Google AdSense is one of the most popular ways to monetize your website. You can easily add Google AdSense to your WordPress site and start making money. In this article, we will show you how to add Google AdSense in WordPress along with some best practices and tips to increase your earnings.
What is Google AdSense?
Google AdSense is an advertising network run by Google that allows bloggers and website owners an opportunity to earn money by showing text, image, video, and other interactive advertisement on their websites. These ads are targeted by site content and audience.
Google AdSense is hassle free because you don’t have to deal with advertisers or worry about collecting money. Google administers and maintain relationships with the advertisers. They collect the payment, take their management fee, and send the rest of the money to you.
AdSense offers cost-per-click ads (CPC) which means that you earn money every time a user clicks on the ad on your website. The amount received per click varies based on a variety of factors.
Video Tutorial
If you don’t like the video or need more instructions, then continue reading.
Getting Started with AdSense
First thing you need to do is sign up for a Google AdSense account. If you have a Gmail account, then you can use your existing account to sign up.
Once you’ve submitted your application, you will receive an email within 6 – 8 hours telling you whether you have passed the first step of the review process. If you passed the first check, then you can log in to your AdSense account and get your ad code.
Start by clicking on the My ads tab and then click on the New ad unit button.
This will bring you to a create new ad screen, and you will be asked to choose an ad type. You can select from ‘text and display ads’, ‘In-feed ads’, and ‘In-article ads’.
If you are unsure, then start with the text and display ads.
Next, you need to provide a name for this ad unit and select the ad size, type, style, and colors.
The name of the Ad is only used for internal purposes, so you can name it anything like “SiteName Sidebar”.
The next option is choosing the Ad Size. While Google offers a wide-variety of ad sizes, there are certain sizes that are listed under recommended because those are the most popular among advertisers.
What that means is that these ads are likely to have a higher inventory thus a better payout.
After that you will need to choose Ad type. We recommend having both text & display ads.
Ad style allows you to control the display of your text based ad units. We recommend using your site’s color scheme for best results.
The custom channels feature allows you to better track the ad performance based on sites. You don’t have to use it if you don’t want to.
For ‘If no ads available’ option, you can either choose to collapse the ad space or fill it with your own ad. This is shown when Google cannot find an appropriate ad (which rarely happens).
Once you’re done with this setup, simply click on Save and get code button. You will be prompted with a message “Ad successfully created”, and you will also see the Ad code.
Copy your ad code and paste it in a plain text editor like Notepad or TextEdit. You will need it in the next step.
Adding Google AdSense in WordPress
You need to determine where you want to show the ad on your website. Ads are most commonly displayed in the sidebar. You can add Google Adsense in your sidebar by using WordPress widgets.
Simply go to Appearance » Widgets page in your WordPress admin area. Next, drag & drop the ‘Custom HTML’ widget to the appropriate widget area and paste your Google AdSense code in there.
For better placement control and tracking, we recommend that you check out AdSanity WordPress plugin. (See: Best Ad Management WordPress solutions)
AdSense Best Practices and Frequently Asked Questions
Over the years, we’ve answered several AdSense related questions. Having used AdSense on several of our sites such as List25, we’ve learnt a whole lot about optimizing. Below are some AdSense best practices and frequently asked questions.
What’s the best AdSense Ad Size?
Although ad placement is key, we’ve found that the best sizes are 336×280 and 300×250. These ads tend to fit on most screen sizes and have the best pay rate as well.
What’s the Best AdSense Placement?
This entirely depends on your layout. The goal is to get more clicks, so you want to place your ads in a more prominent spot. We have found that ads within post content towards the top of the screen tends to get the most clicks.
Several users have asked us about adding AdSense in a floating widget because it will be very prominent. We strongly recommend against that because it is not allowed by Google Terms of Service. If you violate their TOS, then you can get banned from the program.
Can I click on my own Google AdSense Ads?
