Google's AdSense allows Web site publishers to display contextually
relevant advertisements on their website. If a Web visitor "clicks" on an
advertisement, the Web publisher will earn a percentage of the advertising
revenue generated as a result of the click. Many webmasters have built content
Web sites around the Google AdSense model. In many cases the specific intent
of the webmaster is to profit from Google AdSense. Other webmasters use Google
AdSense to supplement their revenue. Regardless of the webmaster's intent, the
following tips will help webmasters looking to profit from AdSense.

Top AdSense Tips:

1. Niche Sites
   
   Targeted niche sites that have a clear theme, tend to generate more
   advertising revenue simply because it is easier to achieve decent search
   engine placement.
   

   Be warned though, you want to chose a niche where there is a sufficient
   number of advertisements available.
   
   
   
   



2. Target Keywords
   
   When determining the site's focus, consider how much the advertisers pay for
   the advertisements. If the site is focused on ringtones, like
   
   Ringtone Central , the payout per click is going to be very small.
   Because ringtones are not high ticket items, advertisers will not spend a
   lot on pay-per-click advertisements.
   

   With less obvious markets, use Overture to determine how much advertisers
   pay per keyword. The cost will usually be similar on Google. Search Overture
   for a keyword then click "View Advertisers' Max Bids" in the top right
   corner. This will show the Overture inventory and how much is paid per
   keyword. Because the market has become very competitive, it will be
   difficult to rank well in search engines with a new Web site that is
   optimized for the terms that have the highest payout. Consider targeting
   terms that are moderately priced.
   
   
   
   



3. Aged Sites / Time
   
   Over time, as a Web site is spidered by Google, advertisements will
   generally increase in relevance. In general, older Web sites will rank
   better in search engines. The closer the advertisements relate to the Web
   page's content, the higher the "click-through" the publishers will see.
   
   
   
   


4. Coding
   
   In order to minimize a Web site's maintenance, place the Google generated
   AdSense code in the Web site template or an "include" file. This will allow
   you to easily experiment with different advertisement sizes and ad
   placement, and keep the Web maintenance to a minimum.
   
   
   
   


5. Tracking Channels
   
   In order to know how effective a specific Web site or ad placement is, use
   distinct channels and subchannels within Google. This will allow you to
   discern what performs best on a specific Web site. Using channels will tell
   you what sites are making money, what advertisements are making money and
   what ad position is the most profitable on a specific Web site. Keep in mind
   that you should run an advertisement for a full week, in order to properly
   test its effectiveness, different days of the week will vary the Web traffic
   so comparing one week to another will give the most accurate reflection of
   how effective a campaign performs.
   

   When testing different advertisement sizes, placement or color schemes,
   be sure to leave campaigns in place for one week. Different days will often
   result in Web traffic fluctuations. Comparing Web traffic week to week will
   give a clear indication of what ad formats perform the best.

   
   
   
   
6. Integrated Ad Placement
   
   Many webmasters have been successful at integrating advertisements into a
   Web site. The easiest way to integrate an advertisement into a Web site is
   to remove the advertisement border. This will allow the ads to better
   blend with the Web page. Google recommends contrasting the link colors
   with the Web site colors to increase click-throughs. It is also suggested
   that webmasters randomize the color of the advertisements, so that
   frequent users will not naturally "filter" the ads.
   

   example of integrated ad placement:
   
   http://www.golf-clubhouse.net or
   
   http://www.security-protection.net
   
   
   
   



7. Number vs Value of Advertisements
   
   Up to three advertisements can be listed on each page.
   

   This decreases the value of the advertisements served, so publishers
   should cautiously add advertisement units, as it dilutes ad inventory. In
   other words you want to serve the most expensive ads at all times.
   
   
   
   



8. Hot Spots
   
   Like Web copy, "above the fold" holds true with AdSense as well. This
   means that advertisements that appear without having to scroll will be
   read more frequently. Hot Spots are areas on a Web page that result in a
   higher percentage of click-throughs. According to Google, the highest
   paying advertisements are located on the hot spots.
   

   hot spots map -
   
   http://www.small-business-software.net/heat-map.htm

   
   

   Google does not indicate if image advertisements or text ads perform
   better, so webmasters are encouraged to experiment with both.
   
   
   
   



9. Highest performing Ad Sizes
   
   
   
   According to Google the 336 x 280 rectangle, the 300 x250 rectangle and
   the 160 x 600 sky scraper result in the highest number of click-throughs.
   Depending on the website's design and layout, publishers may experience
   different results with different ad sizes, placements and color schemes.
   Expirement and track the results for each website to maximize the AdSense
   payout.
   

   About the Author:

   
   

   Sharon Housley manages marketing for software for creating, editing,
   publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing
   for
   
   NotePage a wireless text messaging software company. You can reach
   Sharon at
   
   sharon@notepage.com