Make Money With Google AdSense

Interested in making money with Google?
Here's your complete guide to getting started along with some info on how to maximize your earnings, why some accounts are disabled and even alternatives to AdSense.
If you want to jump to the various sections, use the table of contents on the right.
Below is an AdSense check I scanned from 2006. At the time, it was the largest check I had received in the three years I had been in the program.
I blurred out my address, account number and bank info for privacy reasons, of course.

Note: Google now pays me by direct deposit, so I no longer have paper checks to show. That is why the screenshot is so old.
Here's a more recent screenshot. It's important to note that this is from 6 websites.

What is Google AdSense?

AdSense is a nice way to monetize your traffic, and very easy to implement. It's one of my top earners and has been since 2003. (See the video about my earnings further down.)
Google.com earns most of its revenue by allowing other website owners to advertise on their search results pages.
All this is managed through a program they call AdWords (pay per click marketing).
You see these ads displayed above the free/organic results and along the right side of the page on Google.com.
These are called Sponsored Results, and the advertisers are paying a certain amount of money per click for these ads.
It's an auction-based system that allows advertisers to compete for those spots. Whomever has the highest bid and most "quality" ad, gets the top spot and so forth.
Now you can earn a share of the revenue that Google earns from AdWords by displaying these same text or image ads on your site. When someone clicks, you earn roughly 68% of the click and Google gets the rest.
This program is called AdSense.
It's a great program that can help you drive additional income to your website -- especially if it's mostly content based.
So if you are one of those people that doesn't like the idea of paying for a site, this is an excellent way to earn your money back and then some.
Please make sure you read this entire article. AdSense is not a get-rich-quick scheme and it takes a lot of work to make money. Don't think that just because you join, you are guaranteed to make big money.

How Does AdSense Work?

Here's a video I did some years back. The reason I still show it here is the concept is still exactly the same.
The biggest difference is it takes more work to build up traffic. Nevertheless, AdSense still works just as well as it did back when I created this video.

How Much Can You Earn With AdSense?

The commission you receive per click depends on how much advertisers are paying Google for the particular ad. You will earn a share of that amount.  I've heard of earnings anywhere from 2 cents to $15 per click.
Getting over $1 is probably very rare, although it does happen from time to time. However, you will find that most of your earnings will be on the lower end of the spectrum.
It's important to note that I cannot estimate how much you will earn based on your traffic. People always want to know what the average amount is per click.
No one knows the answer to this except Google, so don't let anyone try to tell you any different. It would be impossible for myself or any AdSense publisher to give this information because the ads all cost different prices and we have no idea what advertisers are paying.
However, there are some niches that obviously pay more. So it is logical to believe that keyword phrases like sex, make money, etc. may earn you more per click since these are highly competitive keywords that are searched for quite a bit on
The more competitive the search term, the more the advertisers pay and the more you earn as a publisher.
Even though Google will not reveal how much you are earning for each ad that is clicked from your site, you can still login to your account at any time and see the total amount of revenue you've generated that day, week, month, year, etc.
For example, if you see that you've made $12.60 today from 9 clicks then you can calculate that your average click-thru commission was $1.40 per click.  That's as detailed as their stats will get.  Also remember, that's only an average.  You won't know how much each specific ad brought in.
The amount you'll earn also depends largely on the amount of targeted traffic you receive to your own site, how well the ads match your audience's interests, the placement of the ads on your pages, and of course the amount you receive per click.
Ideally, you should create a site on a topic you know a lot about.  That way you'll have a much easier time creating a generous amount of content on that subject.

My Google AdSense Earnings

I have been receiving monthly checks from Google since 2003 (yes that's me holding the same check from above), and I've read numerous success stories of websites earning 5 digit incomes per month with AdSense. 
Now, I will admit, a 5-digit commission in a single month is probably not the norm for most participants. 
I promote AdSense on 6 of my websites (2 blogs, a forum and 4 static sites). My earnings vary greatly between $5K and $8K per month. A lot depends on traffic and how much the advertisers are spending on ads.
My sites have been around for a long time and I have a great deal of traffic so that's a big reason why I earn so much. I promote my sites on social media, create YouTube videos etc. Making a lot of money with AdSense is all about numbers. The more traffic you have, the greater the earning potential.
My checks weren't always this large.  I think my first month's earnings in 2003 totaled less than $20. However, as my traffic increased, so did my checks.
I cannot emphasize this enough. AdSense is NOT an overnight get-rich-quick opportunity. Even though this may look easy, please don't underestimate the amount of work I've put into my sites over the years.

