If you’re looking to monetize your website or YouTube channel, Google AdSense is one of the easiest ways to get started. AdSense allows you to display ads on your site or videos and get paid when visitors click on or view those ads. Sounds simple, right? But there’s a step-by-step process you need to follow to get approved for an AdSense account.
What is Google AdSense?
Google AdSense is a free program that allows website owners and YouTube creators to earn money by displaying ads. These ads are provided by Google’s advertising network, and when people engage with them, you earn revenue. It’s a popular option for people wanting to make passive income from their online content.
Prerequisites for Google AdSense
Before diving into the process, it’s important to know a few prerequisites:
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to apply for an AdSense account.
- Website or YouTube Channel: You’ll need either a website with original content or a YouTube channel that meets YouTube’s monetization guidelines.
1. Setting up a Google Account
If you already have a Google account, you’re halfway there. If not, creating one is simple:
- Go to accounts.google.com and click “Create Account.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions and enter your details like name, email, and password.
- After that, log in with your new credentials. This will be the Google account linked to your AdSense account.
2. Ensure Your Website/YouTube Channel is Ready
Before signing up, your website or YouTube channel must meet certain criteria.
- Website Requirements: Ensure your site complies with Google’s AdSense policies. You need original, quality content, and your website must have a decent amount of traffic.
- YouTube Requirements: If you’re using a YouTube channel, you must have 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the last 12 months to qualify for monetization.
3. Sign Up for Google AdSense
Once your Google account is ready and your website or YouTube channel meets the requirements, head over to the Google AdSense homepage.

- Click “Get Started” and sign in using your Google account.
- You’ll be prompted to provide some details about your website or YouTube channel.
4. Entering Your Website Details
In this step, you’ll be asked to enter your website’s URL or link your YouTube channel. Be sure to enter the correct details as any errors can delay the process.
- After entering the information, Google will verify that you own the site or channel.
- Tip: Make sure your site is accessible and functioning correctly. Google can’t approve your AdSense account if your site is down.
5. Adding AdSense Code to Your Website
Once you’ve entered your website details, Google will give you a unique piece of HTML code.
- This code needs to be placed on your website in the header section.
- For platforms like WordPress, there are plugins available that make adding this code easy. If you’re using a custom-coded site, you’ll need to paste it manually.
6. Verify Your Payment Information
Now comes the important part—getting paid. Google will ask for your payment information, such as:
- Bank account details or other preferred payment methods.
- Make sure the details are accurate to avoid payment issues. Google has a payment threshold, usually around $100, before they send you your earnings.
7. Google Review Process
Once you’ve added the code and entered your payment information, Google will review your site.
- The review process typically takes 1-2 weeks. During this time, Google will check to ensure your site meets all their requirements.
- Common reasons for rejection include insufficient content, poor website design, or a site that violates Google’s policies.
8. Approval and Placing Ads
After you’re approved, you’ll be able to start placing ads on your site.
- You can choose from different ad formats, including banner ads, text ads, and video ads.
- Google will automatically display the most relevant ads based on your audience’s interests.
9. Understanding AdSense Policies
Once approved, it’s essential to follow Google AdSense policies to avoid account suspension.
- Don’t click on your ads to try and boost earnings. Google monitors this closely and will ban your account for invalid clicks.
- Avoid placing ads in areas that might cause accidental clicks, as this is also against policy.
10. Tracking Your Earnings
AdSense provides tools to monitor your earnings in real-time.
- The AdSense dashboard offers insights into impressions, clicks, and earnings.
- You can also set up performance reports to track which ads are performing the best.
11. Optimizing Your Ads for Higher Revenue
Want to earn more? Optimization is key.
- Best-performing ads: Experiment with different ad types and placements to see which ones generate the most revenue.
- Ad placement strategies: Placing ads in areas with high visibility (like above the fold or between paragraphs) can lead to better results.
Common Google AdSense users Mistakes to Avoid
There are a few common mistakes beginners make with AdSense:
- Not complying with policies: Violating AdSense policies can result in account suspension or termination.
- Too many ads: Overloading your site with ads can turn off visitors and hurt your traffic.
- Ignoring mobile optimization: Many users access websites on mobile, so ensure your site and ads are mobile-friendly.
Conclusion
Creating a Google AdSense account and monetizing your site or YouTube channel can be an exciting way to earn passive income. Just make sure you follow the necessary steps, comply with Google’s policies, and always aim to create quality content. With time and consistency, you’ll start seeing the rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions:
It usually takes around 1-2 weeks for Google to review and approve your site for AdSense.
You must be at least 18 years old, have original content, and meet the website or YouTube channel requirements set by Google.
Yes, once approved, you can add AdSense to multiple websites. Just make sure each site complies with Google’s policies.
Review the reasons for rejection provided by Google on your Adsense Dashboard, make the necessary improvements to your site, and reapply after correcting the issues.
Your earnings depend on the amount of traffic you get, the type of ads displayed, and how often people interact with those
While you can start earning with any amount of traffic, higher traffic usually leads to more ad impressions and clicks, which means more revenue. It’s beneficial to focus on growing your audience to maximize your AdSense earnings.
Yes, Google AdSense allows you to filter certain types of ads and categories. You can also block ads from specific advertisers if they aren’t relevant to your audience or content.