Best Ad Networks for Bloggers (and How to Get Approved)

Monetizing a blog is one of the most popular ways to generate income for content creators. While there are many methods available to make money from blogging, display advertising remains one of the most reliable and lucrative options. If you’re looking to make money from your blog, joining an ad network is one of the most straightforward ways to do so.

In this article, we will explore the best ad networks for bloggers, how to get approved for them, and some best practices to maximize your earnings. Whether you’re a beginner or have an established blog, this guide will help you navigate the world of display advertising and find the right ad network for your blog.

Understanding Ad Networks

An ad network is a platform that connects advertisers who want to display their ads with publishers (bloggers like you) who want to show ads on their websites. Ad networks act as intermediaries between these two groups, helping advertisers place their ads in front of relevant audiences while providing bloggers with a way to earn revenue through pay-per-click (PPC), pay-per-impression (CPM), or pay-per-action (CPA) models.

Types of Ad Networks

Before diving into the best ad networks, it’s important to understand the two broad categories of ad networks:

1. Display Networks

These networks show display ads, including banner ads, text ads, and other types of visual advertising. They are typically displayed in different sections of your blog, such as the sidebar, header, footer, or within the content.

2. Native Ad Networks

Native ads blend seamlessly into the content of your blog, making them less intrusive and more engaging. They are usually promoted content that matches the form and function of your blog’s content.

Top Ad Networks for Bloggers

1. Google AdSense

Google AdSense is by far the most popular ad network and a great option for most bloggers. It is easy to use, integrates seamlessly with your site, and is trusted by both advertisers and publishers alike.

Why It’s Great:

• High earning potential: AdSense works with some of the biggest advertisers in the world, providing high-quality ads.
  
• Customizable ads: You can choose from text ads, display ads, and even video ads to match your blog’s style.
  
• Automatic targeting: Google’s algorithm automatically targets ads based on your blog’s content and your audience’s interests.
  

How to Get Approved:

• Have a well-established blog with quality content (usually at least 30–40 posts).
  
• Comply with Google’s policies, which include no adult content, no excessive ads, and content that complies with copyright rules.
  
• Ensure your blog is fully functional with a clear navigation system, contact page, and privacy policy.
  
• Ensure originality: Content must be original and unique to your blog.
  

Once approved, Google AdSense will automatically place ads on your site and pay you either per click (PPC) or per impression (CPM), depending on the ad type.

2. Mediavine

Mediavine is an ad network that focuses on high-quality ads with a particular emphasis on optimizing ad revenue for bloggers. Mediavine is known for its excellent customer support and ad optimization.

Why It’s Great:

• High CPM rates: Mediavine typically offers higher CPM rates than other networks.
  
• Optimized ad placements: Mediavine uses advanced algorithms to optimize where and when ads appear on your blog, increasing your earnings.
  
• Full control: It allows you to control the type of ads displayed.
  

How to Get Approved:

• To be eligible for Mediavine, your blog needs to have at least 50,000 monthly sessions.
  
• You must have original content, a clean design, and great engagement rates.
  
• You need to ensure your blog complies with Mediavine’s guidelines (no adult content, hate speech, etc.).
  

Once you’re approved, Mediavine offers a robust dashboard to track earnings, ad performance, and payment details.

3. AdThrive

AdThrive is another premium ad network that’s known for generating significant revenue for bloggers with large and engaged audiences. AdThrive works best for lifestyle, food, and parenting blogs but is open to many niches.

Why It’s Great:

• High revenue: AdThrive offers top-tier CPM rates.
  
• Support: Provides personalized support to help you maximize earnings.
  
• Ad optimization: AdThrive’s team optimizes ad placements to ensure maximum revenue.
  

How to Get Approved:

• You need at least 100,000 pageviews per month to qualify.
  
• Your blog must be ad-friendly and have high-quality content.
  
• The site must also have a privacy policy, about page, and other important elements that enhance trustworthiness.
  

Once approved, you’ll benefit from premium ads and receive monthly payouts.

4. Ezoic

Ezoic is an AI-powered platform that helps bloggers optimize ad revenue by testing and refining ad placements. Ezoic is known for its user-friendly interface and revenue-boosting capabilities.

Why It’s Great:

• AI-powered ad optimization: Ezoic’s algorithm helps to find the best ad placements for your blog.
  
• Free to join: Ezoic doesn’t have a minimum traffic requirement, making it accessible to smaller blogs.
  
• Flexible payout options: Ezoic supports multiple payment options, including PayPal and bank transfer.
  

How to Get Approved:

• Ezoic has no strict traffic requirements, making it accessible to smaller blogs.
  
• The blog needs to have consistent traffic and quality content.
  
• You should have a mobile-friendly site as Ezoic optimizes for mobile traffic.
  

Once you’re approved, Ezoic will provide detailed analytics to help you fine-tune your ad performance and increase your earnings.

5. PropellerAds

PropellerAds is a great ad network for smaller blogs that are looking for display ads and alternative ad formats like push notifications, popunders, and interstitial ads. It’s a great option for new bloggers who need a quick monetization solution.

Why It’s Great:

• No minimum traffic requirement: Even small blogs can join PropellerAds.
  
• Multiple ad formats: Offers a range of ad types, including push notifications, pop-ups, and native ads.
  
• High fill rates: PropellerAds can serve ads from many different advertisers, increasing your chances of earning.
  

How to Get Approved:

• You don’t need a specific amount of traffic, but your blog should have a steady flow of visitors and good content.
  
• Ad-friendly content: Your content must comply with PropellerAds’ guidelines (no adult content, malware, or illegal activities).
  

Once approved, you can earn money through both CPM and CPC (cost-per-click) models. PropellerAds is also known for fast payouts.

Best Practices for Ad Monetization Success

To maximize your earnings with any ad network, consider the following tips:

1. Optimize Ad Placements

Experiment with different ad positions to see where your audience is most likely to engage with ads. The most common placements are above the fold, in the sidebar, and within the content.

2. Focus on Quality Content

Ad networks want to work with sites that have high-quality, original content. Create posts that are informative, well-written, and visually appealing.

3. Increase Traffic

To get approved by higher-tier ad networks like Mediavine or AdThrive, you’ll need to increase your site’s traffic. Focus on SEO, social media promotion, and guest posting to boost visibility.

4. Ensure Mobile Optimization

Since a significant portion of traffic comes from mobile devices, ensure your blog is mobile-responsive to enhance user experience and ad revenue.

5. Monitor Ad Performance

Once your ads are running, use analytics to track their performance. Most ad networks provide detailed reports to help you understand which ads perform best. Use this data to tweak your strategy for optimal revenue.

Monetizing your blog with ads is an excellent way to generate income, especially as you grow your audience. Google AdSense, Mediavine, AdThrive, Ezoic, and PropellerAds are among the top ad networks available, offering bloggers various monetization opportunities based on traffic levels and niche.Getting approved by these ad networks requires having a blog with quality content, consistent traffic, and adherence to guidelines. Once you’re approved, optimizing ad placements and experimenting with different formats can help maximize your revenue. Whether you’re just starting or are looking to scale up, selecting the right ad network can make all the difference in your blogging income.