Turning your passion for blogging into a steady stream of income is an exciting journey. If you use WordPress, one of the most reliable ways to start earning is through display advertisements. By the end of this guide, you will know exactly how to set up your site to start generating revenue.
1. Getting Started with Your Account
Before you can show ads, you need to join the program. Visit the official website and sign up using your existing email. You will need to provide your website link and some basic contact details.
Once you submit your application, a review process begins. To improve your chances of being accepted, make sure your site has:
- High-quality, original articles.
- A clean and easy-to-use design.
- Essential pages like “About Us,” “Contact,” and a “Privacy Policy.”
2. Connecting WordPress to Your Ads
There are three main ways to connect your site. Choose the one that feels most comfortable for you.
Using a Plugin (Recommended for Beginners)
The easiest method is using the Site Kit by Google plugin.
- Go to your WordPress dashboard and click on Plugins > Add New.
- Search for “Site Kit by Google,” then install and activate it.
- Follow the setup wizard to connect your account.
- Once connected, the plugin can automatically place the necessary code on your site for you.
Using Auto Ads
This is a “set it and forget it” option. When you enable this feature in your dashboard, the system uses smart technology to scan your pages and place ads where they are likely to perform best. This saves you from having to manually decide where every banner should go.
Manual Placement via Widgets
If you want ads in a specific spot, like your sidebar:
- Copy the ad unit code from your account.
- In WordPress, go to Appearance > Widgets.
- Add a Custom HTML block to your sidebar or footer.
- Paste the code and save.
3. Best Placements for Success
Where you put your ads matters just as much as what you write. Here are the top spots to consider:
- Under the First Paragraph: This is a high-visibility area because readers see it as soon as they start an article.
- Inside the Content: Placing an ad halfway through a long post keeps it visible as people scroll.
- The Sidebar: A classic choice that works well on desktop computers, though it is often less visible on mobile phones.
- End of Post: Once a reader finishes an article, they are looking for what to do next. This is a great time to show them a relevant ad.
4. Important Rules to Follow
To keep your account safe and your visitors happy, keep these tips in mind:
- Never click your own ads: This is against the rules and can lead to your account being closed.
- Don’t hide your content: Ensure ads do not cover your text or make it hard for people to read your blog.
- Prioritize speed: Too many ads can slow down your website. Use a fast WordPress theme to keep things running smoothly.
5. Analyzing Your Progress
Once your ads are live, keep an eye on your dashboard. Look at which pages are earning the most and which ad sizes are getting the most attention. Large rectangles and responsive banners usually perform very well because they adapt to both phone and computer screens.
Focus on creating helpful content that brings people back to your site. The more visitors you have, the more opportunities you have to grow your earnings.
