Google AdSense FAQ

We’ve put together the following Google AdSense FAQ to help answer publishers’ commonly asked questions about AdSense.

What is Google AdSense?

Launched in 2003, AdSense is one of Google’s flagship monetization product. AdSense enables digital publishers to monetize their content by serving targeted ads to their audience. Publishers then earn revenue each time an ad is clicked on by their audience. 

Who created AdSense?

AdSense was developed by a Santa Monica startup company and was then acquired by Google in 2003. Before acquiring AdSense, Google launched its contextually targeted ads service in 2002.

How much does AdSense pay per 1000 views?

AdSense pays on a cost-per-click (CPC) basis – so the number of impressions an ad receives is irrelevant. The amount you’ll earn from 1000 views depends on your click-through rate and your cost-per-click. CPCs are determined by advertisers and how much they are willing to spend.

Google then pays out 68% of the revenue generated from the ads shown through AdSense. The remaining 32% is Google’s commission. So, if you generate $500 in revenue, you’ll take home $340 and Google will retain the remaining $160. Note that AdSense reporting will always show the $340 that you are expected to receive.

How does AdSense work?

• To get started with AdSense you’ll need to create an account then enter the URL of the domain that you’d like to monetize. 
• You’ll then need to connect your site to AdSense and let Google know your payment address and phone number. 
• To place ads on your site and start earning money, you need to decide whether you want to enable auto-ads or manually create your own ad units.
• If you decide to enable auto-ads, you’ll need to paste the AdSense code onto each page you wish to serve ads on.
• If you decide to manually create ad units, you’ll need to create the ad unit and paste the code into the HTML where you want ads to appear.
• AdSense technology will then automatically deliver targeted ads to users.
• Once your earned revenue meets a minimum threshold of $100, you’ll be able to cash out on your earnings. 

Can AdSense be used on WordPress?

Yes – to monetize your WordPress site with AdSense, you can use Google’s open-source plugin, Site Kit. Here’s a guide on how to set up Site Kit and connect your WordPress site.

Where should you insert AdSense code into WordPress?

If using Site Kit, once you connect your WordPress site, the plugin will place the AdSense code onto your site pages for you.

Can AdSense pay through PayPal/Western Union?

AdSense can pay via the following methods depending on your payment address:

• Cheques
• Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
• Wire Transfer
• Western Union Quick Cash
• Rapida
• EFT via Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA)

Can AdSense be used on Facebook or Instagram?

It is not possible to monetize your Facebook page or Instagram profile using AdSense.

Which AdSense niche pays the highest?

Some of the highest paying niches include insurance, finance, health and fitness, technology and automobiles.

When are AdSense payments made?

The AdSense payment cycle is monthly and publisher earnings are estimated over the course of the month. At the beginning of the following month, your earnings are finalised and posted to your balance. If your earned revenue meets a minimum threshold of $100 and you have no payments on hold, you’ll be able to cash out on your earnings. According to Google, this is usually between the 21st and 26th of the month.

Why did AdSense reject my application?

There are so many reasons as to why an AdSense application might be rejected. The most common reasons are:

• Website is less than 6 months old
• No privacy policy
• Poor quality site
• Little or no original content
• Traffic is poor quality
• Traffic contains too many paid sources
•  Content that violates policies
• Publishers must be over 18
• If you’ve already been banned

What’s the difference between Google AdSense and Google Ads?

Google Ads allows marketers to pay to advertise their products or services on either the search network or the display network, or both. Google AdSense allows publishers to sell space on their website to advertisers who wish to show ads. With Google Ads, the advertiser pays Google on a pay-per-click (PPC) basis. In AdSense, the publisher is paid by Google in terms of cost-per-click (CPC).

Why have my AdSense earnings dropped?

There are a number of reasons which might account for sudden fluctuations in AdSense earnings. These include but are not limited to:

• Seasonality
• Invalid traffic or activity
• Poor ad placement
• General website issues
• A drop in traffic

Whatever the reason is, it is important to troubleshoot and understand what is affecting your earnings so that you can establish the best course of action.

Why is my AdSense cost-per-click (CPC) low?

Your CPC is dependent on a number of factors which means its value can often fluctuate. It generally depends on your niche, the content on your site and whether your site is responsive to multiple devices. Your CPC may be low if your blocking too many ad categories as this will reduce the number of bidders in an auction. Traffic location also has an impact on your CPC as some advertisers will pay more for certain GEOs. Advertisers will also pay more for more viewable ad placements.

We recommend that you experiment with different setups in order to establish which is the most profitable for you.

Why was my AdSense account disabled?

Some common violations that will get your AdSense account disabled include:

• No privacy policy
• Unmoderated user-generated content
• Content that violates policy (eg. adult content, gruesome imagery or weapons)
• Invalid activity or traffic
• Incentivising ad clicks
• Ad placement that generates accidental clicks
• Illegal content
• Unoriginal content

Can I reinstate my AdSense account if it gets disabled?

If your AdSense account has been disabled, Google will usually provide a reason which determines whether you can regain access to the platform. If your account has been suspended for a specified period of time, you will not be able to access your AdSense account until the time has passed.

In the event of a permanent lifetime ban, publishers can appeal the decision. However, it is highly unlikely that an appeal will be successful as Google is particularly unforgiving.

Can I monetize multiple domains under one account?

Yes. Publishers are able to monetize multiple sites under the same AdSense account. You simply need to add the domains under the ‘Site’ tab in the AdSense UI, and then wait for Google’s approval.

Can you choose which ads to show on AdSense?

If you wish to block ads because they are inconsistent with your message, it is possible to control the types of ads that appear on your site through AdSense. First, you’ll need to enable to Ad Review Centre. From there, you can then review individual ads that have already shown and specify whether you wish to keep them on-site or block and report them.

How can I increase my AdSense CPC?

CPC largely depends on how much advertisers are willing to spend. However, there are some areas that you can adjust and improve that will, either directly or indirectly, increase your AdSense CPC rates. We recommend a process of trial and error to see which setup will work best for you. A couple of ways you can do this is:

• Enable both image and text ads
• Use a variety of ad formats, such as video ads.
• Experiment with your layout
• Producing high-quality content

Where shall I place my ads?

The highest-earning ad placements tend to be either within the content, beneath the navigation bar or sidebar banners.

Have you got a question about AdSense that you would like to be answered in this AdSense FAQ? Simply leave a comment below.

Dolly Bagnall

Dolly joined the OKO team in early 2019 and certified to Google Certified Publishing Partner status. Dolly manages publisher communication and learning at OKO.