Optimizing AdSense Revenue: Experiments and Blocking

Default AdSense settings leave money on the table. Google provides optimization tools that most publishers never touch. Running experiments and blocking underperforming networks can double revenue from the same traffic.

Auto Ads Experiments

Enable AdSense’s experimentation feature for every site. Google automatically splits your traffic: half sees your current configuration, half sees a variant with different ad placements or formats.

After collecting sufficient data, Google reports which version performed better. If the variant wins, apply it as your new default. The system handles the statistical analysis; you just need to enable the feature and accept winning variants.

Real-world testing shows variants sometimes dramatically outperforming originals. One case showed a 7,241% revenue increase from the variant configuration. Not every experiment produces such extreme results, but consistent testing compounds improvements over time.

Blocking Low-Paying Networks

AdSense receives bids from numerous ad networks. Some networks bid frequently but pay poorly. They fill your ad slots with low-value impressions, crowding out higher-paying alternatives.

Access your AdSense reports and filter by ad network. Identify networks with high impression counts but low eCPM (effective cost per mille). These networks are winning auctions at low prices and suppressing your revenue.

Navigate to blocking controls within brand safety settings. Block the identified underperformers. With these networks excluded, higher-paying networks fill those impressions instead.

Review this data every few months. Network performance changes over time. Regular audits maintain optimal revenue per impression.

Sensitive Category Management

AdSense doesn’t block sensitive ad categories by default. This can result in questionable ads appearing on your site, affecting user experience and brand perception.

Review sensitive category settings and block categories that don’t fit your site’s audience or values. The slight reduction in available advertisers typically doesn’t impact revenue significantly while improving overall site quality.

These optimizations require minimal ongoing effort but produce lasting revenue improvements. The time investment pays returns on every future impression.