How many impressions does it take to get paid in Google Adsense?
79Adsense impressions vs clicks
Impressions don't make money in Google Adsense -- clicks do. Hubber amanes asked "how many impressions does it take to start making money in Google Adsense?"
So the question might be: how many impressions does it take on Google Adsense before someone clicks and the Hubber, blogger, webmaster, makes money?
Think of impressions as the "marketing" side of Adsense -- someone is looking at the ads and considering a purchase -- while the clicks are the "sales" side of Adsense and a decision is made to take an action leading to a "purchase" or further investigation of the ad.
I've been writing online for almost three years and this is the loose formula that I use:
I expect a click that makes money for every 100 page impressions that are counted in my Adsense account -- approximately. The clicks will range normally from about 30 cents to more than $2.50. Sometimes, I'll only earn about 5 cents so it varies.
Content and traffic sources are the main variables.
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Web content and Adsense
Mixing unrelated content is unprofitable
I started my first blog using the Blogger platform in May 2007. I heard about Adsense and since I have a professional writing background I got excited about writing online and making money with Adsense.My blog was titled "Hey Don." People liked the title.
I started writing everything on my blog:
- adoption
- Hugo Chavez
- celebrities that bugged me
- a woman who had written her second novel
- business posts.
Did my blog have a niche focus? No.
With the mish-mash of content, it was going to take a lot more than 100 impressions to earn money from a click.
Focusing my content
In July '07, we flew on Spirit Airlines and I wrote several posts on Spirit Airlines and I began to watch my Adsense clicks take place. I wrote more business related material and kept reading about niche writing. I didn't really understand it, although I was beginning to comprehend it more.
So I kept narrowing my focus and wrote more about business operations and marketing -- how companies made money. I did some email interviews with people about their businesses. I was making $4 one month and $ 6 another month. In August '07, I made about $ 13 in my fourth month and I had some days when traffic jumped up to 70 and 80 impressions in a day.
Then there were lag times in the Fall when I didn't write for 2 to 3 weeks - or longer. I had raised my traffic to 50 visitors a day roughly on my blog. But the traffic started to drop when I didn't post. The blog lay dormant for a few months in '08 and I started a marketing blog.
Then I narrowed the title to Cash Flow Tips . . . I was going to cover money making for companies and investments for families.
Now, my blog is Cash Flow Tips for Companies and I'm dusting it off and adding new content. I have an editorial vision for it and it really will focus on cash flow tips --- for companies. If you type in Cash Flow Tips for Companies in Google, you will see it ranks third.
I'm building the traffic again -- although it's going a bit slow. But over the next 2 to 3 months it will begin to climb from the 10 visits a day now to 40 or 50 and higher as I promote it and keep the content streamlined.
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- Cheap Gas or TopTier Gas: The Best Gas for Your Car
This article on top tier gas was originally written in August 2008 which is why the gas prices stated are high. Is top tier gas really better than cheap gasoline?
Adsense, Hubpages, Non-Hub traffic
Hubpages has made it easier for me to earn using Adsense. Look at my Hubs and you'll see a variety as with most Hubbers.
Search engine traffic is desirable - or viral email
Nearly all my traffic has come from the search engines, Google particularly, so that's how I came up with the loose formula of every 100 impressions I expect a click that pays.
When I first publish a Hub and most of the traffic comes from other Hubbers, then I don't expect clicks for every 100 impressions - it may take more.
The advantage that Hubpages has over other platforms is each Hub acts like its own Website and the overall site is crawled by the search engines frequently as more people contribute.
Focus several Hubs on one topic and link
I do believe that writing several Hubs on the same topic - and then linking them together - is the best way to earn. It may take 3 - 4 weeks to start ranking in the engines. In some cases, it may take 6 months to start ranking but the traffic can come in significantly.
