If you’re looking to make money online, two of the most powerful tools you can use are Google AdSense and Google Ads. Whether you’re a blogger, entrepreneur, or small business owner, this guide will show you how to get your site approved for AdSense and how to launch your first Google Ads campaign in a way that’s beginner-friendly and built for long-term results.
Let’s break it down together 👇
Step 1: Get Approved for Google AdSense
Google AdSense lets you earn money by placing ads on your website. When users click those ads, you earn a commission. Sounds easy, right? But Google doesn’t just approve any site—you’ll need to check a few important boxes first.
1. Publish High-Quality Content
Before applying, make sure your website has at least 20-30 valuable, original articles, ideally over 800 words each. Avoid AI-generated fluff and focus on solving real problems for readers.
Need inspiration? Check out articles like “How to Make Money with the Amazon Affiliate Program” or “10 Smart Side Hustles You Can Start With $100 or Less” to see how rich content should look.
2. Create Essential Pages
To build trust with Google (and users), make sure you have:
About Page – Tells your story
Contact Page – Allows readers or partners to reach you
Privacy Policy – Shows you’re playing by the rules
Terms & Conditions (optional) – Even better if you’re running an online store
3. Use a Clean, Fast Website Theme
Slow, messy, or confusing websites get rejected. Use a mobile-responsive theme and keep pop-ups to a minimum.
We’ve covered this before in “The Practical Guide to Budgeting: Systems That Actually Work” — great systems (like websites) are built on clarity.
4. Check Google’s Policies
Review AdSense’s policies, especially regarding prohibited content, copyrights, and user experience. If you’ve borrowed images or text, remove or replace them.
5. Submit Your Application
Once your site is polished:
Visit adsense.google.com
Sign in with your Google account
Enter your website and personal info
Paste the verification code into your site’s
<head>sectionSubmit and wait! (Usually 1–14 days)
If approved, congrats—you’re ready to monetize. If rejected, don’t panic. You can improve and re-apply.
Step 2: Set Up Your First Google Ads Campaign
Now let’s flip the coin. Want to drive traffic to your blog, product, or service? Google Ads is the answer.
Even a small $5/day campaign can get your content in front of thousands of the right people. Here’s how to do it right.
1. Start with a Clear Goal
Ask yourself:
Do I want sales, website traffic, or email subscribers?
Choose your goal before choosing your campaign type. It’ll guide everything else.
2. Create a Google Ads Account
Go to ads.google.com, sign in, and choose “Switch to Expert Mode” to avoid the restricted Smart setup.
Click “New Campaign” and choose your goal. If you’re unsure, pick “Create a campaign without a goal’s guidance.”
3. Choose Your Campaign Type
The main options are:
Search Ads – Appear in Google search results (text-only)
Display Ads – Image banners across millions of websites
Performance Max – Google’s smart, all-in-one system
YouTube Ads – Great for video content
If you’re just starting out, Search Ads are the most beginner-friendly.
4. Set Your Budget
Decide how much you want to spend per day. Even $3–5/day can get clicks if your targeting is solid.
Pro tip: Start small, analyze what works, then scale.
5. Define Your Audience
Choose locations (countries, cities), language, and devices. If you’re a local business, narrow it down. If you’re selling globally, open it up.
Don’t forget to set a schedule so your ads only run during optimal hours.
6. Choose Your Keywords
These are the words people search for. Use Google’s Keyword Planner or tools like Ubersuggest.
Example:
If you’re selling budget planners, target keywords like “2025 budget planner,” “how to save money monthly,” or “financial planning tools.”
You can also read “5 Budgeting Mistakes That Are Keeping You Broke” for more keyword ideas.
7. Write Your Ads
Craft a few headlines (max 30 characters) and descriptions (max 90 characters). Make them:
✅ Clear
✅ Specific
✅ Benefit-driven
Example:
Headline: “Budget Planner That Actually Works”
Description: “Download your 2025 digital planner and start saving today.”
Include a strong call to action (CTA) like “Shop Now,” “Get Yours Free,” or “Start Today.”
8. Add Ad Extensions
Boost your ad’s visibility with sitelinks, call buttons, and more. These give users more options and make your ad bigger—win-win.
Bonus Tips to Succeed Long-Term
Use Google Analytics to track performance
Split test ads and tweak poor performers
Use retargeting ads for visitors who didn’t convert the first time
Optimize your landing page for conversions (fast, mobile-friendly, clear CTA)
Google rewards relevance. The more targeted your ads, the lower your cost per click and the higher your ad rank.
Final Thoughts
If your goal is to earn money from your content while bringing more traffic to your site, combining AdSense with a smart Google Ads strategy is one of the best moves you can make in 2025.
Don’t overthink. Start small. Stay consistent.
And remember: just like with selling digital images with dropshipping or building lifetime passive income streams, the key to long-term results is to treat your online brand like a business—because it is.