Creating Your Website for AdSense

Before you even begin your site, make sure you've come up with a topic that you feel you know plenty about.  That way it will be easiest to write a lot of content. 
The more content you have, the better chance you have getting accepted into the program.  Also, the more content and traffic, the greater the earning potential. 
If you want to make a lot of money, prepare to write a lot of content and learn how to market your site. Don't expect to throw up a 10 page site and make $1,000 per month. That's unrealistic.
Now let's talk about building your website.  There are two ways you can approach this:
1) Do it Yourself (DIY) from scratch
2) Use Site Build It! (SBI!)

The Do It Yourself Method

I've actually used both methods for building my site and there are advantages and disadvantages to both. So the option you choose, depends on what you're comfortable with.
If you use the DIY method, you will have to go and get a domain (yoursite.com) and then sign up for a web host and build your pages.
Decide if you want a static website like this or a blog. If you don't know the difference, this article will help you out.
Averaging between $3 and $10 per month, the DIY method is usually the most cost friendly of the two but you are mostly on your own in terms of learning how to create your web pages and adding the AdSense code to your site. 
Web hosts are generally there to house your site.  They don't specialize in helping you market and optimize your site for the search engines to help you get traffic.  So don't expect a lot from them in terms of helping you market your site and making money with Google AdSense.
This is not necessarily a bad thing.  I had to learn how to build this site on my own and it wasn't very difficult. 
I now manage all of my static sites with Dreamweaver. My blogs use WordPress.

Consider Using Site Build It! (SBI!)

This is a revolutionary web host like no other. I use it for my site, flat-stomach-exercises.com, and AdSense is the #1 way this website earns money.
I don't make a ton of money because it's not my primary site, but the site definitely pays for itself and then some! I actually just created this website to test the website building system out.
The reason SBI! is different from the other do-it-yourself hosts is that first it provides all the web page building and marketing help all in one place.  Your domain registration, web hosting, website builder, and marketing help come with the price.
They provide you with a brainstorming tool so you can research and select a "profitable" niche based on monthly keyword searches/demand. Then they guide you to building your website using their Video Action Guide.
Now, it's important to note that SBI! does not build your site for you. That's up to you. They simply provide the guidance so you can optimize your site for AdSense or other programs.

How to Join AdSense

Once you have 20-30 pages on your site, go to http://adsense.google.com to apply.
When you are accepted, simply copy and paste the provided HTML code into any page that you'd like to show the ads. You can opt to display text ads, image ads, or a combination of both. It's up to you.
You can either display the ads vertically along side the page like Google does or in a banner-like formation horizontally across your pages.  You can even customize the colors to match your site's theme.

Tips on Succeeding With AdSense

Here are some tips for achieving success with Google AdSense.
Build Traffic
You're not going to make anything with AdSense if you don't have enough traffic. Please don't think this is some easy, get-rich-quick program. This takes work and it all starts with getting visitors.

Google Drive triples free storage to 15GB

Google announces just ahead of its I/O conference that free storage across Google services -- Gmail, Google+, and Drive -- is leaping from 5GB to 15GB. But why?

