The most widely used advertising network on the internet, Google Adsense is the best way to monetize online traffic to your site with display ads, whether you're just starting out on your new online venture, or have already begun making a passive income from your site.
Google Adsense gives you a wide variety of advertising units for a range of devices and platforms and also comes with optimization tools.
However, in order to apply for an Adsense account you need to be aware of the requirements and guidelines to save yourself from rejection.
In our article below we'll take you through the requirements to open an Adsense account, as well as how to apply for one and the answers to some other frequently asked questions.
But first, let's take a closer look at what Google Adsense is.
What Exactly Is Google Adsense?
There are many ways you can earn some income off traffic to your website, but the most popular way to do this is by making use of Google Adsense.
Google Adsense is trusted by millions of people around the world due to its high levels of transparency and security, and its wide variety of advertising formats.
For smaller websites are particularly favored by the owners of smaller websites.
In fact, over 38.3 million websites make use of Google AdSense to make money off website traffic.
As well as adding Google Adsense to your website or blog, you can also use it to earn money from YouTube videos.
What You Need To Open An Adsense Account
Google takes the quality of their advertising network very seriously.
Therefore, they have strict requirements, regulations, and rules that you must adhere to.
Let's take a look at the main requirements you must meet to be eligible for Adsense.
You must be 18 years old or over.
You must have a Gmail account that is currently active and isn't already being used for an existing Adsense account.
A website that follows Google's terms of service.
Below you will also find factors that are not strictly needed to qualify for Adsense, but we think will boost your likelihood of being eligible for the network.
Having a website that is at least 3 months old.
Having at least 30 articles posted that are valuable and unique to your site.
While there isn't a minimum amount of traffic required by Adsense, the more visited the site is, the better!
How To Apply For An Adsense Account: Step By Step
First, head to the Adsense website. Once you're on the page, click 'sign in,' and you will be taken to a page that will ask you to log in to your Gmail account.
Once you've entered your email address and password, click 'next.'
Then you will be taken to a page that shows you the below message:
"Looks like this Google account isn't associated with an AdSense account.
That's okay. You can either sign in with the Google account associated with AdSense, or sign up for an AdSense account today."
Click the 'sign up' hyperlink to create your AdSense account. Now you just have to enter your details (your email address and website).
You also have the option to choose the performance suggestions and customized help options for AdSense.
The next page will then give you instructions that will let you link your site to AdSense.
They will then give you a piece of code that you can add to your website within the <head> </head> section.
You will then receive specific guidelines on how to do this if you have a WordPress website.
Once the code has been added, you can now click 'submit.'
Your website can now be reviewed by the Google Adsense team! Make sure to hold onto the piece of code live on your site until you hear from Adsense.
It may take a couple of days or even two weeks to hear from them.
How Do You Log Into Your Adsense Account?
When your account is approved, you can now start earning some money from your ads.
While logging in to your Adsense account should be easy, many people find the login page difficult to find.
But it's actually more simple than it looks. Just use the same URL you used to register your account, but rather than clicking 'Get Started,' simply click 'sign in.'
How Do You Get Paid With Adsense?
You need to be making at least $100 in ad revenue to get paid by Adsense.
It's also worth keeping in mind that Google has a net 20 payment term.
So, for example, if you earn ad revenue in August, you will receive your earnings in the first week of October, as this is 30 days following the end of the billable month.
5 Things To Avoid When Using Google Adsense
It's easy to apply for an Adsense account, but some website publishers attempt to pull cheat tricks that get them banned.
However, even if you don't want to cheat the system, we can all make mistakes that end with us getting banned from Google Adsense.
Let's take a look at 5 things you can avoid so you can keep your account safe.
1. Not following the guidelines of Google Adsense.
2. Incorrectly entering the Adsense code.
3. Creating more than one Adsense account. If you run more than one website, you can manage all of them on one Adsense account, meaning you don't have to create more than one. If something goes wrong with your account, you should get in touch with Google instead of creating a new account.
4. Clicking on your ads. This is considered an invalid activity, so if you click on one by accident, contact Google as soon as possible.
5. Placing ads on pages like 404 error, blank page, contact page, disclaimer, privacy policy, sitemap, and the terms and conditions.
5 Things To Avoid When Using Google Adsense
How Long Do You Have To Wait For Approval From Adsense?
Approval time for an Adsense account can vary. You can be approved in as little as 24-48 hours to be approved, or you may have to wait 2 weeks for approval.
How Will You Know If Your Adsense Account Has Been Approved?
You can sign in to your Adsense account to see if you have been approved.You can also see the stats of advertisements on your website.
How Do You Close An Adsense Account?
1. Log in to your account.
2. Head to the 'Account' section and click on 'Account Information.'
3. Click 'close account.'
4. Read through all the info found on the 'Closing Your Adsense Account' page.
5. Select the reason for closing your account that appears in the drop-down menu.
6. Click 'I agree' and then click 'close account.'
And there you go! Opening an Adsense account is fairly simple, and with knowledge of the requirements needed to open an account, you should be ready to go with an Adsense account!
However, having a successful online venture is about more than creating an Adsense account, you need to maintain a high quality website and keep learning about what is needed to run a successful website as trends change.
You can do this by making use of a range of resources regarding SEO practices and personal marketing, and you can learn more about making a passive income by registering for our Passive Portfolio Investors webinar.
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