Google Adsense is an advertising platform to facilitate earning money on your website and YouTube channels. You just need to add one piece of code (snippet) and Google will automatically update the approved ads with custom sizing and mobile versions for your website.

Behind the scenes there are complex algorithms that ensure the right ads are seen by the right target audience. To get started you’ll need to register for a Google account and set up AdSense.

Every couple of days, I’ll spend a few minutes approving advertisements for my website, while drinking my morning coffee. Here’s the steps I take: In the side menu, you’ll select Blocking controls. Then click on ‘Ad review centre’. I briefly check all of the adds and then hit the large blue button called “Mark all as reviewed”.

Here are some examples of ads I do not approve or block:

• Images of famous people who are probably not associated with the product
• Foreign languages I don’t understand (my target audience is Australians)
• Dodgy looking health claims and products
• Anything sensationalized or gossipy news
• Ugly graphics or images

You can also block certain types of advertising that may not be suitable for your target audience. These sensitive categories include topic areas like: astrology and esoteric, cosmetic procedures and body modification, dating, downloadable utilities, drugs and supplements, get rich quick, politics, references to sex and sexuality, religion, sensationalism, sexual and reproductive health, significant skin exposure, social casino games, video games (causal and online) and weight loss.

For example, on my website, I block all of these groups, but allow alcohol and gambling and betting. You’ll know after a couple of months what works best for your intended target audience.

You’ll be paid after you reach a minimum amount on a monthly cycle.

Online advertising is a specialist field packed with its own acronyms and terminology, so don’t be afraid to ask for assistance from someone who knows what they are doing. Be very wary of people promising a 5-figure income.

Image Credit: Photo by Joshua Earle on Unsplash