AdSense Stats and Performance 101

As more and more people are getting into the AdSense game, there seem to be many questions asked again and again by the newcomers. Here, I have compiled detailed explanations to some common AdSense terms, facts, and performance tips.

Terminology

Real Stats (Figures based on actual performance tracking updated several times a day)

• Page Impressions: The number of times an ad unit (a collection of 1 to 4 ads). If you have two ad units on a page, then every time the page loads you get two page impressions. Page Impressions DO include PSA (Public Service Ads) and Alternate Ads.


• Clicks: The number of times someone clicks on an ad. Clicks on PSA will be included in this stat as well.


• Earnings: Money you've made.

Derived Stats (Figures calculated from the real stats)

• Clickthrough Rate: Clicks/Page Impressions. It is expressed as a percentage.


• Effective CPM:. Earnings per thousand page impressions. Calculated by 1000 X Earnings / Page Impressions


• EPC: Your EPC is not displayed because it does not really matter. EPC stands for Earnings Per Click (Earnings/Clicks) and is frequently talked about.

Facts (What we've discovered)

Stats Update Frequency/Delay: Although AdSense stats usually updates every couple hours, you don't need to panic at all if you see no change in your stats for over 12 hours. Even if other webmasters are seeing normal updates.

Don't worry about anomalies in your stats during the course of the day. These are not accurate. There could be delays in the update due to one reason or another. Only when you see figures for a new day can you know that the figures for the previous day are not going to change any more.

Sometimes the stats are carried forward several days. This happens when Google decides to freeze your clicks and earnings for fraud checking/tracking purposes or server delays. Thus, you may notice your earnings/clicks shoot straight up when you least expect it. It is possible for your CTR to go up by as much as 10%.

The update on the different stats are not synchronized. For example, when you check your account, the page impressions may be freshed updated, while the clicks and earnings are from two hours ago. Thus, there may be a sharp drop/increase in the derived stats. Due to this, you don't need to fret over all these little bumps.

Often delays in updates foreshadow changes to the AdSense program. For example, slow updates preceded introduction of channels, TOS changes, and addition of new languages.

Channels are a great way for you to track the performance of your ad on a particular page/site. If you want to use the same code for all of your pages, you can also use the recently added URL channels. Of course, channel data are delayed by two days.

Performance Tips

EPC doesn't matter! That is because you have absolutely no control over your EPC. Your EPC is influenced by many variables including your webpage content, advertiser's budget, seasonal fluctuations and more. Thus, the productive thing to do is concentrate on the factors that you have control over such as CTR and page impressions.

How well am I doing?
Many of us probably wonder how we are doing compared to other AdSense users, including myself. However, we really can't get a good sense of the average if Google doesn't disclose their figures, which they don't. Since people doing well with AdSense generally don't like to reveal their earnings due to the fear that they may be terminated by the program, any discussion about an average EPC/CTR/CPM is a waste of time.

From various experiments by myself and other webmasters, we can conclude (at least for now) that using image/text ads instead of just text ads will dramatically decrease you CTR because of various reasons. (i.e. fewer advertisers, banner blindness etc.) However, the EPC is usually slightly higher.

Blend in or stand out? This is completely site dependent. Sometimes, people will never click on your ads unless you "trick" them into doing so, although this is not so good for long term. Other sites will require your ad to scream in your visitor's face to get good clicks. Do some extensive testing to find out what's good for your site.

Make good use of the URL filter feature. Blocking repetitive (eBay ads) or boring ads (free smilies) will definitely increase your CTR.

Large rectangles placed above the fold will often generate most revenue. However, this may not be a good long term solution since such and ad is usually obstrusive and have little aesthetic value.

If you run a forum site, you may notice that your earnings are very low. Here is a solution: use a simple cookie-based php script that only displays AdSense ads once every 10 page views -- essentially a counter counts down from 10 to 0 and on 0 displays an AdSense block. Between the AdSense ads, display regular banner ads. Although your AdSense page impressions may be down, you will notice your CTR skyrocketing, and a large increase in overall earnings.

In conclusion: Play around with your ad to maximize your performance, and look at the big picture in your stats!

Tony Zhu is the owner of an online business resource website, InaWhim.com, the largest free resource for the new and experienced home business owner. At InaWhim.com, you will find massive listings of paid survey companies, products with free resell rights, exclusive quality articles, friendly community, and much more. Everything FREE!

---

Why Arent You Making a Ton of Cash as an Affiliate?

5 keys to you becoming a successful affiliate:1) HAS THE... Read More

Affiliate is not a Dirty Word

It wasn't very long ago when the word "affiliate" left... Read More

Whats A Niche and Can I Find One Too?

When I came upon that little word -- Niche --... Read More

Learn How to Improve the Performance of your AdSense Account - Some New Features

Google introduced some new features to AdSense account. When I... Read More

Reseller vs Affiliate ? Which One Is For You?

Have not decide if becoming an affiliate is for you?... Read More

Watch Out For Traffic Leaks

When promoting any affiliate program one thing that you, as... Read More

Setting Up Your Own Affiliate Program (part one)

Can you start your own affiliate program without hassle?This is... Read More

Affiliate Web Site Pros, Cons and Getting Traffic

With the web these days growing at a substantial rate,... Read More

Affiliate Marketing Using Commission Junction

Affiliate Marketing is currently one of the most popular and... Read More

Higher Commission Is Not Always Better

I have seen it a million times, especially from newer... Read More

Join in on the Success of the 2nd Wave of Affiliate Marketing

What do I mean by '2nd Wave'? ... let me... Read More

Affiliate Marketing: Starting Out On The Internet

So you want to start your own business, and you... Read More

How to Easily Increase Your Affiliate Commissions in Two Days or Less?

Clearly, the people benefiting the most from affiliate programs are... Read More

Successful Free Affiliate Programs

Affiliate programs are the latest money making tools available on... Read More

High Paying Lateral Keywords

If you run AdSense on your site you know that... Read More

What Was I Thinking

I often wonder what I was thinking by joining an... Read More

Why Super Affiliates Succeed

Ever wonder why the super affiliates are raking it in... Read More

Backend Profit Secrets and Viral Marketing

Once you truly understand the power of backend profits, you'll... Read More

The Affiliate Model ? How To Make Money As An Affiliate

Affiliate programs are a very easy and effective way to... Read More

10 Ways To Increase Your Affiliate Commissions

1. Participate in chat rooms related to the product you're... Read More

Will the Online Quiz Make the Old Fashioned Printed Quiz Obsolete?

Q. Can you tell me the benefits of publishing an... Read More

Five Common Mistakes Affiliate Marketers Make

Affiliate Marketing is one of the most effective and powerful... Read More

6 Critical Rules When Building An Affiliate Website

There are 6 rules you must use when building any... Read More

Webmaster Plans To Increase Affiliate Earnings

Affiliate programs are a great way to earn an income... Read More

11 Awesome Ways To increase Your Affiliate Commissions!

Let me ask you a simple question. "Now that you... Read More