How well an AdSense unit performs on a site depends on several different factors…

1) The page the unit is on
2) Ad relevancy
3) Amount and quality of traffic to the site/page
4) Placement of unit

So I am by no means about to suggest that one size fits all in regards to the units. However, I would like to open up a discussion on what you’ve learned about placement.

I recently tweeted that I am having great success using the 300×250 Medium Rectangle unit alongside my YouTube videos. On certain pages, my click-thru rate has quadrupled.

I actually got this idea from Google. One of their optimization experts suggested this on my site over a year ago.  Not sure what took me so long, but I am now implementing this on more pages and the results have been fab.

Let’s talk about what you’ve learned about placement and/or color experimentation.  Done anything different to give your earnings a boost?  Please share!

Want to learn more about the YouTube Partner Program and how to apply?  Watch the video below for a quick overview of how the program works…

If you’re reading this blog post via e-mail, click this link to watch the video on my blog.  You may also want to think about subscribing to my blog using RSS instead of e-mail to free up your Inbox.

I’ve been testing Chitika on two of my sites for the past two weeks.

So far so good.  It’s a great compliment or alternative to using contextual ad programs like AdSense, Kontera, Infolinks, etc.

Here’s a video with an overview of how it works…

Note: Using Chitika and AdSense on the same site/page does not violate the AdSense terms.  It is perfectly OK to use both.

There’s been a lot of buzz around the Web recently about AdSense and how people aren’t making much money with the program anymore.

I’m not really sure where this noise is coming from.

Yes, many people have reported their earnings have dropped this year, but it’s still a great monetization option for many sites and blogs.

I personally think “dead” is too strong of a word.

I certainly prefer AdSense over many of the other CPC programs available (Kontera, AdBrite, etc.), and have no plans of dropping them anytime soon.

Watch the video below for my view of the current state of AdSense.

If you’re viewing this post via email, click here to view the video.

My last post on my top 7 money making programs generated some questions about AdBrite.

Some people wanted to know if it’s legal to use with AdSense. Others were curious if it pays well.

First of all, yes, it’s OK to use AdBrite in conjunction with AdSense. It does not violate Google’s Terms of Service if you want to use both programs on your site or blog.

As far as earning potential goes, you’ll get the same answer as you would for any contextual advertising system. A lot will depend on your traffic, niche, and ad targeting.

A Few Kinks

Unlike Google, AdBrite has got lots of work to do in the targeting department.

In fact, the network ads were so unrelated I had to turn off the “auto approve” feature because I had ads for cars and jewelry showing up on my site about web development. Yikes!

I guess AdBrite must realize this is a problem because they give you the option to approve the ads before they show up on your site.

This can be a pain because it requires you to login to your account and manually review each new ad. However, if showing targeted ads on your site is a priority (and it should be), then this step is a must.

As I mentioned in my last post, I didn’t join AdBrite for their CPC (cost per click) program. I personally think AdSense is the best program for that.

I use AdBrite to sell ad space to 3rd parties. So the only time the network (CPC) ads appear on my pages is when I have not sold all my flat rate ad spaces.

Their 3rd party ad management is pretty good. You have complete control over how your customer’s ads will appear. You can change the font style, text size, etc. and choose either a horizontal or vertical layout.

Is AdBrite Worth It?

That’s one of those things you’ll have to test for yourself. I certainly like them better than programs like Kontera where they underline your text and display the ad when the person hovers over the hyperlink.

I don’t know why, but I find those kinds of ads to be terribly annoying and distracting. Yet, others may say the same thing about AdSense, AdBrite and the likes. So, to each their own, right?

Even though AdBrite’s targeting needs work, they’ve certainly gotten better over the past six months. And the good thing is, it’s not going to cost you a thing to try them out.

For me, they are worth it because I like having a 3rd party manage my flat-rate ads. So if you’re looking to sell ad space from your site, you may want to look into AdBrite.

And if you’re searching for a new monetization option or perhaps you’ve been booted from AdSense and you’re looking for other CPC programs — give AdBrite a try to see how it works with your site or blog.

In my opinion, it doesn’t hold a candle to AdSense in terms of earnings for CPC, but depending on your niche, you may find that certain ads perform very well on your site.

It’s a fear many Webmasters have — getting pulled from AdSense for fraudulent clicks or other activity deemed “against AdSense TOCs”.

