Using Google AdSense

I have recently initiated construction of my website, in hopes of not only attracting visitors but also accruing additional income. Of course, my expectations remain hesitant as I have yet to accrue income via Google AdSense....until recently that is. For those of you interested in designing your own website, I have included a few, easy steps that will guide you in implementing a similar process.

First and foremost, proceed to the associated URL at https://www.google.com/adsense/login/en_US/

You will need to create an AdSense account if you do not already have one. Afterwards, you will be directed to the main screen which includes multiple tabs (i.e. Reports, AdSense Setup, My Account, Resources...). Click on AdSense Setup.

The easiest form of advertisement to include on your site is included in the "AdSense For Content" link, so we will begin with this. The wizard will proceed to direct you through 4 steps.

1. Choose Ad Type: Click on Ad Unit and ensure that the drop-down menu is set on "Text ads only." This form of advertisement is the most professional in my opinion as will not display any flashy pictures.

2. Choose Ad Format & Colors: This step will allow you to choose the format and colors. Of course, the format will depend on where you intend to position the ad (ex. If you wish to place the ad in the sidebar, you will probably want a small square-shaped ad). The color of the ad should be similar to the color design of your website. In fact, if you know the color code, you can insert this manually and match the ad to your website background perfectly. Fonts and ad corner styles are optional.

3. Choose Ad Channels: Channels are created to inform the user where the income comes from. Obviously, if you have never used AdSense before, any accrued income likely comes from ads placed on your website. However, if you use other AdSense related platforms (i.e. InfoBarrel or Xomba), creating channels will help you distinguish where the income and clicks originate.

4. Save & Get Ad Code: Save the ad, and "Submit and Get Code."

Depending on the software you utilize to create the website, you will need to locate where your HTML code is. Once you identify this location, you can copy and paste the code given into the body of your HTML. Please be patient, as AdSense may take some time to load. Originally, I thought I had encountered a problem because I could not see the ad on my website. However, give it 10 to 20 minutes to display before proceeding to resolve the matter.

Google AdSense (2010). Retrieved Mar 26, 2010 from https://www.google.com/adsense/login/en_US/