Google AdSense is one of the most popular ways to monetize your website.
It allows you to automatically sell your website’s ad space to advertisers and get paid. AdSense is one of the easiest way to start making money online with your website.
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, so they’re highly relevant.
Google AdSense is hassle-free because you don’t have to deal with advertisers or worry about collecting money. Google administers and maintains relationships with 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 need to wait for the Google AdSense team to review it. This may take a few hours to a few weeks for some publishers.
Once it is approved, then you can log in to your AdSense account and get your ad code. This is the code that you need to place on your website to display ads.
Recently, Google AdSense announced auto ads, which means you paste just one piece of code and Google automatically decides when, where, and how many ads to show on each page.
However, most publishers are still using the manual method to individually place ads on their website.
We’ll show you both methods. We recommend starting with the manual ad placement first. Once you have started earning, then you can experiment with auto-ads to compare them yourself.
1. Manually Place Google AdSense Ad Code in WordPress
You’ll start by clicking on the Ads menu in the left column and then switching to the ‘By ad unit’ tab. From here you need to click on ‘Create New Ad’.
You will be asked to choose an ad type. You can select from ‘Display ads’, ‘In-feed ads’, and ‘In-article ads’.
If you are unsure, then start with the display ads.
Next, you need to provide a name for this ad unit and select the ad size and type.
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.
You can also choose whether you want your ad to be responsive or fixed. We recommend choosing responsive ads as they work well on all devices and screen sizes.
Next, click on the Create button to continue.
AdSense will now generate the ad code for you. It contains the unique ad unit ID and your publisher ID.
If your website has a Google AMP version, then you can also copy the code for your AMP pages.
Simply 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)
2. Add Auto-Ads AdSense Code in WordPress
Adding individual ads to different areas of your website takes a lot of time. Most beginners struggle to find the best locations to display ads on their sites.
To solve this, Google has introduced auto-ads. This allows you to simply add one code snippet to your site and let Google AdSense figure out the highest paying location, ad-size, and type.
The disadvantage of this method is that you have less control over ad placement on your website.
If you want to add use auto-ads feature, then this is how you’ll add Google AdSense to your website.
First login to your Google AdSense account and click on the Ads tab. Next, you need to click on the Get Code button to generate the auto-ads code.
AdSense will now generate a code snippet with your publisher ID and show it on the screen. You can now copy and paste this code in a text editor.
Adding AdSense Auto-Ads Code in WordPress
The auto-ads code uses the single code snippet to generate ads everywhere on your WordPress website. This means you need to add the code to all the pages where you want to display the ad.
One way to do this is by adding the code in your WordPress theme’s header.php file. However, the disadvantage of this method is that your ad code will disappear if you update or change your theme.
The best way to add any site-wide code to your website is by using a plugin like Insert Headers and Footers.
First, you need to install and activate the Insert Headers and Footers plugin. For more details, see our step by step guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.
Upon activation, go to the Settings » Insert Headers and Footers page. From here, you need to paste your Google AdSense code in the header section.
Don’t forget to click on the ‘Save’ button to store your changes.
The plugin will now add the ad code on all pages of your website. It may take Google AdSense sometime to start showing ads.
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 in the past, we’ve learned 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 ‘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 how to increase your blog traffic, and the best email marketing services to grow your subscribers.
If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.
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.
So it’s a real pain when you keep going through multiple tutorials all over the internet, bashing your brain in because you think you’re missing something when it turns out that AdSense isn’t available for any WordPress blog below Business Plan, which is ~$21/month.
This article explains that in a very small blurb at the very bottom of the article in a Q&A section.
There should be a requirements section at the very beginning so people don’t waste their time trying to get something to work when they don’t meet the requirements…
I can’t sign up even. When I put my WordPress url, Adsense says that it can’t have a subdomain or a path.
Please help
Hi,i have connected my site to adsense after 12 hours an email arrives that connect your site but till now my account is activating. Plz help
Same problem here. Have you solved it?
I copy and pasted the adsense code and keep getting error Tag not allowed.
Is your site on WordPress.com? They require their business plan to use Google Adsense.
Hi,
I already got Google Adsense Approval for my website and it is running and ads are on live.
Now I would like to get Media.net,Infolinks,bitvertiser,revenuehits and also Popads.
My Questions:
1.when we apply for other ad networks should we hide google adsense ads (any other network ad)?
2.If we off the google adsense ad from our website will they suspend or delete my account?
Please help. Where about do I paste my code in HTML.
Hi Jerry,
You need to paste the code where you want the ad to be displayed. For that you need to study the code to understand which code is used to display different sections of your website and then paste your AdSense code accordingly.
