Why Adsense Is Just A Means To An End

Okay so things are kind of crazy right now.
You might feel a bit like chicken lickin’ that the sky is falling in. But you know it’s at times like these that those who stay calm and rational make progress.

Of course I am referring to the whole Google Panda-Penguin update that hit in May.
The bloggers are crying and moaning about junk results rising and the SEO bloggers like SEOMoz are loving it.
Loads more random posts offering advice based on no data or facts whatsoever.

If you make money online, there is a pretty good chance you got hit as well.
If you are relying on Adsense for your income then it will hurt big time.

So what caused this huge upheaval?

It’s Google testing their algorithm.
Allegedly for over-optimisation of keyword focused anchor text.
Often when they have a new tweak to test they will flick the switch to see what happens and see who squeals. After a few weeks they switch it back and things usually start to settle again.
The next time they do it will be more effective in doing what they want it to.

What Can You Do?

Strictly speaking you can do anything.
Google is on a mission to eliminate trashy, spammy sites that litter the internet in their millions and are swarming with thousands of manufactured and automated backlinks.
If you have one of those, just leave it alone and build something better and more sustainable.

Otherwise, continue doing as before.
Add premium quality content, try and get some top level guest posts, be sensible with your link anchor text and try to engage others socially to enhance your reputation and let yourself be known.

So Is Adsense Still Viable In This Environment

The answer is a simple yes and no.
Adsense will always be viable for making money online through your website. But you would be a fool to believe that it is a bottomless pit of riches for the rest of your life.
Yes I know of people doing $20,000 per month on one site, but they have built that site up over 10 years with thousands of post and thousands of loyal visitors, lapping up the valuable content he produces.

The key here is that Adsense is great for starting out.
It is easy to execute and to make money from initially. But if you put all your eggs in one basket you put your business at risk.
You can learn a huge amount about traffic and monetisation from Adsense, but the time will come to diversify your income eventually.

Just think, what if Google axed your Adsense account.
It is commonplace and often done on pretence of possible fraudulent activities you might one day do and no further contact.
You loose what’s in your account as well, because they refund it to the advertisers.

Your Post-Adsense Options

• Your own product

• Building a list of readers that value your content/advice or services

• Go Local and arrange advertising deals with local businesses or even an affiliate type arrangement

• Use affiliate networks such as Shareasale and Commission Junction

So go away now and come up with 5 ideas to make money from your human traffic that doesn’t involve Adsense.
Make them individually diverse and not self supporting.
Then you will truly be securing the long term profitability of your online business.