(Credit: Google)

Google's capacity to store your files will jump by a factor of three, the company said Monday, rising from 5GB to 15GB shared across Google+, Drive, and Gmail.
Google made the announcement just before Google I/O developers conference begins this week. The changes will "roll out over the next couple of weeks," Google said in a blog post. Businesses using Google Apps will see their storage go up across Google Drive, Google+, and Gmail from 25GB to 30GB. The new amount of storage space will give people who use Google services the most generous storage capacity of any player in the free online-storage game. A quick look at competitors shows that Dropbox currently starts free subscribers at 2GB, Microsoft SkyDrive users get 7GB, and Apple iCloud, Amazon Cloud Storage, and SugarSync offer 5GB for free. The announcement follows a Google Drive update from last week that allows you to save files from the Web directly to Drive.
There's no doubt that the 15GB is a game-changer in the free storage market. The question is, why did Google do it?
Nevermind "do no evil," Google -- as we all know -- is in the business of making money. If Google is offering you more storage, then there is something that extra storage helps you do that will help Google make more money.
What that is, Google is not saying -- yet.
It's possible that at I/O, Google will reveal that Drive or Google+ will incorporate a more multimedia approach. Or perhaps it's simply nothing more than a shot across the bow of Dropbox: you now get 15GB because Google can give you 15GB.
Either way, it makes Gmail, Google+, and Google Drive that much more appealing to serious Google services users.
Update, 7:03 p.m. PT: Added that business using Google Apps will see their storage increase to 30GB.
Update, 10:47 a.m. PT: Clarified that the new storage capacity is shared by Gmail, Google+, and Google Drive.

How to Register a Domain Name

Hey there future site owner,
I'm going to clue you in on some tips most people don't absorb prior to registering a domain name.
There have been a lot of changes on the web in recent years so make sure you read this entire page so you pick the ideal name for your website.
NOTE: If you already know about domain names and don't need any extra advice, go here to register.
A domain name is the home of your website and often ends in extensions like .com, .net, .org, .info, .us, .biz, .tv and more. Today there are numerous extensions available, but .com is still the most popular by far.
Once you have registered your name, you will select a web host (2nd step).  The web host is the guts of any website because this is where you create and publish your pages, create a blog, create email addresses, add functionality and maintain your site.

Steps to Registering a Domain

Reserving a domain name is easy, inexpensive and only takes a few moments. The big name companies like Register.com and NetworkSolutions.com charge ridiculous prices such as $30-35/year for one domain name, and you get the same service at WebsitePalace.com.
It doesn't matter where you register your domain.  Almost every registrar provides the same services.
You can save a bundle at WebsitePalace.com, and you'll have access to free domain forwarding. (Forward any domain to any site for FREE!)

Keyword Rich Domains

For search engine optimization (SEO) purposes, many experts recommend registering a domain with keywords you want to be found for. While this was a must years ago, it's not quite the necessity it once was.
In fact, there was a very big Google update in October 2012 called EMD (Exact Match Domain update) that targeted domain names that were only ranking because the name matched the targeted phrase.
That's not to say you shouldn't register a name that has the keywords you want to target, but don't expect to rank well just because you choose a keyword-rich name. Getting ranked well in Google is a very complex task. The domain is not as big of a factor as it used to be.

Going For The Brand Name

Some people prefer to go for a shorter, brandable domain that's easier to remember -- especially because so many "good" domains are taken these days.
So instead of registering a keyword-rich name like HealthAndWellness101.com, you would register a made-up name like Fitzee.com. Fitzee means absolutely nothing, but it's short, catchy and easy to remember.
Plus, it would look a lot better on a shirt, mug or hat than a 4-letter domain. :-)
I still think it's a good idea to aim for the keywords you want to target. Descriptive names can have advantages. For example, it automatically tells the potential visitor what the site is about.
Having said that, don't make your domain name so long and awkard that it's hard to read and remember. It's really about finding a balance. Also, don't be shy about bouncing ideas off your friends and family before registering.
Here's another tip. Write the name down to give you an idea of what it may look like on business cards, T-shirts and other printed materials.
Remember, your domain is a big part of your brand, so take your time coming up with the right name for your site.

Miami Beach Travel Guide

Three-quarters of a century after the art deco movement, Miami remains one of the world's trendiest and flashiest hot spots. Luckily for visitors, South Beach is no longer the only place to stand and pose in Miami. North of downtown Miami's megamakeover, the growing Wynwood and Design districts—along with nearby Midtown—are home to Miami's hipster and fashionista scenes, and South Beach continues to extend both north and west, with the addition of new venues north of 20th Street and along the bay on West Avenue. Following the reopening of the mammoth Fontainebleau and its enclave of nightclubs and restaurants along Mid-Beach, other globally renowned resorts have moved into the neighborhood, like the Soho Beach House and Canyon Ranch.

