Why Use Google AdSense?

People are constantly looking for ways to make money from their websites and blogs. Google AdSense is a simple solution, especially if the website is frequently visited. AdSense is Google's way to provide companies venues for their advertisements. A website owner adds a Google AdSense banner, and Google automatically fills that banner with ads from its customers.

It's Free and Easy

Google AdSense is completely free to join and add banners to your website. You simply have to follow the four steps on the Google AdSense "Getting started with AdSense" page -- read program policy, select the product, select design and get and paste code -- and you are all set to begin using AdSense. Some websites, such as Blogger, make it even easier by including graphical versions of the code you can add to the design of the Web page.

You Make Money

Of course, the only reason to include an ad on your website to reap some sort of benefit. Google will pay money each time someone clicks on an ad or views an ad that was on your website. It does this because Google is auctioning off the space on your Web page to advertisers, who are in turn paying Google. The amount you earn will depend on how popular your site is and how much money advertisers are willing to pay for your type of content.

Ads Are Targeted

When you add banners from other companies, you are often stuck with the same annoying ad, which may eventually become irrelevant to your website's target audience. Google has resolved this by generating ads based on the content of your website. It scans your website for keywords and determines what ads match with your website. Companies may also specify your website as a good match for their ads. Google also analyzes the interests of viewers from your website through your "Ads Preferences Manager."

Ads Are Unobtrusive

AdSense ads are not like those 1990s flashing banners and virus-laden popups. Google recognizes your viewers are visiting your website to read the content, so it has attempted to make ads that are obvious, but do not distract from your website. The ads are usually small boxes placed on your website based on your preferences. You can also customize your ad colors and choose from multiple ad formats so the ads match the design of your website, or stand out more if that is your goal. The ads always include the words "Ads by Google" so your viewers will know it is not part of your website.