If you are a blogger or a website owner, you have likely heard of ways to earn money from your content. One of the most popular methods is through an advertising program that places ads on your site. However, not everyone can join immediately. There are specific rules you must follow to be accepted.
Below is a clear guide on the requirements for this program.
Who Can Apply for Google AdSense?
The short answer is that anyone who owns a website with original content and meets the age requirements can apply. However, being able to apply and being approved are two different things. To make sure your application is successful, you need to meet the following criteria.
1. You Must Be at least 18 Years Old
This is a strict rule found in the terms and conditions. If you are under 18, you cannot have an account in your name. However, you can still participate if a parent or guardian applies using their own details. If the account is approved, the payments will be sent to the adult in charge of the account.
2. You Must Own and Control Your Website
You cannot apply using a website that does not belong to you. When you sign up, you will be asked to prove that you have access to the site’s HTML code. This is usually done by pasting a small piece of code into your website’s header. If you use a platform like Blogger, this process is often simplified, but you still need to be the owner of the content.
3. Your Content Must Be Original and High Quality
This is perhaps the most important requirement. The program looks for websites that provide value to readers. Your content should be:
- Unique: Do not copy and paste articles from other websites.
- Interesting: Write about topics that people actually want to read.
- Substantial: While there is no official minimum number of posts, it is best to have at least 20 to 30 high-quality articles before applying.
4. Your Site Must Comply with Program Policies
Your website must be a safe place for visitors and advertisers. This means you cannot have content that includes:
- Violence or hate speech.
- Adult or pornographic material.
- Copyrighted material that you do not have permission to use (like pirated movies or music).
- Illegal goods or services.
5. Proper Website Navigation
Your site needs to be easy to use. If a visitor cannot find their way around, it is unlikely the application will be approved. Ensure you have:
- A clear menu bar.
- Working links that do not lead to “404 Error” pages.
- Essential pages like “About Us,” “Contact Us,” and a “Privacy Policy.”
6. Technical Requirements
There are a few technical boxes to check as well:
- Language: Your website must be written in a language that the program supports.
- Domain Age: In some regions, such as parts of Asia, your site may need to be active for at least six months before you apply.
- Traffic: While there is no set “minimum traffic” number, having a steady flow of organic visitors from search engines shows that your site is active and useful.
Summary of the Application Process
Once you are sure you meet these requirements, you can visit the official sign-up page. You will need a Google account and your website URL. After you submit your application, the team will review your site. This review can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks.
If you are rejected, do not worry. They usually provide a reason for the rejection. You can fix the issues and apply again later.