Ritz-Carlton, South Beach Review

Completely revamped and renovated for 2013, the smoking hot, art deco Ritz-Carlton, South Beach is a suprisingly trendy, beachfront bombshell, with a dynamite staff, a snazzy Club Lounge, a "tanning butler," and a long pool deck that leads right out to the beach. There are all the usual high-level draws the Ritz is known for, that is, attentive service, a kids' club, a club level with five food presentations a day, and high-end restaurants. The spa has exclusive brands of scrubs and creams. The "tanning butler" will make sure you're not burning and will apply lotion in the hard-to-reach places. Friday through Sunday afternoons a master mixologist patrols the pool deck with a caipirinha cart, serving made-to-order cocktails using homemade syrups crafted from fresh herbs and fruit. The wonderful DiLido Beach Club restaurant is, believe it or not, one of the very few places in Miami where you can get a beachside meal. The ocean is on one side and the pedestrian Lincoln Road begins on the other: the locale is tops. Overall, this landmarked 1954 art moderne hotel, designed by Morris Lapidus, has never been hotter.

Vacation at Las Vegas Travel

Easter Island, Machu Picchu, and other celebrated wonders of the world are certainly impressive. But Las Vegas... Las Vegas is a land where jungles thrive and fountains dance in the middle of the desert. It's a place that unites medieval England and ancient Egypt with modern-day Venice, Paris, and New York. It's a never-ending source of irony and improbability where you can turn a chip and a chair into a million dollars, or celebrate your shotgun wedding by shooting machine guns. Where else does such a wonderland exist? In a word, nowhere. But Vegas.

Las Vegas

The world of Vegas-area casino hotels changes constantly. In the early 2000s just about every resort was investing heavily in family-friendly accommodations and activities. Today, however, most places have refocused squarely on decadence and indulgence.
Just about every property now has a special pool for topless (they call it "European-style") sunbathing. Many resorts also have expanded their cocktail programs (the fancy word for this is now "mixology").
Some of these efforts have been more successful than others. The posh new Encore Beach Club, at Encore, exemplifies the new notion of a "dayclub" in that it creates a nightclub vibe during the day. Developments at The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas have had a similar impact; the property has three on-staff mixology gurus, and a special kitchen where these cocktail whizzes whip up recipes all day long.
Other properties have established new benchmarks in amenities. When CityCenter opened in 2010, the $8.5-billion complex included Crystals, a new-era shopping mall with flagship stores of Prada, Tiffany & Co, and some of the spendiest boutiques in America. Also in 2010, the Palazzo launched "Prestige," an optional $100 reservation upgrade that grants guests access to a concierge level including daily snack service, drink service, and a business center.
Despite competition from these up-and-comers, the established properties still pack ?em in. Bellagio's rooms still carry cachet, and the Mirage—the hotel that started the megaresort trend more than 20 years ago—continues to sell out. At Wynn Las Vegas and the Venetian, guests rave about everything from comfy beds to exquisite restaurants and great shopping. At Caesars Palace the constantly evolving Qua Baths & Spa might be one of the top spas in town. And for overall experience, the Four Seasons-Las Vegas, which occupies top floors of the tower at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, is still one of the best.

US Beach Vacations Ideas - 1000

This site is my personal collection of vacation ideas. If you find it useful, please Like it and share it. Thanks a lot. 

The sand had a sort of pure look to it, almost white in color. Sitting on the beach making sand castles gave this trip a very romantic sort of undertone. We set basking in the sunlight and soaking up the water until we decided to take a walk along the shore.
Then it happened... I was shocked by a jellyfish, a dead one at that. At the time I didn't know dead jellyfish could still sting, but I found it out the hard way.
This is what made the experience so memorable for me. This one event stuck in my head for a very long time.
It didn't sting me to bad so we continued on our walk eventually stopping to watch the sun set then going out for dinner a snug little romantic cafe.
Overall it was one of the best trips of life and I wouldn't mind going back sometime. I suggest for anyone wanting a great time at a beach to take a trip there.

