Optimization Tip 5: Monitor performance, evaluate results, and know what to do next

James Ryan Jonas

Google's final optimization tip: Monitor the performance of your account, evaluate the results of your ad campaigns, and plan your next steps based on the assessment results.

Of course, you start tracking the performance of your ad units using Channels in your Adsense account. You use channels to compare performance of ads of varying types (should I use banner or leaderboard ad?), in various locations (should I place the ad at the top or bottom of the site?), and in different site pages (should I change the format of ads to be used in the Contact Us and  About Us page?).

But you should not be restricted to the features within your Adsense account. Utilize Google Analytics and be able to see who's coming to your site, where they are coming from, how long they are staying, and in which pages they are visiting. Google Analytics helps you implement changes to your site by providing detailed statistics and analysis of visitors to your site.

Don't be too concerned if you see fluctuations in your ad stats and revenues, it is but normal. These ups and downs can be due to a number of reasons including seasonality, changes in ad inventory, changes in the ads your users are clicking on, etc.

If you run a fan site for a TV program, don't be surprised if you see a decline in Adsense income after the show's season has ended. Or if you see members clicking less and less on an ad unit, it might be time to decide whether to change its placement, color, or format.

Finally, the key to increasing Adsense revenue is to keep on experimenting to see what performs best in your site. Don't be afraid to try new things! Test new formats, use new colors, change placements — these are the only ways to determine which ads work and which ads give you the highest income!

Ok, if you're interested to earn more from Google Adsense, start optimizing your ads now! Good luck!

See other Google Adsense Optimization Tips:

Optimization Tip 1: Test and track your ads using channels

Optimization Tip 2: Design the “perfect” ad

Optimization Tip 3: Increase earnings with other Adsense features

Optimization Tip 4: Know your audience and find out who’s clicking on your ads (and who’s not) — and why

[tags]Google Adsense, adsense, optimization tips, increase ad clicks, Google Sitemaps, Google Analytics, adsense guide, adsense basics, adsense tips[/tags]

James Ryan Jonas teaches business management, investments, and entrepreneurship at the University of the Philippines (UP). He is also the Executive Director of UP Provident Fund Inc., managing and investing P3.2 Billion ($56.4 Million) worth of retirement funds on behalf of thousands of UP employees.