Introduction
On this website, I’ll compare Google AdX vs. Google AdSense. We’ll compare the differences between the two, so by the end of this video, you can decide which one is best for you. With that in mind, we can get started.
What is Google AdX?
Think of Google AdX (previously called DoubleClick Ad Exchange) as a big market where people swap places for digital ads. It’s kind of like the stock market where things are bought and sold in real-time. This means the cost of ad spaces is decided right away. For people who create websites (called Publishers), AdX acts like a market where they can quickly sell spots for ads to various advertisers. Publishers can even choose which ads appear on their websites and find out who bought the spots and how much they paid.
On the flip side, if you’re someone who wants to display ads, you’re an Advertiser. AdX offers a way to buy these ads. Since many different Publishers use AdX, advertisers can quickly get their ads to more people or target specific groups of users. Advertisers can even compete for ad spaces as soon as they’re up for grabs, based on what they think it’s worth.
To put it simply, AdX is a spot where websites and advertisers meet to swap ad spaces, simplifying the process for both sides.
Is AdX Owned by Google?
At this moment, AdX belongs to Google. In 1995, DoubleClick Ad Exchange began, and in 2008, Google purchased it, rebranding it as Google AdX.
What is Google AdSense?
Google AdSense is a simple tool that helps website owners earn money by displaying ads on their websites. To use it, they only need to put a small code on their site and choose where the ads should appear. Once set up, advertisers compete to have their ads shown based on who is visiting the website. Whenever an ad is displayed, AdSense charges the advertisers and pays the website owner for each click or view of the ad.
AdSense uses ads from advertisers who are using Google Ads, the Google Display Network, or other Google services. AdSense makes things easier for website owners by automatically managing tasks like deciding how big the ads should be, where they should appear, and how they are formatted.
Google AdX vs Google AdSense: Key Differences
AdX in Developed Countries vs AdSense
When AdX is used well in important countries, it can make more money from ads. If you handle things like Dynamic Flooring, Google Open Bidding, and Preferred Deals well, switching from AdSense to AdX in these countries might increase your earnings by around 20% to 50%. In less developed countries, AdSense is usually the better choice.
Entry Requirements for AdX vs AdSense
AdX is more selective than AdSense. To get into AdX, websites must have at least 5 million page views every month. AdSense is simpler for people who aren’t tech-savvy, but if you want to make AdX work well, you’ll need help from a partner who knows how ads work and a tech person who understands ad technology.
Control and Flexibility
AdX gives website owners more control over how ads are sold and displayed. For example, they can choose the lowest price for ads or directly sell ad spaces to advertisers. In contrast, AdSense usually works better for smaller websites and is easier to manage.
How to Access Google AdX
There are two ways to access Google AdX: directly through Google Ads Manager or with a certified partner like Snigel, who has special access.
Access via a Google Certified Publishing Partner
Getting access to AdX is easier with a certified partner. Typically, a partner like Snigel wants to see that your website gets around 500,000 views per month, has at least 10% of visitors from developed countries, shares suitable content for everyone, avoids fake visits, and has a good history with Google AdSense or Google Ad Manager.
Direct Access to Google AdX
To join Google AdX directly, start by creating a Google Ads Manager account. You need to meet specific requirements, such as having good content, avoiding fake views, and following Google’s guidelines. Once your Google Ads Manager account has been active for a while, your Google Account Manager might invite you to AdX if they think it’s a good match.
What is Google Ad Manager?
Google Ad Manager is a tool designed for large website owners who want to have strong control over their ads. It can do more things compared to AdSense and works with various app networks and exchanges, such as AdSense, AdX, and more.
Types of AdX Auctions
Once you’re on the AdX platform, you can see all the spots on your website where ads can go. You can then create a competition where advertisers bid for these spots.
- Open Auction: In an open auction, all advertisers connected to AdX can bid for ad spaces on the publisher’s website.
- Preferred Deals: Preferred Deals allow website owners to offer spots for ads to certain advertisers before they are put up for auction.
- Private Auctions: In a private auction, publishers invite specific buyers to join an auction for their ad spots.
Conclusion: Which is Better for You?
Even though AdX can help you earn more money from ads, it requires more work and time to set up and manage. To get the best results, you’ll need someone who’s an expert in handling advertising operations. If you’re a big company with these kinds of resources, you might choose to use AdX directly.
However, many websites prefer to go through a third-party ad tech company or a Google partner like Snigel to access AdX, as they handle all the hard work. If your website doesn’t get at least 5 million visits per month, you’ll need to work with a partner.
If you’re looking for a simple ad setup, AdSense is the better option. Though AdSense might earn you less money (10-40% less), it’s perfect for small website owners who want to focus more on content and less on ads.