How to Track Invalid Adsense Clicks Using StatCounter

A lot of things can happen online, some of which are beyond your control. One of these is invalid click activities that are caused by a number of things, but can lead you into one unfortunate situation - getting banned from AdSense for good. Since you need AdSense to keep track of your website's performance, you should do anything possible to protect yourself against invalid clicks.

StatCounter can help you in this mission. This is a web traffic analysis tool that lets you track all clicks and exit links. Through it, you will know where a majority of your invalid clicks are coming from, and the corresponding IPs that you can then block to protect your AdSense account.

Getting started is as easy as signing up and creating an account. You can then create a new project for a website that you want to track. Like most analytics tools, StatCounter is fairly easy to use. Make sure to select a counter or Invisible tracking, and opt to receive reports in a weekly or monthly basis, so that you can keep an eye on invalid AdSense clicks.

After entering the appropriate information, press the "Add Project" button which will take you to the "Choose an installation Guide for your website" page - here click the "Default Installation Guide" link. Now, StatCounter will give you a code along with instructions on how to install this code on your website. After adding the code, press the "Check Installation" button on the right toward the bottom of the page in order to finish the installation process.

Tracking Exit Links

Once you have added StatCounter to your website, your reports will be available within minutes. Now let's see how to track invalid AdSense Clicks using StatCounter.

Click on Stats and click on the menu called "Exit Link Activity". This will show all the links that visitors clicked on to leave your website. Here, you can also find Date, Time, Exit Link Clicked and the page on which the exit link was clicked.

The exit link could be a advertisement or a link to other website. To display only the clicks on the AdSense ads, use the "Exit Link Match" filter to 'google adsense'. This way, you will be able to see how many clicks are there on advertisements and at what time the click was made.

To see even more information about a particular visitor who clicked on the link, click on the magnify icon. This will show you the Search Referral, IP Address of the visitor, Host Name, their Location, how many times they've visited your blog before, Visit Length, Browser, OS, Resolution, ISP, and the pages they viewed including the exit links.

So this is how you can track the invalid AdSense clicks using StatCounter. Although you may have to disable advertisements on your website temporarily to avoid a potentially disastrous situation, such as being click bombed, it is a better alternative than being kicked out of AdSense permanently. Through StatCounter, you will be able to detect invalid clicks or any suspicious activities that will inflate the number of clicks on an ad. Since you can't control an advertiser or publisher's desire to increase their earnings, you should monitor click through rates or the cost per clicks you are making. If there is a sudden increase of clicks but you make zero CPC, it's time to track down on these invalid Adsense clicks and put a stop to them.

4 Ways to Detect Invalid Activity in Google AdSense

Monitoring your website's performance shouldn't be a chore but a necessity. After all, how else will you know how to serve your audience better - and acquire new ones - if you don't know how they get to you, what they do on your site and who they are? Google Analytics is a tool that does all that, but despite its sophistication, your account can be suspended for invalid activity.

This is the one thing that you have to avoid because the process of reinstating your account may take a while. That said, how can you detect invalid activity?

Before answering the question, here are some terms that you need to familiarize yourself with as they will appear throughout the rest of this post:

DEFINITIONS

• Clicks - number of times a user has clicked on your advertisements
• CPC - cost per click; what you get whenever a user clicks on your ads
• Pageviews - refers to the action the user takes of viewing a page with an ad displayed
• CTR - click through rate; calculated as (clicks / pageviews) x 100 and is given in percentage
• Estimated Earnings - calculated as (clicks x CPC); the value goes up or gown while the earnings are still in verification process

WAYS TO DETECT INVALID ACTIVITY

1. You have a CTR above 20%. The normal range for CTR is 1% to 11%, but anything above these tells Google that there is something iffy and that may not bode well for you. So, if you notice this, make necessary changes so that you maintain a healthy CTR.

2. You have a lot of clicks but no CPC. As in, your assigned CPC is 0.00. For example, if you get about 50 clicks and don't have a CPC set, that tells Google that something funky is going on and they will not hesitate to take action. Keep in mind that they do take matters like this seriously, and which is why they employ both human and machine checking to analyze clicks and impressions.