Often beginners are tempted to click on their own ads or ask their family members to click on their ads. Please don’t do that. Google’s algorithm is very smart and knows when you’re clicking on your own ad. This can get you banned from the program.
What is Page RPM in Google AdSense?
RPM stands for Revenue per Mille meaning revenue per 1000 impressions. This is determined by multiplying the total number of clicks and cost per click and then dividing that by the total number of pageviews.
Can I use my Blogger or YouTube AdSense account with WordPress?
Yes, you can. If you started using AdSense on one of Google’s hosted platforms like Blogger or YouTube, then you can change your AdSense account type and use it with WordPress. You’ll need to provide Google AdSense with the URL of the site you want to monetize by filling out an application form.
Simply login to your AdSense account and then under ‘My Ads’ click on ‘Other Products’ option. Next, you need to click ‘Upgrade now’ and complete the application form.
What is CTR in Google AdSense?
CTR or click-through-rates differ vastly for different kind of websites. Your ad clicks depend on a lot of factors like your website’s topics, your audience type, ad placement on your site, and more. The ideal CTR for Google AdSense is really hard to define because you don’t have access to the click rates of other websites like your own.
However, Google AdSense has built-in tools that will start showing you messages if your site is not getting a good CTR. You can follow the optimization guides shown inside Google AdSense dashboard to improve your ad revenue.
When and how does Google AdSense pay publishers?
Each month, Google AdSense calculates your previous month’s earnings and shows them on your your ‘Transactions’ page. If your earnings match the required threshold, then your payment is processed and released by the 21st of that month.
There are multiple payment methods available including direct electronic transfer, wire transfer, check, Western Union, and more.
Why Google AdSense rejected my application?
Google Adsense may reject your application if your website doesn’t meet the AdSense program policies or their terms and conditions.
What are the requirements to get Google AdSense application approved?
Here are the minimum requirements to get your Google AdSense account application approved.
- Your website and all its content must comply with AdSense program policies and terms and conditions.
- Your website should be at least 6 months old.
- You, the applicant, must be over 18 years old.
Note: Even if your application meets all the requirements, Google AdSense still reserves the right to decline your application.
Can I add Google AdSense in my WordPress.com blog?
WordPress.com does not allow you to add Google AdSense to your website unless you upgrade to the Business plan. For more on this topic, please see our guide on the difference between WordPress.com vs WordPress.org.
What is the difference between Google AdSense vs Google AdWords?
Google AdWords allows you to advertise on other websites including those participating in the Google AdSense program.
Google AdSense allows you to make money from your website by showing ads on your website.
We hope this article helped you add Google AdSense in your WordPress site. You may also want to check out our guide on 25 ways to make money online blogging.
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I have tried to use my adsense code but I can not add it in my widget and it will not work. The main error I get is “tag is not allowed.”
It sounds like you may be on WordPress.com: https://www.wpbeginner.com/beginners-guide/self-hosted-wordpress-org-vs-free-wordpress-com-infograph/
Hello!
I tried to add my custom adsense html code to my side bar but it told me that is not allowed! What should I do? Do you have any solution for this?
Sadly, from the sound of it, you are using WordPress.com instead of a WordPress.org site: https://www.wpbeginner.com/beginners-guide/self-hosted-wordpress-org-vs-free-wordpress-com-infograph/
Hi sir, after WordPress update, I am not able to save this custom HTML Widget, when I add Adsense code the HTML Box taking a lot of time and not saving.
You could try our troubleshooting steps here: https://www.wpbeginner.com/beginners-guide/beginners-guide-to-troubleshooting-wordpress-errors-step-by-step/
to see if it is a plugin or theme conflict
I’m looking to “upgrade” because I’ve switched from blogger to WP, but I can’t find the tabs following your instructions:
“Can I use my Blogger or YouTube AdSense account with WordPress?”