US Beach Vacations Idea #2:

By Kitty from Washington. The main reason we went to Oceanside, California was to be by the beach. From where we were staying, we could walk to the beach. It wasn't overcrowded like some places in California, and it was clean. We could drive down there too if we had lots of stuff to carry. There's a long pier that goes out into the ocean, and people were fishing off it.
It was fun to walk out and back and watch the sea gulls. Out at the end of the pier there's a restaurant. There are lots of good shopping places in Oceanside, and an art museum. You can tour one of the original missions begun in California by Spanish padres. The best thing was the climate. Cool at night, sometimes with fog, and sunny and warm in the day--but not TOO hot. We loved it and we'll go back.

US Beach Vacation Ideas #3:

Photo by Rich

By Dan from Maryland - My favorite place to vacation is Florida. This is because Florida has a nice climate, humid but sunny all the time. Also, the beaches in Florida are some of the best in the U.S. I love the gulf-side beaches and Panama City in particular is my favorite. I was born there for one and the beaches have perfect white smooth sand.
I enjoy going parasailing and jet skiing at the beaches in Panama City. There are also options to be given a tour above the city in a helicopter which looks fun but I've never done it. The wildlife in the ocean there is amazing; I go fishing there and catch all sorts of tropical fish and sometimes sharks.
The people there are more enjoyable in general too; they are friendlier than here in Maryland at least. The sun there is great for your skin and is almost always out during the day, usually not many clouds but it does have a tendency to rain out of nowhere sometimes.

US Beach Vacation Ideas #4:

By Richard from MD - For Thanksgiving this year, my family wanted to get away to the beach. The rest of the immediate family had plans so it was going to be be my wife, myself, and three younger kids aged 11, 8, and 4. We looked at a variety of places, but Myrtle Beach stood out. There was quite a bit to do and we were told that it would be relatively quiet verse the on-season rush. We researched the various resorts and settled on one that had an in-door water park for the kids! We looked at the shopping that they had. There is a new Market Commons where the old Air Force base used to be with upscale shopping, plus we went there for their Christmas tree lighting. Down the road we went to North Myrtle's Barefoot Landing where they have Alligator Adventure with animals and the House of Blues for great music acts.
My wife loved the Broadway at the Beach shopping area with a huge lake and restaurants and shopping surrounding it. It has a movie theater, Magiquest (a fun electronic wand questing game), and Ripley's Aquarium as well.
We stayed over Thanksgiving enjoying strolls on the beach, watching the seagulls and beachcombing. We and went out to one of the many buffet style restaurants for our dinner and loved it. After a mere four days, we decided to stay one more day and everyone was ready to stay!

US Beach Vacations Idea #5:

By Kelly from Connecticut. My favorite vacation ideas involve bringing a packed lunch & some loved ones to a quiet beach and relaxing under the summer sun. The beach is my favorite activity since there is no rush getting there or leaving, and it's just you doing what you want to do. There are so many different things that you can do at the beach, ex. swim, build sand castles, play sports, etc.
The beach is the perfect activity for people of any age, big or small. The best beaches that I have traveled to within driving distance on the east coast are found in Cape Cod, Long Beach Island, or Cape May.
I have also ventured to California and found some nice beaches in San Diego however those beaches have a lot more activity happening and can sometimes lead to a not so relaxing time!

US Beach Vacations Idea #6:

By Alexis from New York. Every year I like to go to the sandy beaches in Hawaii. My favorite beach is Waikiki also known as one of the most famous beaches in the world. I lay in the warm sand getting a suntan while my kids build sandcastles. The water is very pretty there you can watch people surf or go snorkeling. There are several small bars close to the beach where you can get one of your favorite drinks or go dancing when the sun starts to go down.
I really enjoy dining at their fine dining restaurants off the beach and watching the shows there since they do tricks with flames and hula dancing. I have bought several collectibles from the stores off the beach including a huge seashell. There is nothing more fun than spending a week relaxing at Waikiki.