Getting your website ready for monetization is an exciting milestone. Many people think there is a secret trick to getting accepted, but it really comes down to following a clear set of rules and presenting a professional site.
If you follow these steps, you can significantly increase your chances of being accepted on your first attempt.
1. Create High-Quality Content
Before you even think about applying, you must have content that provides real value. Google looks for sites that help people.
- Be Original: Your articles must be written by you. Do not copy from other websites.
- Write Long Posts: Aim for at least 15 to 20 well-written articles. Each post should ideally be over 800 words to show that you are an expert on your topic.
- Focus on a Niche: It is easier to get approved if your site is about a specific subject, like cooking, technology, or travel, rather than a mix of random topics.
2. Set Up Essential Pages
A professional website is not just about blog posts. You need “legal” pages that prove your site is a legitimate business. You must include:
- About Us: Tell your story and explain what your website is about.
- Contact Us: Give visitors a way to reach you, like a contact form or an email address.
- Privacy Policy: This is a requirement. It tells users how you handle their data and use cookies.
- Terms and Conditions: This page outlines the rules for using your site.
3. Improve Your Website Design
The way your site looks and functions matters. If a site is hard to use, it will likely be rejected.
- Simple Navigation: Ensure your menu is easy to find. Users should be able to click through your categories without getting lost.
- Mobile-Friendly: Most people browse on their phones. Use a “responsive” theme that looks good on both computers and mobile devices.
- Fast Loading Speed: If your site takes too long to load, it creates a bad experience. Use a fast theme and avoid using too many large images.
4. Remove Prohibited Content
Make sure your site is clean. Google has strict policies against certain types of content. Before applying, ensure you do not have:
- Copyrighted material (images or text you don’t own).
- Adult or violent content.
- Instructions on hacking or illegal activities.
5. Check Your Domain and Age
While not always a strict rule, some regions require your website to be at least six months old. It is usually best to wait a few months and build a steady flow of visitors before you apply. Also, using a custom domain (like .com or .net) is much better than using a free subdomain. (It’s not a must to be old as you think.)
6. The Application Process
Once your site is ready, follow these steps to apply:
- Go to the official website and sign up with your email.
- Enter your website URL correctly.
- Fill in your payment information (use your real name and address).
- Copy the provided code and paste it into your website’s “header” section.
- Wait for the review. This can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks.
Conclusion
The key to success is patience. Focus on helping your readers first, and the approval will follow naturally. If you get rejected, don’t worry. Google usually sends an email explaining why. Fix those issues and try again after a few weeks.
