Setting up Google AdSense to monetize your website is a straightforward process, but it requires meeting a few eligibility requirements first. AdSense works by displaying relevant, targeted ads on your site. When a user clicks on or views an ad, you earn a percentage of the revenue.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before you apply, make sure your website is ready. Google has specific policies to ensure the quality of its ad network.
Original Content: Your site should have unique, high-quality, and valuable content for your users.
Compliance: Your site must adhere to the [Google AdSense Program policies](https://support.google.com/adsense/answer/48182).
Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to apply.
While there are no official traffic requirements, it's generally recommended to have a substantial amount of content (e.g., 20-50 articles) and some organic traffic to demonstrate that your site is active and provides value.
Step 2: Sign Up for AdSense
1. Go to the official [Google AdSense website](https://www.google.com/adsense/start).
2. Click "Get started" and sign in with your Google Account.
3. Enter your website's URL and choose your country.
4. Review and accept the AdSense Terms and Conditions.
Step 3: Connect Your Site to AdSense
After signing up, you will be given a unique code snippet. You need to copy and paste this code into the `<head>` section of your website's HTML. This allows Google to verify ownership of your site and crawl it for content to display relevant ads.
For WordPress: Many themes have a dedicated section in the Theme Editor or Customizer to insert code into the header. Alternatively, you can use a plugin designed for this purpose.
For other platforms (like Blogger): The process is often simpler, with built-in tools to connect your account directly.
Once the code is added, return to your AdSense dashboard and click "Verify." This sends your site for a review, which can take a few days to a few weeks. You can check the status on the "Sites" card in your AdSense homepage.
Step 4: Set Up Ad Placements
Once your site is approved, you can start placing ads. AdSense offers a few different options:
Auto Ads: This is the easiest option. You simply turn it on, and Google's AI will automatically place ads in locations on your site where they are likely to perform well. You can then fine-tune the settings to your liking.
Manual Ad Units: You can create specific ad units (like display ads, in-article ads, or in-feed ads) and manually place the code snippets in your site's HTML where you want the ads to appear.
Both methods can be used together to optimize your ad revenue.
Step 5: Provide Payment Information
Once your estimated earnings reach $10, Google will ask you to verify your identity and mailing address. They will mail a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to your address. You'll need to enter this PIN into your account to complete the verification process.
Once you reach your country's payment threshold (which is $100 in the U.S.), you can select a payment method and receive your earnings.