My highest earning Hub is Cheap Gas or Top Tier Gas. It took it almost 8 months to start generating traffic. I did not at the time write any other Hubs related to it or link to it. Suddenly, after 8 months a huge flow of traffic came in. The click through rate is less than 2% typically but the Adsense ads generate $1 to $ 2 per click quite often. Now, you can see that I've written other similar Hubs and have linked them. I can still write one overview Hub on fuel and major oil companies and then link them all.
 | Amazon Price: $15.85 List Price: $17.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $4.99 |
My click through rate
If it takes 100 impressions before I expect a click then does that mean my click through rate (ctr) is only 1%. Over the last 9 months, my click through rate is at 2.17%. So I do get more than one click per actual 100 impressions but that provides a good guideline for me to follow.
As I write more Hubs clustered around a topic or theme, and as I continue to sharpen my blog's focus, then I expect the click through rate to stay above 2% and perhaps 3% each month. I'm sure there are those who have stronger click through rates.
I believe the key to a favorable click through rate is focused content for a specific audience.
Lesson on focusing on a topic
I remember reading an article from someone on the Hubpages team about a high grossing Hubber who wrote 60 Hubs on watches or Swiss watches. The writer took one topic, wrote several dozen Hubs on the topic using different angles and then linked them together.
That should help confirm why focusing on one topic is important -- that's the niche.
My blog has become more and more focused -- it's going to be on the elements that affect cash flow among companies. It could be more focused on accounting tools for beginners, finance for small companies, etc. but I'm making the decision to write on HR issues and marketing, too. I am making a conscious decision to give myself some latitude.
I'll be including content from professional employer organizations and those who have a strong knowledge of accounting, finance and cash flow issues.
If it provides helpful information, like I hope my Hubs do, then hopefully 100 impressions will happen more quickly each day -- and several times a day! And that will help me earn more money through more clicks -- more quickly.
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Very helpful! Thank you.
Thank you, cluense and HappyHer. I know other Hubbers may have learned more quickly than me but I feel I'm developing a depth of knowledge that's helping me target my writing and expectations.
Hi Don
You've got a sound strategy here. I'm still trying to work out what I want to write about so you're streets and streets ahead of me! Thanks for sharing.
Amber
Amber I've read your Hubs and you've got a good start with topics covering herbal remedies and insomnia.
Thank you for sharing your personal blogging experience with google and adsense, I have enjoyed learning something new.
Thanks Don, I am new to adsense and thanks for this great informations.
Interesting hub.
My personal opinion is that I could make more money easier by rounding up soda cans. It could also be a great workout as well.
That may be the truth in many instances, OpinionDuck. Glad you shared your . . . opinion!
Hope the info helps set expectations, borge_009.
Hello Don,
I agree with finding a main niche, writing about it here, creating a free blog or free website, continue to edit it every now and then and connect them all together. That works. I just recently connect my three free websites to most of my Hubs. They fit into my niche. Good points you make. It takes time, trial and error to perfect it all. Have a great day.
mailxpress
Wonderful insight..thanks..
Don, Just curious .. I've put all of my hubs into categories .. that's narrowing right? I have one particular series going on with another hubber, Unchained Grace. Is there anything you'd recommend as far as catagorizing it or backlinking further?
Great info, Don! Where ya been??
100 impressions to hope for a click
Mailxpress, sounds like you've got a good pattern. I'd always like to see what the niche is that people have and how they work it out in specifics. I'm such a generalist, I have a hard time disciplining myself to a niche. Maybe I have too much of an "itch"!
Thanks, Marliza
Mekenize, great to hear you have another series going on with another Hubber. I'll take a look at your Hubs. I know I have to go back in and categorize so of mine. There are other, more experienced hubbers on backlinking. Do you have them connected together?
Hi Habee, I've started writing more regularly again. thanks for missing me!
Hi Answers Land, reaching 100 impressions goes more quickly when writing focused Hubs -- especially how-to or product Hubs. Mine have been much more "informational." Just a few months ago, it was taking me about 3 - 4 days to get 100 impressions . . . now, it's 1 - 2 days.
yes Don! is hard to get some visitors on your website this days and is even harder to make them click on your ads! Everybody knows the adsense formats and avoid to click them!
