little while for Google to get the "gist" of the page. If you look on the right hand side of this page, you'll see AdSense advertising. I haven't specified those ads, Google has generated them. As you can see, a high degree of customization can be achieved. 

How much revenue can I generate with Adsense?

You receive a percentage of the amount paid by advertisers for each click on an ad. Unlike other networks, Google doesn't state what that percentage is, and I speculate it varies, but it does appear to be a generous share.

As to how much you'll make, this is a "how long is a piece of string?" type question. There are no limits. I personally know people who are generating 5 figure monthly checks by using AdSense. As for how much I make, well that's a secret :) - it's not 5 figures per month, but more than enough to keep me interested in using it as a method of revenue generation - even more so now after having read and implemented some of the strategies in Joel Comm's AdSense strategies book - but more on that later.

Revenue generation will be dependent on a number of factors:

• The number of pages viewed per day
• The topic of your content
• The price paid by the advertiser for each click
• The number of people who click on the ads

This doesn't mean to say that if you only generate a few hundred page views a day, you'll receive a pittance. In fact, light traffic sites can generate substantial revenue if their topic covers a very competitive market. 

While you ascertain from Google how much advertisers in your category are paying per click, you can draw a comparison by using the Overture bid tool. As an example, type in "web marketing". You'll see a list of advertisers and how much they are prepared to pay for each click. Pretty amazing isn't it? To be truly gob-smacked, type in "web hosting". Yep, that's right, that's how much some advertisers are willing to pay per click.

Google issues checks approximately 30 days after the end of each calendar month if you've earned US $100 or more. If you've earned under that, the balance is rolled over to the next month.

Will AdSense boost my Google rankings?

No. AdSense and general Google search engine rankings are two totally separate beasts, but effective search engine optimization will assist in getting the most relevant and higher paying ads displaying.

AdSense revenue generation tips

While AdSense is a "set and forget" type of arrangement given the amazing technology Google uses; if you're just going to dump in the code and then leave it at that, it's my opinion that you aren't going to make anywhere near what you can from it. 

After reading Joel Comm's eBook on Adsense a few days ago, I slapped myself several times for not having implemented some very simple strategies for generating more revenue. With only 60 minutes work, I boosted my CTR (Click Through Rate), increased my return per click and yesterday had the highest revenue I've ever had from AdSense - and I haven't even tried the more advanced strategies as yet.

I've been communicating with Joel over the last few days and while I'm sure he'd be pretty annoyed if I divulged too many details from his AdSense ebook, I'm sure he wouldn't mind me publishing some generic tips.

Adsense don'ts

While Google is a nice partner to work with, they are strict on a number of issues.

• Once you implement the code, do not click on the ads yourself. Given the amount that some advertisers are willing to pay, Google is very, very sensitive to click fraud. 
• Tell anyone else using a computer from your home not to click on the AdSense ads, just to be safe.
• Do not ever, ever try to "game" the system. Google is well aware of most of the tricks people use to engage in click fraud and pursues those people vigorously
• Don't implement AdSense code where no-one will see it.
• Don't incentive AdSense ads by offering rewards to visitors for clicking on ads.
• Don't beg for clicks e.g. "help support this site, click on this ad"
• Don't place AdSense ads on an empty page.

Any of the above can result in your AdSense account being suspended.

AdSense do's

• Customize your AdSense ads, don't just use the default settings.
• Write your content with not only the reader in mind, but with Adsense considerations as an issue.
• Don't be too concerned with AdSense ads taking away from other offers on your site. It's been my experience that if people are interested in your content, and in the AdSense ads, they'll finish reading your copy first, then come back to the ad if that's of interest to them.
• See AdSense as a partner, not a competitor. If you don't have what your visitor is wanting, while you may not get a sale, you may still generate revenue from that visitor by using AdSense.
• Positioning is important, place the ads where they are most likely to be seen.
• Google allows you to place up to three instances of AdSense code on each page - use them if you can, but vary the type of implementation

AdSense tools for maximizing revenue

Up until recently, I haven't given much credibility to premium tools and books relating to maximizing revenue from AdSense. But then I started thinking "if I could boost AdSense revenue by even just 10%, that would be a significant amount over a year." Every dollar counts! Over the last year especially, I've focused more on converting traffic rather than acquiring it.

Last week I obtained a copy of Joel Comm's  "What Google Never Told You About Making Money with AdSense" ebook. Joel is no stranger to the Internet, having been involved with online publishing for a decade. Joel also owned ClassicGames.com, today known as Yahoo! Games

Joel's AdSense book was really was an eye opener and I can honestly say that after reading it, it has changed the way I go about AdSense. Simply put, Joel's tips did work for me. I increased my CTR and substantially increased my revenue with just an hour's work; and I've really only just scratched the surface. There are no tricks - these are solid strategies that won't get you into trouble with Google.

I highly recommend Joel's AdSense ebook for those new to those considering joining the network, are new to the program or those of you who have been participating for a while, but just want to try and boost your revenue. A single tip may be the key from going from a "eh, it's ok" monthly check to "wow". 

Joel is great to deal with, I've been communicating with him regularly over the last few days... He guarantees that if you use the strategies and don't see results, he will personally assist you in getting results - and if you're not satisfied, he will refund you in full!

Good luck; may your CTR's be high and your monthly AdSense checks bring you much rejoicing!

Don't forget to check out my second article in this series - More AdSense revenue boosting strategies and you can also pick up other AdSense tips in my blog