3. You're estimated earnings rise then fall suddenly. For example, you get estimated earnings of $1.00 but the next minute this drops to $0.0. Whether it drops to zero or half the original estimated earnings amount after you refreshed the page, you know that something is up.

4. You have many clicks from one country but less pageviews. Google operates on the belief that if a user clicked on an ad, they are interested in what it has to say. So, if the pageviews are really low, that sends a wrong signal to Google and causes them to think that something fishy is happening.

So, make sure to check your AdSense performance regularly so you can spot discrepancies and address them as soon as possible before Google decides to suspend your account.

Using the AdSense Access and Authorization Feature

It is amazing when you see a webmaster using a blogspot blog stealing an AdSense Java Script Code and using it on their website. They will usually keep your unique publisher ID while showing ads from your account. While their action may be unintentional in terms of them not caring which ID that they use, the net effect is that you are now involved in their illegal action.

Whatever their reason for doing so, once they are caught and banned for using illegal and plagiarized materials, chances are that Google will also ban your Adsense account as well because it violates the terms of service and the program polices even though you may not have been aware that this happened to you. It doesn't really matter to Google because they see your unique publisher ID and assume that it is you posting the illegal materials.

In addition, there are websites that also use the iFrame HTML program that will embed to the post and pages of your website as well. This means that you are now violating the Terms of Services as well as the Program Policies because they are showing the AdSense ads inside an iFrame which is forbidden. Again, because it is your website, Google will assume that it is you unless you can take appropriate action.

While this may seem unfair, it must be noted that Google has recognized the practices of others in using the websites and unique publisher ID, so they have developed a new feature called "Access and Authorization" that you can find within the dashboard of AdSense. It is here that you can only allow certain sites to show ads for your account and not have to worry about getting punished for something that you did not do.

Access and Authorization Usage

You will need to log into your AdSense account and then proceed to "Site Authorization" which will then let you check the mark to allow only certain ads to be shown for your account. When you check the box that allows only certain sites, it will ask you which domains that you are allowing to show on your website and what has permission to use your ad code:

Here, you will need to type in all the websites or domains that you have granted permission and save the changes you have made by clicking the "Save" button. While it may be tempting to not list any, you will need to list the following in order to fully comply with the request and not create any more confusion:

- Your Domains: Any domains and sub-domains that you own where you want to monetize them with AdSense.
- Country Specific TLDs: Basically, any country-specific TLDs of Google will need to be included as well, for example a .blogspot.com blog (see the screenshot below). To find a complete list of all Google domains, click HERE.
- Translate Site: If some of your customers are using translation sites to visit your website, then you'll want to at least include the major ones such as Google Translate and others. You can find a list of the major ones or stick to Google if you like.
- Yahoo & Bing Domains and Sub-Domains: Wherever your articles are being read, you'll need to include these sites as well.
- Articles: If you are using articles from other websites that have your ad code and you have promised to share your AdSense revenue with the parties involved, then you will need to enter all of the article URL codes separately in order to make sure that they are authorized.

If you were to use a domain name that is not on your list of authorized websites, but it does use your ad code, then you will see alerts on your dashboard to notify you. If these are legitimate sites that you want to use your ad code, but simply did not put them on the list you can do so thanks to the warning provided on your dashboard:

We've noticed your ad code has appeared on websites you haven't authorized. To avoid lost revenue, make sure to authorize any sites you own to display ads by visiting your account settings.

However, if these sites are not authorized, then you can feel comfortable by ensuring that their domain is not on your list and Google will not punish you for the theft by others.

Also, keep in mind that any domain name that is using your ad code and is not authorized will remain in place and not generate any money for you. So, you cannot profit by the theft of others even when they are using your ad code. While this may seem unfair in a sense, the way the process works does keep your website from being punished for what someone else has done.

Additional Notes for Using Access and Authorization on AdSense

There are a number of things that you will need to be aware of when using this particular program. First, be sure that you check it frequently so that you can catch any warning early on. You only need to sign into your account and check the dashboard where the authorization is located. By checking frequently, you can catch those who are authorized and add them to your account.