Regards!
Yep, focus is the key and keeping realistic expectations.
I am in agreement that finding a niche topic and linking like hubs together will generate more revenue.
Also, you are correct that the more often hubs are written the higher the propensity to earn. Initially, I wrote on relationships and discovered that after reaching a plateau on the subject that it was getting to be repetitive.
I then looked into the earning topics such as real estate, internet security and law. I have written on these topics and the revenue increased daily.
Most of my comments are from the relationship hubs because of the niche density but I rather enjoy getting Google alerts about the so business keyword topics. However, there is more work involved in the business topics in regards to keywords and link building but the revenue is better than writing about an intangible such as relationships.
Relationships are fun to write about but when reviewing Google Analytics the traffic is not as good as the business topic. You selected the right niche topic of business, in my opinion.
Thanks for the encouragement. I wonder if just about any niche can work. Business is a competitive topic so breaking it down is really important and I'm beginning to do that with my Cash Flow Tips for Companies blog -- really focusing on topics related to cash flow. I now know how to translate that into product blog posts and Hubs.
You're right that I receive few to no comments on most of my Hubs. This is one that I received the most on by far. The one on filmmaking comes second and my Cheap Gas Top Tier gas is my highest paying Hub and has the most views ---- nearly all from Google -- but only one comment!
Great hub! Thanks for sharing. ;)
very informative xx
I have discovered longer topic has less of a chance of found on line. From experience, I have began to use Google Adwords and shorten the topic. I no longer use and prepositions because the search is limited to the words preceding it. Click rates are great to talk about but the article must attract traffic and the topic structure is of most importance.
Thanks, you're right lindaoffigan. There are many variables, or varied variables, maybe even various varied variables in what leads to an impression in the first place. When you say, "shorten the topic" do you mean the title?
My click rate has been so high lately that I contacted all my pals to make sure they weren't clicking my ads! The pay per click, however, has been very small.
Hi habee, my click through rate has been small lately while my pay per click has been high! I know it's because of the type Hubs I've written. My Hub on Top Tier Gas or Cheap Gas earns me the most money although the click through rate is low. The ads are high cost.
Really interesting - I am trying to focus on writing on football (soccer) hubs at the moment and see if that helps!
Thanks, ns1209 . . . do you have angles on how you're going to be writing those? For example, instructional hubs for players, referees, or updates on the leagues?
well, they are not fair,
Don-- again a great hub, the mroe focused you are teh better, but it willt ake longer to get that niche market. Still as you said the more focused the more likely you will succeed. Bravo for this hub, keep them coming. RAted Up and useful.
Thanks, Rebecca. I'm continuing to learn about focus. I've written a lot recently about "small business" which is an enormous topic. Even within that space, I've come to realize there are even more specific niches such as sole proprietors, professional consultants, mom and pop businesses, etc.
Thanks for sharing about the page impressions, because I thought that we were paid for impressions even if the person did not click on any ads, thanks for the clarification.
You're welcome, Research. One of the things that stymies me are the one cent clicks.
This is great. I have been a member of adsense for two years and foundmy earnings discouraging. But I do enjoy writing.
It's important to enjoy the writing! My Adsense earnings are beginning to climb upward slowly but surely. Writing product-oriented Hubs and informational Hubs is the key. You're writing for people who are "shopping" or looking for info online.
Interesting hub! This is filled with useful information that I will soon apply to my writing style with writing several hubs with the same topic, then linking them! I'v had a rough start with Hubpages and when I realized that you don't start earning money the first month, I am starting to actually understand Hubpages. thanks again!
You're quite welcome! No, you don't earn much money the first month. Many Hubbers start making $25 to $50 monthly after their first several months or a year. Hey, it's taken me two years to start reaching that level . . . but no body ever accused me of being a fast learner. Now, I'm reaching a $100 a month level with Adsense.
