How to Apply for Google AdSense: A Step-by-Step Guide (2025) – Everything You Need to Know Before, During & After

Last updated on August 15th, 2025 at 10:20 am

So, you’ve built a blog, a YouTube channel, or a website. You’re creating great content. Now you’re ready to monetize it. The name that probably comes to mind? Google AdSense.

And you’re not alone. Millions of creators, bloggers, and website owners use Google AdSense to earn money by showing targeted ads on their platforms. But here’s the catch: getting approved isn’t always straightforward. Many get rejected—sometimes multiple times—without knowing why.

That’s why we’ve created this complete, beginner-friendly, no-fluff guide. Whether you’re starting from scratch or reapplying after a rejection, by the time you finish reading this, you’ll know exactly how to apply for Google AdSense, avoid common mistakes, and increase your chances of getting approved—the first time.

✅ What Is Google AdSense?

Google AdSense is a free advertising program that lets website owners, bloggers, YouTubers, and app developers earn money by displaying Google ads on their content.

When visitors click or view these ads, you earn a share of the revenue. Google handles everything—finding advertisers, serving relevant ads, and paying you—usually via bank transfer or check.

It’s simple, reliable, and trusted worldwide.

🚀 Who Can Apply for AdSense?

Before diving in, make sure you meet the basic eligibility requirements:

1. You must be at least 18 years old.
   (If you’re under 18, a parent or guardian can apply on your behalf using their details.)
2. You must have a website, blog, YouTube channel, or mobile app.
   Yes—AdSense works on multiple platforms.
3. Your content must follow AdSense policies.
   No copyrighted material, adult content, hate speech, or deceptive content.
4. You must have original, high-quality content.
   At least 15–20 solid articles or 10+ videos (more on this later).

5. You must have a Google account.
   (Yes, just a regular Gmail account will do.)

📌 Step 1: Prepare Your Site (The MOST Important Step)

Most rejections happen before the application—even if you don’t know it. Why? Poor site setup.

Let’s fix that.

✔️ 1. Choose the Right Platform

AdSense works with:

• WordPress (recommended)
• Blogger (free, but limited)
• Wix, Squarespace, Shopify (supported, but check ad placement rules)
• YouTube (for video content)

Tip: WordPress.org (self-hosted) gives you the most control and highest approval chances.

✔️ 2. Get a Custom Domain

Using a free domain like yourblog.blogspot.com? That’s a red flag.

✅ Use a custom domain like yourblog.com.
It looks professional and shows Google you’re serious.

You can buy one from Namecheap, GoDaddy, or Bluehost (often starting at $5–$10/year).

✔️ 3. Create High-Quality, Original Content

Google wants to see real value for readers.

• Have at least 15–20 well-written, original articles (800+ words each).
• Cover a clear niche (e.g., travel, tech, parenting, fitness).
• Avoid AI-generated content without editing. Google can detect low-effort content.
• Make sure posts are useful, well-structured, and free of grammar errors.

Avoid:

• Copied content
• Short, thin articles (e.g., 200 words)
• Excessive affiliate links or pop-ups

✔️ 4. Add Essential Pages

Your site must look trustworthy. Include these must-have pages:

1. About Page – Who are you? Why do you run this site?
2. Contact Page – Email, contact form, or social links.
3. Privacy Policy – Required by law and AdSense. Mention data collection and cookies.
4. Disclaimer – Especially if you promote products or use affiliate links.
5. Terms and Conditions (optional but recommended).

Use free tools like Termly.io or PrivacyPolicies.com to generate these instantly.

✔️ 5. Improve Site Speed & Mobile Experience

Google loves fast, mobile-friendly sites.

• Use a lightweight theme (e.g., Astra, GeneratePress).
• Compress images (use TinyPNG or ShortPixel).
• Enable caching (WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache).
• Test your site on Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test tool.

🖥️ Step 2: Sign Up for Google AdSense

Ready? Let’s apply.

1. Go to https://www.google.com/adsense
2. Click “Sign up”
3. Sign in with your Google account (Gmail)
4. Enter your website URL (e.g., www.yourblog.com)
5. Select your primary country and time zone
6. Click “Sign up”

You’ll see a message:

“We’ll review your site. This usually takes a few days.”

But don’t just wait—you’re not done yet.

