If you are a content creator or a website owner, you have likely heard of Google AdSense. It is one of the most popular ways to earn money from a website. However, many beginners are often confused about how the actual payment process works. How do you get from showing an ad on your page to having money in your bank account?
This guide will break down the journey of a publisher in simple steps, explaining how the system works and what you need to do to get paid.
The Basic Process of Earning
The journey begins when you place a small piece of code on your website. Once this is done, Google automatically shows ads that are relevant to your content. For example, if you write about healthy recipes, your visitors might see ads for organic ingredients or kitchen tools.
There are two primary ways you earn revenue through these ads:
- Interactions: You earn money when a visitor takes an interest in an ad and clicks on it.
- Ad Views: You can also earn based on the number of times an ad is seen by your visitors. This is often calculated per thousand views.
Google takes a share of the money paid by advertisers and gives the rest to you. For most types of content, the publisher receives a 68% share of the revenue.
Steps to Receive Your First Payment
Earning money is the first part, but there are specific administrative steps you must complete to actually withdraw those funds. Google has a “threshold” system, which means you must reach certain dollar amounts before you can move to the next step.
1. Tax Information and Identity Verification
Before any money can be sent, you must provide your tax information in your account settings. Once your earnings reach a small amount (usually around $10), Google will ask you to verify your identity. They will also mail a physical Personal Identification Number (PIN) to your home address. You must enter this PIN into your account to prove that your mailing address is correct.
2. Choosing a Payment Method
After your address is verified and your earnings continue to grow, you will be able to select how you want to receive your money. Depending on where you live, common options include:
- Direct Deposit (EFT): The money goes straight into your bank account.
- Wire Transfer: A bank-to-bank transfer.
- Checks: A physical check mailed to your address.
3. Reaching the Payment Threshold
Google does not send payments for very small amounts. In the United States, the standard payment threshold is $100. This means you must have at least $100 in “finalized” earnings before a payment is triggered. If you earn $60 in January and $50 in February, you will be paid in March because your total balance finally crossed the $100 mark.
The Payment Timeline
Google follows a monthly payment cycle. Here is a typical schedule for a publisher who has met the threshold:
- The 3rd of the Month: Your estimated earnings from the previous month are finalized. This is the official amount you have earned.
- The 20th of the Month: This is the deadline to make any changes to your payment information or to remove any “holds” on your account.
- The 21st to the 26th: Google initiates the payment. You will see a “Payment pending” notice in your account.
- Delivery: Depending on your method, the money will arrive in your bank account within a few days, though checks can take a few weeks to arrive by mail.
Why Do Earnings Vary?
Not every website earns the same amount of money. Several factors influence how much you get paid:
- Your Topic: Some topics, like finance or technology, attract advertisers who are willing to pay more.
- Visitor Location: Advertisers often pay different rates depending on which country your visitors are coming from.
- Ad Placement: Where you put the ads on your page matters. Ads placed near the top of the page or within the content often perform better than those hidden at the bottom.
By focusing on creating high-quality content that people want to read, you can naturally grow your traffic and, over time, increase your monthly payments.