I don’t have “My Ads” and when I go under “Ads >> Other Products” I don’t have an upgrade options, it just gives me the option to monetize games and videos.
What do I do?
Sadly, with how often Google changes their methods, you would want to reach out to the adsense support to the current method
Thank you for the article! I need some help – I have added the header and footer scripts plugin to my wordpress.org site and copied and pasted the adsense code in the header area per instructions. However, I haven’t gotten approval still. Adsense recommends placing the code on each page I want ads to show up but isn’t that what the plugin is doing?
The plugin does add the code to each post and page. It can take time for Google Adsense to approve your site depending on your content.
Thanks for a great post.
We currently use the AdRotate plugin on our WordPress site and this fulfills a need that we have for advertisers who book directly with us. If we use AdSense, will we still be able to place ads for clients/advertisers who book directly with us?
For that, you would need to check Adsense’s ad placement policy for their limitations.
Hi, thanks for the article. One question: do I need to add multiple HTML widgets if I want a couple of ads in my sidebar? Or can I put all the HTML code for the ads within one widget? Thanks so much if you can help!
That is a question of personal preference but you can use either option for multiple ads.
Thank you so much for sharing this very valuable information with the world. As a beginner it really is helpful. I have 2 questions that I really need help with:
1. How do I hide certain ads from showing in a certain location?
2. I happened to be approved by Thrive Market affiliate, will that be a problem with Google Adsense?
Thank you so much in advance for your time and advice!
Best Regards,
Maya
For Adsense, you would want to set up their auto ads for excluding ads appearing from certain pages. For multiple ad programs you would need to check the current policies of the ad networks you’re using or wanting to use.
When I try to input the code, it says tags are not allowed and I can’t save.
Is your site on WordPress.com? https://www.wpbeginner.com/beginners-guide/self-hosted-wordpress-org-vs-free-wordpress-com-infograph/
Yes, it’s on WordPress.com.
That would be your problem, our tutorial is for WordPress.org sites, WordPress.com has limitations on what advertising is allowed on sites through them unless you are on their business plan.
Hello
So my question is I have my wordpress blog since 2013 but since then I didn’t really used it for a couple of years. Now Im ready to use it so I cleared all the oldest articles of the past. So would they consider my blog as a new one ? Since you mentionned only website with minimum 6 months will be allow for google ads. Please help me.
That would depend on Google Adsense’s opinion when you apply.
Osm article really information for all blogger
Thank you
Ho,
I have fully approved adsense account on my blogger blog. I just migrate my blogger blog to WordPress, now the question is, is it ok to place the ad codes on my new WordPress site, or I should add the url to adsense url list etc? Thanks
Shams Ali
You should be able to maintain your ads on your WordPress site if it is the same URL, otherwise, you would need to add the new domain to your Adsense for it to work properly.
Thank you, I really needed this article because it was really helpful.
Just wondering if you would help me with something? I have -Google Adsense- above the ad in my sidebar and have no idea how to remove it!
Thank you for your time.
Tracey
You may want to check the title of the widget in case that is the cause of the issue
Hello,
Nice article. I just wanna one help, should I give title like ‘advertisement’ or ‘ad’ to my Adsense ads on my site? even, is it compulsory? (if i do so, it will show on the top of the ad.
Please help,
Thanks,
That would be a question of your personal preference
Sir can we still use Google Add-Sense in WordPress…..or is the plugin support ended as of 2019?……plz reply……..thank you
Yes, you can still use Google Adsense on your WordPress site.
How to Show Ads in between WordPress posts ?
There are a few options available depending on what you mean, you may want to take a look at our article with recommendations here: https://www.wpbeginner.com/plugins/what-are-the-best-ad-management-plugins-and-solutions-for-wordpress/
hi,
just want to know can non-developer people add the code which you have provided?
thanks,
Prashant
You would copy and paste the code given to you by Google Adsense using the steps provided in our article
very useful article. I like the post very much.