🧰 Step 3: Set Up Your AdSense Account (After Approval)

Once approved (usually 1–7 days), you’ll get an email:

“Congratulations! Your AdSense account is ready.”

Now log in to your AdSense dashboard and complete these steps:

✔️ 1. Add Payment Information

• Go to Payments > Payment settings
• Enter your bank account details (for direct deposit)
• Or choose check by mail (slower, less reliable)
• In some countries, you may need to verify your address with a PIN sent by mail.

✔️ 2. Add Tax Information

• U.S. users: Fill out W-9 form
• Non-U.S. users: Fill out W-8BEN form to avoid higher tax withholding
• This is required to get paid

✔️ 3. Verify Your Address (If Prompted)

Google may send a PIN code (by postcard) to your physical address. Enter it in your account within 30 days.

🛠️ Step 4: Place Ads on Your Site

Now for the fun part—making money.

In your AdSense dashboard:

1. Click “Ads” > “By ad unit”
2. Choose ad type:
   • Display ads (banners)
   • In-article ads (appear between paragraphs)
   • In-feed ads (look like content)
   • Link units (a grid of text links)
3. Customize size, style, and color to match your site
4. Copy the ad code

For WordPress Users:

• Paste the code using a plugin like “Insert Headers and Footers” or “Ad Inserter”
• Or place it directly in your theme (but avoid editing functions.php unless you know what you’re doing)

For Blogger Users:

• Go to Layout > Add a Gadget > AdSense
• Select your ad and save

For YouTube:

• Enable monetization in YouTube Studio
• Link your AdSense account
• Choose ad types (pre-roll, banner, overlay)

❌ Why Do People Get Rejected? (And How to Avoid It)

Here are the top 7 reasons for AdSense rejection—and how to fix them:

Insufficient content	Add 15–20 original, high-quality posts (800+ words)
Copyrighted content	Never copy articles, images, or videos without permission
Poor site design	Remove pop-ups, fix broken links, improve navigation
Domain too new	Wait 4–6 weeks after launching your site
Policy violations	No adult content, hate speech, or illegal material
No privacy policy	Add a Privacy Policy and About page
Site not indexed	Submit your site to Google Search Console

Pro Tip: If rejected, wait at least 1 month, fix the issues, then reapply. Don’t spam applications.

💡 Pro Tips to Increase Approval Chances

1. Get indexed first. Submit your sitemap to Google Search Console.
2. Have real traffic. Even 100–200 visits/month helps show activity.
3. Avoid “Made for AdSense” sites. Google hates sites built only to show ads.
4. Don’t apply too early. Wait until your site looks professional and complete.
5. Use Google services. Having Search Console and Analytics set up builds trust.

---

💰 How Much Can You Earn with AdSense?

It varies—but here’s a realistic estimate:

• RPM (Revenue Per 1000 Impressions): $5–$20 (depends on niche, traffic source, country)
• Example: 10,000 pageviews/month ≈ $50–$200/month
• High-paying niches: Finance, tech, insurance, legal
• Low-paying niches: Entertainment, memes, general news

Remember: Earnings grow with traffic. Focus on content first—money follows.

🔄 What to Do After Approval

• Monitor your dashboard weekly
• Optimize ad placements (top of post, middle, sidebar)
• Test different ad formats (responsive vs. fixed)
• Avoid invalid clicks (never click your own ads or ask others to)
• Update content regularly to keep traffic growing

Google can disable your account for policy violations—so play fair.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

✅ Final Checklist Before Applying

✅ 15–20 original, high-quality posts
✅ Custom domain (e.g., yoursite.com)
✅ Privacy Policy, About, and Contact pages
✅ Mobile-friendly, fast-loading site
✅ No copyrighted or AI-spun content
✅ Google Search Console & Analytics set up
✅ No pop-ups or intrusive ads
✅ Real, helpful content in a clear niche

🎉 You’re Ready!

If you’ve followed this guide, you’re not just “ready to apply”—you’re more prepared than 90% of applicants.

Google AdSense isn’t a magic money button. It’s a tool for creators who are building something real. And if you’re putting in the effort to create value, you deserve to get paid for it.

So go ahead. Apply today. Fix what needs fixing. And keep creating.

Because the web rewards those who add value—and with AdSense, you can finally get paid for yours.

Need help?
Drop your question in the comments (if on a blog), or save this page as your go-to AdSense checklist. No need to search elsewhere—everything you need is right here.