AdSense Programs

Google AdSense provides a number of different programs for monetizing content, each of which works in a somewhat different way, as I’ll discuss in detail later in this chapter. You can deploy each of these different programs by clicking the AdSense Setup tab, which opens the Get Ads page shown in Figure 8-9.

The programs are:

AdSense for Content is by far the most important program, with AdSense for Search a distant second. These two programs are similar in the sense that they are both utilized by website owners with content and traffic. In contrast, each of the other programs involves either specialized content (feeds, video, or mobile content) or a parked domain—so each of the other programs can be thought of as noncore, although they can present good opportunities for making money.

The Get Ads page is your gateway to deployment of the various AdSense programs

Figure 8-9. The Get Ads page is your gateway to deployment of the various AdSense programs

While the AdSense for Content and AdSense for Search are generally aimed at the same kind of web content, there are differences in the way the programs work. AdSense for Content places ads on your web pages, similar to the ad unit shown in Figure 8-10, and you make money when a site visitor clicks on the ad.

With AdSense for Search, you put a Google search box, like the one shown in Figure 8-11, on your site.

The AdSense search box displays Google search results when a user enters a query. These search results show relevant ads. You receive a portion of the revenue generated when a visitor uses your search box and then clicks on an ad from the search results page, such as that shown in Figure 8-12, returned by Google.

A typical AdSense for Content unit provides text ads with links; you get paid when someone clicks one of the links

Figure 8-10. A typical AdSense for Content unit provides text ads with links; you get paid when someone clicks one of the links

Note

Adding to the power of the AdSense search program, you can use the SiteSearch option to search your site rather than the Web (see AdSense for Search Settings for details). You can also configure the AdSense search results page (whether searching your site or the Web) to match the look of your website.

In the AdSense for Search program, a search box goes on your site

Figure 8-11. In the AdSense for Search program, a search box goes on your site

When a site visitor clicks on one of the advertising links on a search page (at the top of the page shown), you earn revenue with AdSense for Search

Figure 8-12. When a site visitor clicks on one of the advertising links on a search page (at the top of the page shown), you earn revenue with AdSense for Search

AdSense for Content or AdSense for Search?

Is AdSense for Content or AdSense for Search right for your site? It’s hard to say, and of course you can have both on your site.

From a general viewpoint, AdSense for Content works best on destination sites. If visitors to your site tend to linger a while and regard your site as conferring some authority on the ads you present, then AdSense for Content will probably work well.

On the other hand, if your site is a way station leading toward further information (usually on other sites), then it is probable that visitors will frequently use AdSense for Search, if it is available on your site, and this program may make you quite a bit of money.