Thank you
Google adsense is telling me to first past code into the HTML between the head tags. All the adsense instructional videos and websites do not explain how to do this first step, which is required to complete the activation of my account. It did not work using an adsense plugin and I’m not experienced enough to mess with code on my WordPress theme…..Is this a new step they are requiring? It’s confusing.
For a simple method to add the code to your header, you may want to take a look at our plugin here: https://www.wpbeginner.com/plugins/how-to-add-header-and-footer-code-in-wordpress/
Hello. I am at the point where I cut and pasted the Code. I hit save but there is no “Done” button. How would one resolve that?
If you clicked the button to save then that is the done button effectively
Hello guru boss,
Please i have a wordpress.org blog and i meet to have a google AdSense account, so i have a blogspot blog also, my question is that can i use my wordpress AdSense to my blogspot blog?
Thank you
If you follow the Adsense guidelines on both sites, Google currently allows you to use the ads on both.
hi there I’m Aniekan by name.
please will the same procedure work with an Adsense alternative like Adsterra?
because at the moment I’m unable to access my Adsense account/gmail due to the fact that my google account’s only recognised device got spoilt and right now, I’m unable to get 2 step verification backup codes to log into my account with a device other than the recognised one that has spoiled
It would depend on how the service wants you to verify for if it would work or not. If you reach out to the service’s support they should have recommendations you can use.
Do these same instructions apply to ads I am supplying through my Google Ads Manager?
I work for a newspaper and we sell our own ads and manage with DFP (or what used to be).
It is a similar process but for specifics, depending on what you’re wanting, you would want to take a look at Google’s documentation for their Ad Manager.
good articls i love the way you explening subject
Thank you
Thanks admin, i followed each of your steps here and i got AdSense approval for my blog
Now, i have been hearing alot of people complaining about AdSense banned issue, hope am save?
As long as your content does not break Adsense’s policies you shouldn’t have to worry.
I couldn’t use google adsense on my website
Please help.
If it was a specific error, Google normally should link you to their page about the policy you would need to comply with
I applied to Google Adsense account and in that process I had to copy and paste the verification code in my header.
I get approved and I want to set up automatic ads on my site.
For that I need to copy and paste code in my head, but that code is the same code I copy and paste before for registration.
So do I need to have two codes or just one. What should i do?
My site is verified for 3 days and no ads appearing for now.
If it is the same code then you shouldn’t need to add a second copy of the code to your header section.
How to solve problem that adsense just show on live preview mode, when i open my web i cant saw it, thanks
For your ads not showing, you would want to use the Adsense troubleshooter here: https://support.google.com/adsense/answer/1208336?hl=en
How can i give ads of adsence in the header of my wp site
Hi there,
Can anyone use Google Adsense with WordPress free blog?
Hey Chinku,
If by free you mean a WordPress.com blog, then no. Please see our guide on the difference between self hosted WordPress.org vs free WordPress.com blog.
sir, has google ad sense support for wordpress ended ?
Hi Harsh,
You can use Google AdSense on your self-hosted WordPress.org website. You cannot use AdSense on WordPress.com blogs. Please see our guide on the difference between self hosted WordPress.org vs free WordPress.com blog.
Please can you tell me what is the requirement, do’s and don’t of google adsense to be able to get one hitch free as beginner in blogging?
No mention about the code Google requires between the and tags.
This info was really helpful.
Thanks
I can’t find the Appearence button in my wordpress account. Please Help.
Hi Sujan,
You may not see Appearance button in WordPress if you don’t have an administrator account. You may also be using WordPress.com which takes you to a different dashboard at first. Please see our guide on the difference between self hosted WordPress.org vs free WordPress.com blog.
I had a wordpress webiste for about 2 years. I recently decided to switch that account over to a new domain and host. Does that count to the 6 month wait period?
Are ‘floating banners’ the same as a banner in a “fixed” widget? Because the article mentioned it’s not allowed by AdSense to use floating banners/banners on fixed positions, but I see a lot of big publishers doing it?
