My First Google Check
I have done this many times but I only have a vague recollection on what I did. I’m sure some of folks are like me, create the ad, post the code and forget about it. If we want to re-use it, just copy the same code and paste it into another site.
AdSense has evolved over the years and while the basic fundamentals is still the same, blogging it down now not only serves as my memory bank but to also find out any changes if any.
1) Click on AdSense Setup Tab
2) AdSense Setup page
Click AdSense for Content (most commonly used for websites)
3) AdSense for Content page
The Wizard page is good for the novice but it’s prettyu troublesome to keep clicking ‘next’. Since I already have prior experience with AdSense, I will click on the “Single page” which will show me all the settings for the Ad.
4) Ad unit (Image vs Text)
There are pros and cons but generally, visual ads are more limited and hence a slight higher CPC and CPM. Of course, I can always choose both but depending on the nature of your website, it may be good to be more specific.
Here’s some readup which will be useful:
http://hubpages.com/hub/DoAdsenseImageAdsEarnMorethanTextAds
http://freebloghelp.com/google-adsense-text-vs-image-ads/
http://www.blogztr.com/18/are-image-ads-beneficial-to-your-adsense-earnings
5) Format
Self explainatory. The Ad Formats page link has been around as I can remember and it is still extremely useful.
6) Colors
If only Google is able to provide a much more comprehensive color scheme. For now, I refer to this site for all my color needs. The key element especially for text ads is to blend in with your site.
7) Fonts and Corner Styles
Leave as default Didn’t find anything useful.
8) More Options – Alternative ads or colors
If there are no relevant ads, AdSense will by default serve public service ads or your customized ad. Sounds useful but if If you ask me, if there are no ads from AdSense, I wouldn’t even bother setting the Ad unit in the first place.
9) Channels
Very under-rated. I hope Google can do something to highlight its importance. When I first started with AdSense, I thought Channels was a waste of time. However, now I know that channels are important for tracking your ads e.g. what are your most profitable ads. Ain’t that important?
It’s a good practice to give a meaningful name to the channel for easy reference.
I name it in this format -> Site Name, Ad Size, Location. e.g. GeekLog_468×60_After Header
10) Ad Sense unit name:
Again, a meaningful name is useful. I usually use back the same name as the channel.
11) Save the code and I am done.
Google stats that I have to wait for ten minutes. If you have already waited for more than an hour and no ads appear, chances are you may have mess up a certain step e.g. code was change accidentally, pasted in the wrong location of your site etc. The worse case scenario is your account has been suspended but that is unlikely to happen unless you screw up big time. That will be another story…