Remember that any partner websites of Adsense such as youtube.com, blogspot.com, blogger.com etc. are fully authorized to show your ads without having to add them to your account listing. All partner websites of AdSense qualify, so you only need to restrict yourself to the sites that are outside that particular area.

When you add a domain to your list of sites that are authorized to use your ad code, they will automatically be added to your list of sites that you own as well. This means that you don't have to add them twice and can limit your efforts to just the first authorization part.

You'll want to use this feature in order to avoid any misunderstanding and especially to avoid being punished for something that you did not do. However, you'll need to prepare a bit before entering all of the applicable domains that can use your ad code. By taking a little time and going over all the places where they appear, you can add them in and get the greatest benefit from this particular feature of AdSense.

If you have any more questions, you might also try posting them here in the Adsense help forums.

What to Do Before Applying for Google AdSense

It seems that everyone wants to make money by joining up with Google AdSense and why not? Google AdSense is a relatively simple, straightforward way to actually start earning some extra money with your efforts.

However, things have changed from the early days of AdSense when joining was not much of an issue. Today, applying for AdSense takes more effort and some preparation so that you can take full advantage of their services.

First, you will need a good reason to apply for AdSense so you can reap the benefits that they offer. Here you will find out more about what Google AdSense is all about, what they offer and how you can properly prepare yourself before joining to really take advantage.

What is Google AdSense?

One of the most established internet networks to offer advertisement publishing, AdSense uses the Pay Per Click (PPC) system to help businesses reach out to others on the web. At one time, Google used to provide AdSense to everyone who used their Blogspot program, but now that has changed. 

Today, AdSense is one of the most respected thanks to the many thousands of satisfied publishers and customers who use the service. It is straightforward, easy to use and always pays on time which makes it very attractive to anyone wanting to have this service. If you do your work the right way, it will pay better than any other similar service on the web.

However, it is their very success that now makes them harder to join. When you apply, everything has to be just right otherwise you will not be approved.

How to Avoid Getting Your Application Rejected

There are a number of things to avoid when applying for AdSense so that your entry will not be discarded. Here are just a few.

Read Google Policies: Just like studying for a test, Google posts their policies about what it takes for your site to get into AdSense. So, take the time to read them and be sure that your website follows the rules.

Have Good Content: If your website doesn't have good or sufficient content, it will not be accepted. So, be sure that you provide them with enough to review. In addition, it has to be neat, professional and grammatically correct otherwise it will give them the excuse to toss out your application.

Aesthetically Pleasing: Garish yellows and lots of distracting glitz will also stop you in your tracks when you apply for AdSense. Your website should have a good, solid design that is comfortable to look at and pleasing for the visitor.

Post Your Contact Information: If Google cannot find a way to contact you through your website, you might as well not apply. Having an "About Us" page that is complete with contact info is the minimum to getting accepted.

Now that you've done the basics, it is time to hedge your bets when it comes to applying for AdSense by adding in items and procedures that will enhance your chances. While nothing is guaranteed, the following steps will help your website in getting approved.

10 Ways to Increase Your Chances when Applying for AdSense

1. Policy for Privacy

It may seem odd to have a privacy policy for your blog, but it is vital if you want to get AdSense approval. Without it, you might as well not apply at all. The policy itself should describe to those who visit your blog what they will see and what they can and cannot do.

2. Contact Information

This is where you put in your contact information. At the very least, it should consist of an email so that readers can contact you directly about any issue they have on your blog.

3. About Us

This is where you tell people a little about who you are, what your business does and how you are going to accomplish it. This is sort of like an introductory page to your efforts and it critical when you apply for Adsense.

4. Email & Name Verification

Be sure that you put your email as well as your name in your About Me or Contact Us page so that it will help Google verify you quickly.

5. Verify Age

Always use your correct name and date of birth when applying for AdSense. This is mostly for those who are under 18, but it is important to be truthful otherwise you'll never get approved.

6. Appropriate Design

Your blog should look attractive, professional and easy to use. You don't have to be fancy or pour in thousands of dollars, just make it clean and neat will be sufficient.