Thanks for the hub, very interesting.
Wow! great hub, this is really insightful!
Thanks, Jason and nasus . . . always lots of good info on Hubpages.
Thanks Don for the enlightened article. I am a new fan and look forward to reading more of your Hubs.
I appreciate that, sligobay. I'll try to keep writing informative articles to keep you as a fan!
You had share a interesting hubs. I got some useful information. Thanks for sharing.
Hi besthubs, I'm glad you found it useful.
Thanks for sharing.
I have eight hubs and about 20 niche sites. Overall, for Adsense I average $10 per thousand page impressions. Of course, some sites do considerably better while some do worse. Most of my sites also run either Amazon or Ebay and some other affiliate programs, which adds to the income stream.
Matching keywords against products or services someone is likely to buy is probably the biggest factor in the amount of money you earn.
Sure you may have the number one Google spot for blog on the green toed red eye Hogwarts slug and get thousands of hits a day, but it will about zero opportunities to market products or ads.
Thanks IBrutus, for your comment "matching keywords against products or services someone is likely to buy . . ." I remind myself of this time and again.
Very useful hub. Thanks!
Thankfully the good ideas these tips
Thanks! The tips are a result of reading other Hubbers, too, and learning from practice.
Very informative hub! I also learned a lot reading through all the comments, so thanks for starting the discussion. I'm always interested in how people make money with AdSense and love to try different techniques. I appreciate the info!
Don Simkovich 2 months ago
Thanks! The tips are a result of reading other Hubbers, too, and learning from practice.
Megavitamin 4 weeks ago
Very informative hub! I also learned a lot reading through all the comments, so thanks for starting the discussion. I'm always interested in how people make money with AdSense and love to try different techniques. I appreciate the info!
I am already a member of Google Adsense...But is not aware how to actually implement on it. Can anyone guide me - how to work for this. My email id is - nasreen9@gmail.com
Any help Wud really benefit me. Tha
I am already a member of Google Adsense...But is not aware how to actually implement on it. Can anyone guide me - how to work for this. My email id is - nasreen9@gmail.com
Any help Wud really benefit me. Thanks
When you open a Google Adsense account, there is a code that you can copy and paste and place within a site or the platform. Here on Hubpages, you don't need to paste in any code.
A well guided information hub. For sure this info will help a lot to setup their blog and start earning through adsense with your guide they will succeed as well.
Thanks, Jon ...I hope it is useful. Perseverance is another key in writing and using Adsense and sticking with one topic.
Don Simkovich,
Wish I had the focus and will power to write in a niche. I have been scattered and I know it. I am making progress and becoming more discriminatory in what I will actually publish. Now I finish about 80%, I delete those Hubs off the topic or not projected to earn well.
While I am not here strictly for the dollars, IF I am not making money for Hub Pages and Google, then my exposure will be lower.
Don Simkovich,
Excellent Hub! Wish I had followed your guidance. I struggle with focus and remaining within my niche. I am making progress but I love to stray off the topic which I know Google doesn't like.
While I am not here strictly for the dollars, I know my exposure is less IF I don't make money for Hub Pages and Google so I want to become the best possible writer - develop my niches and actively promote them.
Your expert advise to the small business owner and the blogger is invaluable.
Appreciate your writing style and common sense approach. Keep up the great work!
Maybe this should be, "How many Hubs could a woodchuck write if a woodchuck could write Hubs?"
I have an average fof 78 impressions per BUT... I currently only have $6.54 .. :/ thanks for the tips... long way to go for $100/mo :/
hi Don Simkovich...I am new to hubbimg and that was very informative and encouraging. It has motivated me to begin to think of my niche and what subject I could write about in more than one hub.........
Thanks!
I'm glad. It may take some experimenting and certainly Hubbers have several niche areas in which they're writing.
Excellent hub, very informative :)
Thanks for this hub, it helps new hubbers like myself get a better understanding on how things work. And helps at getting a grasp around concepts.