The fear is pretty valid. I’ve heard of people getting pulled from the program for “no apparent reason” (according to them).

Of course there are two sides to every story, but it reinforces that Google’s #1 interest is protecting their advertisers, not you, the publisher.

And rightfully so.

Google watches AdSense accounts like a hawk, especially if you’re a new member.

They track IP addresses and monitor for fraudulent clicks on a regular basis. A friend of mine clicked her own ads and was removed from the program within 2 days of joining.

While I have no fool-proof way to ensure your account won’t get dinged, here are some tips to keep you in good graces with Google.

1. Report Accidental Clicks

If you accidentally click on your own ads (and people have done this), the best thing to do is report it to Google immediately. In fact, Google even advises you to do this.

If you’re honest and upfront about it, Google probably won’t remove you from the program. Your account may get flagged temporarily and/or you may lose some revenue, but it’s better you report it than having them find out about it.

Just make sure this doesn’t become a habit.

2. Stop Telling Your Friends & Family to Click on Your Ads

Some people join Adsense with the intent of getting rich by having their friends and family click on their ads. While you may think this is pretty fool-proof idea, it’s not very smart or ethical.

First of all, advertisers pay for those ads through the AdWords program. So when you tell people to randomly click the ads, you are throwing their hard-earned money down the toilet. In a way, it’s stealing.

Second, what if Google notices the multiple clicks from the same IP address. Yes, maybe it’s not your IP address, but is it really worth the risk? Plus, I would imagine Google would eventually ignore those clicks anyway.

3. When Google Calls…. Answer… And Keep Your Records

Some thieves are not too bright. Once I caught someone who literally ripped off my entire site. Not only did they forget to remove my AdSense code, but they violated the AdSense T&C’s by calling attention to the ads.

Google discovered this site, and because the person was using my AdSense code, they contacted me because they thought it was my site. I explained to them what happened.

After I replied, I didn’t hear back from Google and that made me a little nervous. So I contacted them again and included the previous correspondence.

This time I received an answer and Google told me they added a note to my file that said I was not the owner of the domain that violated the T&C’s. More importantly, I saved this reply for my own records just in case.

4. Obey The Rules

Even though Google doesn’t seem to be enforcing this much, they recently added a section to their T&C’s that require any site that uses AdSense to have a Privacy Policy. See the end of Section 1 of their terms and conditions.

Many Webmasters aren’t taking this too seriously, but if it’s in their T&C’s then why not take 10 minutes to set it up?

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A lot of people feel Google owes them something or they are doing Google a big favor by being an AdSense publisher.

I have no way of knowing how AdSense affects Google’s bottom line, but I can tell you this. Thousands of advertisers are paying to advertise with Google through AdWords, and we know that’s where Google is making its money.

AdWords advertisers funnel thousands of dollars into Google everyday and indirectly earning you money from AdSense. Google’s best interest is keeping them happy, not the publishers. Remember, AdSense publishers aren’t paying Google a cent.

So the next time you try to sneak a click or encourage your visitors to click an ad or two, ask yourself if the 12 cents you’ll gain is worth losing your account for good.

As the AdSense popularity grows among Webmasters, it’s hard to find a site without at least one AdSense unit displayed.

And in my opinion, many Webmasters overdo it.

Because you want to get as many clicks as possible, it can be very tempting to lace your page header with multiple AdSense ads. After all, the more ads, the money you’ll make right?

Not necessarily…

… especially if your site is in a niche that targets Webmasters or other Internet savvy groups. These audiences are often immune to Internet ads in general and are twice as likely to ignore them.

So instead of AdSense becoming an additional revenue stream, it becomes a sign that may suggest you’re more interested in getting clicks than giving useful content.

Too Many Ads Looks Amateur-Ish

Arial of attackdepression.com told me she immediately thinks “amateur” when she comes across a site where the Google ads take up more real estate than the actual content.

And she really hates the sites where you have to scroll down just to see the first line of real content because the AdSense ads are in the way.

I have to agree. First impressions are everything. And if your visitors first impression of your site is “too many ads and not enough info”, you’ve immediately lost some interest, credibility and perhaps a repeat visitor.

Your visitors shouldn’t have to dig through your ads to find your content.