Can I use AdSense on festival wishing website
Hi Rajendar,
You can use it on any content rich website with unique useful content.
Hi. How to hide adsense ads in android webview but not mobile or desktop browser?
Recently I hired a developer to make a Webview App of my wordpress website.
I am using Adsense on my website. Now I would like to use Admob on my App.
I can see google adsense ads on my Webview App. How can I stop adsense on webview android app?
Thank You So Much iwant to ask can you please check my web and tell where should i place my ad units can`t uderstand
waiting for reply
Hi Talha,
The most often recommended ad positions are those that are visible to the users when the page loads. This includes below the fold banners, sidebars, and ads inside post content.
This is easy way to add google adsense but how to improve google adsense income ?
to get the approval from adsense adsense shws that paste this code in your website and click on cnfrm .so where this code will be paste to get the approval from adsense
I’ve installed the AdSense code using the plugin “Insert Headers and Footers. But one of my blog posts violates AdSense policy.
Can you tell me how to disable AdSense for only that post?
I have placed the codes the way u did but couldn’t let it have please resolve the issue they are looking like this they aren’t being showing up please tell me.
I’ve had ads on my site for a while but all of the sudden I see “Google Not Defined.” They were in the pasted in the widget area. Do you know what could be causing this? I’ve searched online and see very little info. Thanks!
Hi, my wordpress.com blog is hosted on bluehost. I pasted the adsense ad code but it shows a blank space. Could you help please?
Facing An Error ads by Google is not defined when it add ads in header
Thank you very much for providing us useful articles. I have been trying to figure out how to use adsense in my wordpress blog and finally I came upon this article and yes, I got it. Thank you very much.
Hi, I added the adsense code in the custom html area of my widgets and it only shows a blank space. I would like some help. Thanks.
Hi
My wordpress hosted domain blog is google adsense approved but i can’t do code on wordpress as my adsense account is connect with youtube account now my problem is i try to do with plug-in google adsense but not available then i try to do with adsense ad units even my adsense not showing add unit please tell me how can i do that .
My website is in wordpress.com i m applying for google AdSense but the problem occur difficult site navigation what can i do
Hi Himanshu,
You cannot use Google Adsense on your WordPress.com account. Please see our comparison of WordPress.org vs WordPress.com.
Actually you can use adsense on a WordPress.com site if you upgrade to a business plan.
Hi Gilbert,
You can use WordAds program to monetize your site. All business plan websites are pre-approved to run WordAds.
Hi
Thanks for such a good tutorial.
I put it Google AdSense as per your tutorial, but some how it is not working in my site.
When I debug it I found 403 error, can you help me for that?
Thanks in advance
This doesn’t work any longer as is not allowed in either text or custom html placement on WordPress. Any wordaround?
WordPress in now upgraded so tell me according to the new version?
Need help to setup ads on site as google AdSense is now upgrade
Currently I’m working on this AdSense part, And Google AdSense is improved now as compared to before. Need help to set up ads on site
Very informative and usable article. I was unknown about adsense code placement on wordpress site. It really helped me. Thanks .
Hey, I applied for Google Adsense but the AD doesn’t seem to work on my blog. Rather than showing an AD, I get a link.
Thank you! This was super helpful!
I found this post very helpful and captivating…thanks so much….
Hello, I am trying to get started with AdSense on my Word Press site. I have no idea where to paste the initial code they give you so that my account can be approved. Can you help me with this? Thank you!
Its simple.
Download this plugin – Per page head
and paste the adsense code in tag area.
Are you able to put google ads on WordPress’s personal plan?
Hi Jason,
Please see our guide on the difference between self hosted WordPress.org vs free WordPress.com blog.
How can I put code ads into my wordpress (premium plan)? I don’t know where!
I am unable to open a google adSense account with this blog address
Hi Constance,
You cannot get Adsense on your free WordPress.com blog. You will need self hosted WordPress.org website for that. Please see our guide on the difference between self hosted WordPress.org vs free WordPress.com blog.
Thanks for this!
Does Google Ad Policy allow promotion of websites through social media like Facebook and Twitter? As long as I don’t ask people to click the ads?
Hi Mae,
Yes, you can promote your website using social media platforms.
I just copied the code onto my sidebar. However, the code is visible on my dekstop site. I;ve been told that it will take around 3 days for them to review my site.
After my site has been reviewed and okay’d will that coding then turn to adverts or should that coding not be visible at all?
Hi,
When I add my blog URL it’s telling me that it’s not valid. This is confusing me!