vCPM vs CPM: The Critical Factor Publishers Have to Know
August 30, 2024
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As you’re here, we assume you know what Google Ad Exchange for publishers is and why you should get in.
The next question is, how do you get Google AdX account?
If you’ve used any of Google’s services, you know that the company prefers the users to get in by themselves. For instance, you can access AdSense demand by pasting its tag to your site, and it’s done. The rest is all set, and you’ll be paid every 30 days. But, most publishers aren’t satisfied with the money they make from Google AdSense. The reason is ad revenue.
Google AdX is the next step in your monetization strategy. Similar to Adsense, you can enter AdX by yourself. It's an exchange, not an ad network, which means advertisers compete for your ad inventory in real-time auctions. This often translates to higher revenue for you by attracting premium brands with higher budgets.
Considering the potential benefits, it's essential to understand the key differences between AdSense and AdX.
The key difference between Google AdSense and Ad Exchange lies in control and access to features:
Feature | Google AdSense | Google AdX |
---|---|---|
Target Audience | Small to medium publishers | Large publishers with high traffic |
Control Level | Limited control over ads | Extensive control over ad formats, pricing, and inventory |
Ad Inventory | Standard ad formats | Access to premium ad inventory |
Traffic Requirements | No minimum traffic | High traffic volume required |
Ease of Use | User-friendly, easy setup | Requires technical expertise and Google Ad Manager |
Reporting & Transparency | Basic reports | Detailed reports with insights into ad performance and demand partners |
Monetization Potential | Connects with Google Display Network (GDN) and Google-certified ad networks | Opens doors to non-certified ad networks, allows setting minimum floor prices, potentially leading to higher revenue |
Besides, you’ll get access to a pool of new advertisers with deep pockets and year-long campaigns. In fact, from our analysis, we found that Google Ad Exchange is the best exchange in terms of revenue contribution. You get it; now, here’s how to get Google AdX.
Google Ad Manager is an ad server that helps publishers like you manage ad serving, set up and run direct deals, track the revenue, target the right inventory, and more. An ad exchange is a marketplace where publishers and media buyers come together to buy and sell ad impressions.
AdX is one of the many ad exchanges. You can access it via Google Ad Manager. Google has integrated AdX and GAM so that they compete with each other. So, they are together but different.
Imagine a world where high-caliber advertisers fight tooth and nail for a spot on your premium website. A world where real-time auctions drive up prices, potentially leading to significantly higher revenue per impression (think eCPM on steroids!).
Sounds good? There's more.
AdX doesn't just boost your bottom line, it keeps your site looking sharp too. Say goodbye to those embarrassing blank spaces – with such a vast network of advertisers, empty ad slots become a thing of the past.
But here's the real kicker: AdX understands the power of a happy audience. Their diverse pool of advertisers means you can find the perfect matches for your readers, ensuring targeted, relevant ads that won't disrupt the user experience.
There are different ways you can signup for Google Ad Exchange.
The simplest way to get into AdX is to ask Google itself. Usually, you’ll be assigned a Google Account Manager*, and you can just ask him/her whether you can get into Google AdX.
*Google Account Manager will be assigned to every publisher who uses Google’s ad server – Google Ad Manager (formerly Google DoubleClick).
Most likely, the account manager will push you to Google AdX if you’re eligible. So, what if you’re not eligible?
But first, what do you need to be eligible?
So, What Are the Eligibility Criteria for Google Ad Exchange (Google AdX)?
Google doesn’t publicly list the minimum requirements to access its exchange. But 10 million page views per month is the number that’s been thrown around a lot as the minimum requirement for a publisher.
We highly doubt it. We know a handful of publishers with 10 million page views/mo. who couldn’t get into Google AdX until we showed them the other way? That being said, certain things won’t get you to AdX. It includes:
– Having non-brand-safe content. Your site should be free from the following:
– Altering site behavior (initiating downloads, redirecting to unwanted websites, etc.) without users’ consent.
– Triggering pop-unders.
– Failing to host an ads.txt file.
– Publishing content in non-supported languages. Yes, Google doesn’t monetize all the languages. Here are the languages that aren’t supported at the moment:
You can partner with a third-party (Google AdX reseller) of your choice to get into Google Ad Exchange. Google runs — ‘Multiple Customer Management (MCM)‘ and ‘Google Publishing Partner’ programs for third parties to become Google’s authorized partner. You can access Google AdX demand via such resellers.
The authorized partners will resell your inventory through Google AdX even when you aren’t getting the invitation from Google. There’s a catch. You have to pay them for access. Most partners will take 10 to 20 percent of the ad revenue generated (via AdX) every month. If you are making $8000 from AdX, they’ll charge $800 for their services. It’s a good option as you’re getting exchange access.
But still, you are leaving money on the table. Selling your ad impressions via Google’s ad exchange is absolutely right. However, it’s not the ideal setup to reap the maximum benefits. Your revenue will increase (sometimes up to 50%) when you make Google AdX compete with other global exchanges.
That leads us to — header bidding.
You can get a Google AdX account by asking your Google Account Manager. If your request is not accepted, you can contact an authorised Google MCM Partner to get access to the Google Ad Exchange demand.
By now, you should’ve heard about header bidding. If not, it’s time. Header bidding is an advanced programmatic technique that gives you access to several ad exchanges like AdX, SSPs, and ad networks. One of the advantages of header bidding is that you’ll be able to conduct auctions without any bias, and the highest bidder will win the auction, thus earning the best possible CPM (or ad revenue).
All in all, the Google Ad Exchange account is one of the best ad platforms. It offers various options for website owners to put banners and other ads on their websites.
You may have the required 10 million ad impressions per month with 5 million monthly page views for six consecutive months. But, let's face it, Google's got standards (and rightfully so!). Just because you're a traffic titan doesn't mean you automatically get a seat at the AdX table. They dig deep, check your ad quality, user experience, and make sure everything's squeaky clean according to their policies. One wrong move, and poof, your AdX dreams could go up in smoke.
But fear not, with the right guidance, you can unlock the true revenue potential of AdX.
Google AdX is highly selective. We can help you understand and meet Google's rigorous standards for acceptance. Let's work together to optimize your chances of joining the AdX network.
August 30, 2024
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