7. Have Plenty of Posts

Do you know that there is no minimum number of posts stated by Google in terms of what is required for joining AdSense? Even so, if you only have a handful, do not count on getting approved. You should shoot for about 500 or so before applying to demonstrate your seriousness about your efforts and make sure that they are at least 500 words in length.

8. Remember the Rules

No pornography, illegal items, advocating drug use or other items that will not get you any AdSense at all. Plus, if your posts are all less than 200 words, that will not work either.

9. Adds Value

Your blog or website must provide real value for your audience. This will not only help keep people visiting your site, but it will also impress Google as well.

10. Unique, Top Level Domain

Basically, this means that your domain should be a ".com" in order to succeed. Plus, the name itself needs to be short as possible, related to your area of interest and easy to remember.

When applying for AdSense, you will need to keep all of these things in mind so that you will be accepted. However, all of the attributes that Google AdSense requires are also ones that will boost your website as well. So, keep this in mind when you apply for AdSense because the result will be a blog that will start earning you another income stream that can build over time.

How to Add Adsense Ads In the Middle or Anywhere inside Blogger Posts

In a previous post we saw how and where we can place Adsense ads on our blog; however, these methods would only work when we place the ads on predetermined and fixed locations. For posts area, the most common places are below the title, at the beginning of the post or at the end of the post.

But what if we want to display an AdSense ad in the middle of a post?

We can manipulate the location of the ads to be displayed by adding a script inside the template and using a tag inside our post to where we want the AdSense ad to appear. Once added, we can place the ads anywhere, be it between paragraphs or in the middle of the content etc.

Manually inserting Adsense ads in the middle of posts in Blogger is pretty simple, just follow these steps below:

Before proceeding, it is recommended do backup your template (go to Template > click on the Backup/restore button)

Step 1. First thing we need to do is to "parse" the AdSense code, in other words, convert it to plain text. Then go to Template, click on the Edit HTML button, click anywhere inside the code area and look for this tag (CTRL + F):

<data:post.body/>

Note: you may find it several times, but we need to stop at the second one or if you can't see any changes, test the third one

Screenshot

Step 2. Replace the <data:post.body/> tag with this code:

<div expr:id='"adsmiddle1" + data:post.id'></div>
<b:if cond='data:blog.pageType == "item"'>
<b:if cond='data:blog.pageType != &quot;static_page&quot;'>
<div style="clear:both; margin:10px 0">
<!-- Add here the code of your ad -->
</div>
</b:if>
</b:if>
<div expr:id='"adsmiddle2" + data:post.id'>
<data:post.body/>
</div>
<script type="text/javascript">
var obj0=document.getElementById("adsmiddle1<data:post.id/>");
var obj1=document.getElementById("adsmiddle2<data:post.id/>");
var s=obj1.innerHTML;
var r=s.search(/\x3C!-- adsense --\x3E/igm);
if(r>0) {obj0.innerHTML=s.substr(0,r);obj1.innerHTML=s.substr(r+16);}
</script>

Step 3. Put the converted Adsense code to where you see the <!-- Add here the code of your ad --> annotation, then save the changes by clicking on the Save template button.

Note: For centering ads, add the center tag before and after the AdSense code, like this:

<div style="clear:both; margin:10px 0">
<center>
<!-- Add here the code of your ad -->
</center>
</div>

Step 4. When you create a New Post, add this tag inside the HTML section to where you want the Google AdSense ads to appear:

<!-- adsense -->

For example:

<div>This is a demo text. This is a demo text. This is a demo text. This is a demo text. This is a demo text. This is a demo text. This is a demo text. This is a demo text. This is a demo text. This is a demo text.</div>
<!-- adsense --><div>This is a demo text. This is a demo text. This is a demo text. This is a demo text. This is a demo text. This is a demo text. This is a demo text. This is a demo text. This is a demo text. This is a demo text.</div>

Screenshot

Note: If you don't add the label to bring up the ad, then the ad will appear below the title by default.

And you don't have to worry about violating the Google's Terms of Service because applying this method we are not changing the structure of the ad.