How to Add Google AdSense to WordPress Blog [Step-by-Step]

Thinking about making money from your blog but not sure where to start? Google AdSense is one of the easiest ways to monetize your WordPress site by displaying ads, and no complicated setup or coding is required.

Setting up AdSense is simpler than you might think. 

In this blog, we’ll walk you through each step to add Google Adsense to WordPress, making sure you can get ads running on your site quickly and start earning.

Let’s dive in and get your blog set up with AdSense!

What Is Google AdSense?

Google AdSense is an advertising program run by Google that allows you to earn money from your website.

After joining, you display ads from Google on your blog. These ads are relevant to your content and audience. When visitors click on the ads, you earn a portion of the advertising revenue.

You need to reach $100 (or the equivalent in your currency) before Google processes a payment.

What Are the Benefits of Adding Google AdSense to a WordPress Blog?

Using Google AdSense offers several benefits for you as a publisher. First, it provides a simple way to earn income without directly selling products or services.

• Passive Income Stream: You earn money whenever visitors view or click on ads. It works in the background while you focus on creating content.
• Works on Any Niche Website: Whether your site is about tech, travel, food, finance, or fitness, AdSense finds relevant advertisers. No need to worry about finding sponsors manually.

• Easy Setup: You can integrate AdSense with minimal technical knowledge.
• Reliable & Timely Payments: Google pays you on time (21st–26th of each month) once you reach $100. Payments are made via bank transfer, wire transfer, or check, depending on your country.
• Monetize Global Traffic: AdSense displays ads based on your visitors’ location. Even if you get traffic from multiple countries, you can still earn revenue.
• Free to Use with No Upfront Costs: No need to pay anything to join AdSense. Google only takes a share of the ad revenue.
• Performance Tracking: You can track ad performance through Google Analytics to see which ads work best and understand your audience, helping you optimize earnings.

Preparation for AdSense

• Ensure original, valuable content; copied or scraped material leads to rejection.
• Maintain a user-friendly site with clear navigation and essential pages (About, Privacy Policy, Contact).
• Some countries require the site to be at least six months old before approval.
• Use engaging, well-structured content with headings, bullet points, images, and videos.
• Post consistently to attract and retain visitors.
• Follow AdSense policies; avoid prohibited content (adult material, hate speech, illegal activities, clickbait).
• Optimize ad placement without overcrowding or disrupting user experience.

Suggested Read: Learn How to Make Affiliate Marketing Website in WordPress.

How to Add Google Adsense to WordPress Blog (Step-by-step)

We’ll discuss the detailed steps for how to add Google Adsense to the WordPress blog.

Step 1: Setting Up Your AdSense Account

Setting up your AdSense account is a crucial first step to earning money through your blog. You will go through a simple signing process, verify your account, and familiarize yourself with the platform’s interface.

1.1 Signing Up for AdSense

To begin, visit the Google AdSense website and click on the “Sign Up” button.

You’ll need to provide some basic information, such as your website URL and email address. It’s important to enter accurate details because Google will use this information to review your application.

After filling out the form, agree to the terms and conditions, then submit your application. Google will review it, which may take a few days. Ensure your site complies with AdSense’s policies (e.g., original content and no prohibited material) to increase your chances of approval.

1.2 Account Verification Process

Once your application is approved, you’ll need to verify your account. Google will send you a verification code in the mail to confirm your address.

Verification may take a few weeks, so be patient. Until confirmed, your account features may be limited, and you won’t be able to earn revenue.

Once your account is set up, you can access the AdSense dashboard. The interface is user-friendly, with sections like Performance Reports and Ads.

In the Performance Reports area, you can track your earnings, click-through rates (CTR), and impressions. This data helps you understand what works best for your content.

The Ads section allows you to create and customize ad formats such as display ads, text ads, and link units. You can adjust sizes, types, and colors to match your blog’s design, optimizing ads for user experience and engagement.

Now that your AdSense account is set up, let’s see how you can connect it to your WordPress blog.

Step 2: Google AdSense integration with WordPress

Integrating Google AdSense with your WordPress blog can enhance your ability to earn money through advertising. You have several methods to do this, including using plugins, manually placing ad code, and utilizing widgets for better ad placement.

2.1 Connecting through the AdSense Plugins

Selecting the best AdSense plugin simplifies the process of adding ads to your site. Popular options include Site Kit by Google and Advanced Ads.

Site Kit is a plugin by Google. Once installed, this plugin connects your AdSense account directly to your WordPress dashboard. You can see ad performance and easily manage settings.

We’ll connect Adsense to a WordPress blog through the Site Kit plugin.

Installing a plugin is straightforward. Head to the ‘Plugins’ section in your WordPress dashboard, click on Add New Plugin, and then, on your screen, search for the desired plugin. 

Once you find the Site kit plugin by Google, click on ‘Install Now.’

Once installed, activate it and follow the setup instructions.

On your WordPress dashboard, go to Site Kit and click Start Setup.

Sign in with your Google account and grant permissions.