You're welcome Ghostflowers and Klondike0723. Glad this helps. There are highly informative Hubs on Adsense earnings. Stay focused when writing and write about the things people are searching to buy or answers to questions readers might have.
Great Hub very useful and easy to follow advice there - many thanks
I have a very poor CTR although I do sort of have a niche target. Looks like my topic isn't that 'ad-friendly'... good article. Have to keep in mind these points next time I post.
i like your article but your video seems to be set on private
You confirmed what I was suspecting haha
Dear Don,
I am new to hubs and barely laerning how it works. I used to write for ehow in the wriers comepensation program and loved it there. When they cancelled their program I stopped writing. I've tried variious different writing sites and this is the only one that I seem to be getting views on my articles--but I did not understand those impressions and such. I will use your advice and start a blog. If you care to follow me and give me advice I'd be very grateful. I am trying to generate passive income for my child's future as she may not be able to support herself. Take care
c
Thanks for the information Don!
Excelent Hub!
thanks for sharing. Good luck n hope you have more click through rate =)
I always learn something new when I read your hubs, Don. This one was packed full of useful stuff and makes sense to me now that I'm beginning to see patterns in my Hub traffic. It's still a surprise to me which hubs are performing and which ones drop to the bottom.
Your advice on linking hubs of same topics together is key. I'll be linking this hub to my tutorials on creating referral links and bookmarking it as well.
Peg, thanks so much for taking time to comment! I'm quite appreciative. I'm glad you found this helpful.
This is such an amazing post. Thanks for giving us an insight as to how the system works. Regards, BB
This is such a helpful hub. Can't say that I totally understand it yet but I am definitely bookmarking it for further reference. Voted up and useful.
Thanks much, Sinea.
Thanks for sharing this information. Your hub reminded me about the value of linking hubs together. I will link more of my hubs together and hopefully will generate more traffic! Voted up and useful!
--courtlneygdtm
Very useful information here thank you! Also I find that it only really takes around 20 impressions to get a click on one of my adverts, however then my average CPC isn't that high...
Thanks Courtiney and drspaniel. Yep, it is valuable to link Hubs together. So dr, you get clicks on about 20 impressions?
What's the difference between click through and pay per click? In one of your above messages, (from 19 months ago) you mentioned your pay per click was high as opposed to click through. Thanks!
Thank you, great hub
Thank you for the info. Great hub.
This explains Adsense very well. Thank you for the info.
Great hub Don, As a beginner, I have a lot to learn From other hubbers like you, I will be bookmarking some of your hubs. I have a Q: I tried to sign up with Google ad-sense account but was told I need a website first which i don't have apart from the few hubs i have published. Can my hubs act as my website or not?
Thank you all for your comments. My apologies for being late in responding. Gift61, I'm not sure if Hubpages will act as a website but I believe it will. I'm sure that's answered in the forums.
Awesome hub. Very informative. Thanks again.
Thanks, William. I appreciate you making the comment.
Your Welcome Don.
Thanks Don, for an enlightening hub. I will try to walk on your footsteps and see if it leads me to success.
You're welcome, viquar. Writing and publishing consistently is the key. Btw, one of my most popular hubs for over 3 years didn't get any traffic in the first six months. Very little anyway. So don't expect immediate results.
Thanks very much. I like what you say about focusing. Will try to apply it!
Yes, Im going to try and set up a very niche specific site in the coming weeks.
I read this and appreciated the useful content on both how money making works with adsense and the brief discussion of niches. This is very useful. Thank you. Voted up and shared.
Don, thanks..good stuff. I'm trying to focus on my niche..buying a business but the temptation to stray is mighty strong.
Thanks, Robert and Buya ... what's funny is how this Hub is a "sleeper." It just keeps generating traffic slowly but steadily ... actually, I think the traffic's really picked up recently. So even that can alter the clicks and impressions with Adsense.
cluense 2 years ago
Awesome Hub...Thanks for sharing!