How to Put Ads on Your Blog
Putting ads on your blog starts with choosing a network, creating account-level ad units, and placing the generated code into your site's template or page builder. The goal is to earn revenue without disrupting the reading experience that brought visitors to your blog in the first place.
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Choose an Ad Network
Ad networks act as the middleman between you and advertisers. Google AdSense is the most common starting point because it is free to join and serves relevant contextual ads automatically. Alternatives such as Ezoic, Mediavine, and AdThrive require minimum traffic thresholds, but they often pay higher RPMs once approved.
- Google AdSense — low barrier to entry, easy setup
- Mediavine — minimum 50,000 sessions per month
- Ezoic — minimum 10,000 sessions per month
- AdThrive — minimum 100,000 sessions per month
- PropellerAds / Adversal — lower traffic requirements, lower rates
Create and Customize Ad Units
Once approved, you will configure ad units in your dashboard. Choose sizes that fit your layout, such as responsive rectangles for content areas and leaderboards for headers. Most networks let you toggle between text, display, and native ad formats to match your blog's design.
Place the Ad Code
Copy the provided JavaScript snippet and paste it into your blog's HTML where you want the ad to appear. If you use WordPress, you can do this with a Custom HTML block, a theme widget area, or a site-specific plugin. Avoid placing ads above the fold on mobile unless they are non-intrusive, as intrusive pop-ups and auto-loading video ads can increase bounce rates and violate Google's policies.
Test and Optimize
After placing ads, monitor performance through your network's dashboard. Track metrics like click-through rate, pages per session, and RPM. Experiment with ad placement — such as in-content units after the first paragraph or a sticky sidebar — but always prioritize page speed and readability. Faster pages tend to retain readers and can improve ad revenue over time.
Stay Compliant
Ad networks require you to disclose that your site uses advertising, typically through a privacy policy and, where required, a cookie notice. Ensure you comply with GDPR and CCPA if you have visitors in Europe or California, as non-compliance can lead to account suspension.