Verify site ownership when prompted.

Next, In Site Kit, go to Settings > Connect More Services. Click Set up AdSense and sign in with your Google account.

If you already have an AdSense account, sign in and link your existing AdSense account. Follow the instructions to connect your site. 

In case, if you don’t have an AdSense account. Follow the on-screen instructions to create an AdSense account. Submit your site for review.

Next, to enable Ads on Your site,  go to AdSense Dashboard > Ads > Auto Ads.

Enable Auto Ads to allow Google to automatically place ads.

Wait for Approval (If Needed). If your site is new to AdSense, Google will review it (takes a few days to weeks).

Once approved, ads will start displaying.

That’s how you can easily connect your WordPress blog to Adsense using a plugin.

2.2 Manually Placing Ad Code

If you prefer a hands-on approach, you can manually add AdSense code to your site.

First, log in to your Google AdSense account and create an ad. Once created, Google will provide you with an ad code.

Copy the ad code provided by Google.

Next, on your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Appearance > Theme Editor.

Paste the ad code into the header, footer, or other sections of your theme files. Be sure to place it in the right spot, such as within the </head> tag or before the closing </body> tag.

Before making any changes, ensure you back up your theme. This method offers more control over ad placement but requires extra care to avoid any mistakes.

Directly editing theme files can be risky. If the code is inserted incorrectly, it could break the layout or functionality of your website.

Any changes made directly in the theme files could be overwritten when you update your theme unless you’re using a child theme.

It’s advisable to always back up your theme before making any changes.

2.3 Using Widgets for Ad Placement

Widgets are a user-friendly way to add ads to your sidebar or footer without coding. Here’s how you can do it:

On your WordPress dashboard, go to Appearance > Widgets.

Next, add a ‘Custom HTML’ widget to your desired area.

Paste your AdSense code into the widget and then click on the Update button.

Using widgets is particularly effective for placing ads in specific areas that attract attention. You can adjust the location easily if needed. This method is straightforward and does not require technical skills.

Looking for more monetization tips? Check out our guide on How to Monetize a WordPress Blog.

Where to Place Ads?

Effective ad placement and optimization are essential for maximizing revenue from Google AdSense. 

By strategically positioning ads and monitoring their performance, you can improve your blog’s earning potential.

Choose ad placements wisely to ensure visibility without disrupting the user experience. Common areas to place ads include:

• Above the fold: These are visible without scrolling. Place large ads here to catch attention.
• Within content: Integrate ads within your posts. This can engage readers as they read your content.
• Sidebar: Ads in the sidebar can remain visible as users scroll through your blog.

Experiment with different placements to see which yields the best results. Remember to avoid crowding your layout with too many ads, as this can lead to a negative user experience.

Tips for Maximizing Ad Revenue

To boost your AdSense revenue, focus on a few key aspects:

• Responsive ads: Use responsive ad units that adapt to different screen sizes, ensuring optimal visibility on mobile and desktop.
• Ad type: Experiment with various ad formats, such as text, display, and link units, to see which ones perform best for your audience.
• Content relevance: Ensure your content matches the interests of your target audience. Relevant ads are more likely to be clicked.

Regularly review and adjust your strategy based on performance data. This allows you to refine your approach and stay aligned with changing audience preferences.

Discover ways how to sop comment spam in WordPress to improve user experience. Learn here – 5 Ways to Stop WordPress Comment Spam.

How to Troubleshoot Common Google Adsense Blog Issues

You may encounter problems with your AdSense account from time to time. Start by identifying the issue. Common problems include ad display issues or payment delays.

Use the AdSense Help Center for troubleshooting tips. They provide detailed guides and resources for various issues.

Check your account settings to ensure all details are correct. If ads aren’t showing, verify the ad code is correctly implemented on your site.

Lastly, if problems persist, reach out to AdSense support. They can assist with account-specific issues to get you back on track.

Want to show your latest posts to your visitors while they’re on your site’s pages? Learn here How to Add a Sidebar in WordPress to show your latest posts to your visitors easily.

Wrapping Up

Adding Google AdSense to your WordPress blog is a smart way to earn revenue. By following the steps outlined, you can set it up easily.

Choose the right spots for your ads. Common placements include the sidebar and within posts. This helps attract more clicks.

Remember to monitor your ads’ performance. This helps you make adjustments for better results. Check reports regularly to see what’s working.

With the right approach, AdSense can become a valuable source of income for your blog. Stick to best practices to maximize your earnings.

Also, if you want to make your website appealing and different from your competitors, we recommend using Nexter Blocks.

Nexter Blocks brings you 90+ versatile Gutenberg blocks, like the Blog Post Builder, Mega Menus, Image & Video Galleries/Carousels, and Post Listings, that can help upgrade your website’s functionality and create a smoother, more engaging experience for your visitors. 

This will not only improve your site’s look but also make it easier to attract more traffic and, potentially, increase your earnings.

FAQs on Adding Google AdSense to WordPress Blog