Maximize But Don’t Overdo It

Don’t get me wrong. I think you should maximize your AdSense revenue potential by using multiple AdSense units – that’s why Google allows up to three.

Just make sure they don’t overpower your site’s layout and you have good content to supplement the ads.

Remember, it’s your content relevance and site usability that keeps people interested and encourages them to return – not your advertisements.

So rather than being so eager to show off your AdSense ads with the contrasting bright yellow background, why not show them why your site is worthy of a bookmark and a return visit. There’s no better way to do that than through useful info and site usablity.

AdSense Awareness

These days Web surfers are much more ad conscious than they were years ago. And with the media stories that have flooded newspapers and news programs, it’s getting harder to find people who don’t know a little something about “making money with Google ads.”

In other words, people are much more aware, and it’s getting easier for the average surfer to spot a greedy Webmaster.

A few years ago, more people would click ads out of curiosity or confusion. These days the only click many surfers are making is the “Back” button because they know exactly what this Webmaster is up to.

It’s all about balance. There’s nothing wrong with using 3 AdSense units on a page. And there’s certainly nothing wrong with having them highly visible to increase the chances of a click thru.

But if your ads overpower your content, and it becomes obvious you’re only out to make a fast buck, is it really worth the loss of credibility and a potential repeat visitor?

AdSense should supplement your content, not BE your content.

It doesn’t matter how you slice it. Content has and will always rule. And I’d much rather sacrifice a few clicks with the hopes they will find my site useful and want to return again.

And should they happen to click an ad in the process of browsing my site, that’s an added bonus!

And who knows, maybe on their next visit they’ll make a purchase that is worth a whole lot more to me in commissions than 8 cents from an AdSense ad click.

AdSense is a wonderful, lucrative program. But don’t let the dollar signs overshadow what it really takes to make a site succeed for the long haul.

Due to all the AdSense buzz generated by the media lately, I felt it only fitting to write a small e-book that addresses many questions I receive about AdSense.

Yes, the concept of the program is super simple, but making a lot of money takes time and work.

Right-click here and download my free e-book Untold AdSense Facts to learn what separates those who make money from the program and those who don’t.

Warning: This book does not contain any secrets, hype or unrealistic info. It’s a great reality check for those just starting with AdSense or those who can’t seem to make much money from the program.

One of my Website Babble forum members posted a link to an article from USA Today about a retired gentleman who earns $120,000 in Google ads in one year.

I wasn’t as amazed by his story as I was the skeptical responses to the article. Then again, people are often skeptical when they hear stories about people making extreme amounts of money online.

Especially when they’ve tried it and haven’t had much success themselves.

No one is saying it’s easy, but it is doable. One guy even replied and said that you had to have millions of hits to your website just to make $1,000/month with Google ads.

I wish I could tell this skeptic that he’s dead wrong.

Either he’s been burned by other programs in the past or has tried the “Google AdSense thing” and hasn’t had success, so he assumes no one else can.

It really is a shame that there are so many scams out here that it is difficult for people to believe some of these programs are legit and do work.

I’m not making $120,000 in Google ads, but I’m doing quite well and I sure as heck don’t have a million visitors in a month.

If you want success with AdSense, the formula is super simple. Notice I said the formula is simple, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be rich in 2 days.

You do have to understand that it takes time and it’s about building a useful site, understanding the basis of Internet Marketing and having some patience.

Now, if patience and hard work is not your thing, then maybe Google AdSense isn’t for you. But if you…

1) Set realistic goals

2) Build a site on something you enjoy

3) Be prepared to L-E-A-R-N

4) Understand you may fail once or twice before you succeed…

You really can make a lot of money with the program.

The bottom line is, most of these AdSense success stories you read about are true. And my response to the person who said, “…if this is true then why doesn’t everyone do it” would be…

Everyone doesn’t want to put in the work required to become successful with AdSense. They are often wowed by the earning potential, but when they suddenly realize it does take work, they quit.

My hat goes off to the senior earning $120,000. And I’m sure he could care less that some don’t believe his story… especially when he’s headed to the bank with a fat check courtesy of Google.

I call it the “Hodgepodge Theory.” And if this applies to your site, it may be a big reason why you aren’t seeing your AdSense earnings increase.

Watch the video below to learn more about why I believe many people struggle with building their AdSense revenue…