We Live Online

Tags: adsense, google, webmaster

Beginning with this blog, I am going to check out the big world of online advertisement. I always was curious if and how it can be possible people actually earn money with their websites.

One difference I am aware of already is that I do not expect this site to provide me with an income. This blog is about technology I experience and what I got from it. Therefore its primary focus is not the return of investment, but the fun computer stuff gives me.

But since we all live online and online advertisement is such a big deal to a lot of people I want to understand this aspect of being online better. And what is better then hands-on experience.

Reading

Two hours ago, I started reading on Google’s AdSense, Facts and FAQs, and the integration into WordPress, the technology behind this blog.

I’ve read the policies and that people got banned for live for not complying to them. I think most of the stuff does not apply to this blog, since it is about technology, unless when it comes to hacking (“Sites displaying Google ads may not include: Hacking/cracking content”). This is a question of what is a hacker and what not? But lets put this discussion aside.

Also Google does not allow competitive ads IF they may be confused with the Google Ads. So there has to be a clear distinction.

At last, the ads placement. You may do whatever you like as long as (and here I cite from the policies)

• Up to three ad units may be displayed on each page.
• A maximum of two Google AdSense for search boxes may be placed on a page.
• Up to three link units may also be placed on each page.
• Up to three referral units may be displayed on a page, in addition to the ad units, search boxes, and link units specified above.
• AdSense for search results pages may show only a single ad link unit in addition to the ads Google serves with the search results. No other ads may be displayed on your search results page.
• No Google ad or Google search box may be displayed in a pop-up, pop-under, or in an email.
• Elements on a page must not obscure any portion of the ads.
• No Google ad may be placed on any non-content-based pages.
• No Google ad may be placed on pages published specifically for the purpose of showing ads, whether or not the page content is relevant.

Sponsored Links

Application

As I have learned from the reading, you cannot start right away.

At first, I need to apply. Providing the domain name, the main language of the website (for better analysis?), the country and address (for the paycheck ;)), optionally a telephone number and agreeing to the policies, I next can choose between using my existing google account or creating a new one for AdSense. Done.

Now I am waiting for their reply. This gives me more time for reading on AdSense.