Hi, So I have a wordpress site and only have a Premium plan on it, it looks like I can’t use or install plugins that would help me run Google adsense on my site, Do I have to change my Premium plan to Business plan? Or are there any other ways?
Hi Irah,
WordPress.com business and premium plan allow you to use their own advertising program called WordAds. If you want to monetize your website using Google AdSense then you will need to move it to WordPress.org.
Hi. So I’m trying to set up my Google Adsense account on my WordPress site. But it keeps telling me that there are errors in the HTML. What should I do?? I copied the exact link that Google gave me.
Hi @Georgia firstly you need to copy your own google adsense meta code and paste it in your theme header between then save that file header.php go to wordpress and paste your text ads, banner ads or any other google ads code, Thats all
Hi
Thanks for the article. I am little bit confusion at one point, if I use two different gmail account for google webmaster tool and google adsense for the same site, will be any problem there?
Hi Bikramjit,
No, you can use two different accounts.
Very helpful video! The process was so clearly described. Thanks for making it.
Hello,
I have a problem activating my Adsense account.
When I registered my Adsense account I added this version of my website, instead of my actual version of the website
The code is properly added, I added it with a plugin and checked it twice.
But, the problem is that I received an email by Google that says that I haven’t taken the final step to activate my account.
What do you think, is the submitted wrong version of the website a problem?
I currently use a free WordPress.com blog. However, I want to run Google Adense on the account and other custom design.
How do I move my blog to a paid WordPress.org blog since the paid versions of WordPress.com blogs have many restrictions?
Please help.
Thanks
Hi Solomon,
Please see our guide on how to move your website from WordPress.com to WordPress.org. You can also take advantage of our free blog setup service.
How to stop smart ads showing in widgets are i get 3-4 ads in the right widgets area and i only want 1 ads in that area
Hi Cezar,
If you are using a plugin to display ads then see your plugin settings. If you are adding the ad code in a widget manually, then please choose the correct ad unit and size your AdSense account.
I don`t use any plugin for ads I use new smart ads from adsense and it`s adding 3 – 4 ads to my right widget area (how can i stop this i only want 1 add there not 3-4ads….)
Thank you
I have opened my blogging site in WordPress last week. Now I want to monetize my site. But I can’t understand whether to go with the WordPress Premium plan or purchase Go Daddy Deluxe plan or do anything else to add Google Adsense….pls suggest me….
Hi Swarnali,
It depends on your budget and requirements. Please see our guide on the difference between self hosted WordPress.org vs free WordPress.com blog.
I inserted html code from adsense into my wordpress website and it says Tag is not allowed. There are 2 errors which must be fixed before you can save. kndly please help me Out…
Hi, I have one month old website, has 17 posts and google Adsense rejected my site. I have placed some other Affiliated Ads on my website, My questions are because this my website got rejected or what?
Hi Vaidees,
Please review AdSense program policies to learn more about their requirements.
i have placed code but it shows error when there is script.
Please guide what can i do?
Very helpful! I’ve made some ad units and have tested them on some templates within my site. The ads are showing content. BUT, I have not inserted the “place this code between the header tags” directions from Google.
I’m wondering if inserting the code in the page header is necessary (if I’m seeing ads already). Thanks for the video!
No, it is not necessary to place the code in header section if your ads are showing in the sidebar or at your desired location on the site.
Hi, I’m trying to add Google Adsense auto ads to my WordPress.org site. In particular, I chose the ads that appear between paragraphs. I got the code from Adsense and added it to my theme header.php file between the and tags, but the ads aren’t appearing yet. Did I add the ad code in the wrong spot? If so, where should I add it? Thanks, Lori
Hi Lori,
If you have placed the ad code correctly, then ads will start appearing soon. If they don’t, then you can try other solutions to manage ads in WordPress.