As we all know, some of Google's best kept state secrets, are the exact methods used by its index robot, Googlebot, in determining the exact nature of the AdSense ads that show up on your website's pages.
In my experience, if you practice the guidelines and suggestions listed below, Google will consistently serve highly relevant ads to your pages. As an added benefit I have also found that when practicing these methods, you get indexed better by all search engine robots. These are not tricks, just what I consider sound fundamentals.
Let's start with your site's domain name.When possible choose a domain name that contains a top keyword related to the main focus or nature of your website. I find nameboy.com's domain name search tool, which features a related word/words options, very useful in domain name research.
After you've settled on a strong domain name, find related keywoods, phrases, and concepts using Google's Updated Keyword Tool and the Overture Keyword Tool. Us them as the anchors or main themes of your content.
META TITLE is important to AdSense, use it well. The title should properly define the content of the page or AdSense ad subject you desire on EACH individual page in your site. META KEYWORDS should be accurate and always remain true to the webpage's content.
Always maintain a proper situational awareness of both the site's conceptual focus or subject and that of the content contained on that specific page. Make sure all keywords you use are also present in visible text on the page. Remember, No Google ad may be placed on pages published specifically for the purpose of showing ads, whether or not the page content is relevant." Write your content for readers not for AdSense. A few extra keywords isn't worth the risk of having your AdSense account terminated.
Format your page using heading tags on your page's first line of text, it's important. The first line should always be very descriptive of the page content. Use it like you would the title or keywords, always relevant to the content of the page. When possible, pages serving AdSense ads should have left navigation, not top navigation.
Create a Google Sitemap. Google says it doesn't help, but it seems like it does.
AdSense gives you several Google Ad Types and Styles to choose from. In my experience, the best AdSense ad sizes and placements are 160x600, skyscraper text only ads placed on either the left or right side and 336 x 280, big rectangle text ads placed at the top or middle of the page. I also recommend Google AdSense for search. Besides providing a search field, you will also have the added benefit that the search result page displays AdSense ads. Any clicks on these ads count as clicks from your site.
Use a non-intrusive AdSense ad color scheme that blends well with your site's colors. Ads shouldn't scream at website's visitors. Instead, they should blend into the design of the site, and not be a disturbance to the eye. I found this interesting as well from the BBC.
BBC News - First Impressions Count For Web
Part 2....Later Today....Meanwhile enjoy some useful Google links.
Google Shortcuts
Google Guide: ShortcutsGoogle AdWords: Keyword Tool
Google AdSense
Google General FAQ
Google Groups Advanced Search Advanced search page for Groups.
Google Press Center: Zeitgeist Pulling together interesting search trends and patterns.
Google's New LocalRank Algorithm Google's New LocalRank Algorithm
Google Site Map Google Site Map
Google Froogle Merchant Center Google Merchant Feed Agreement Form Page.
Google Sitemaps - Welcome! Google Sitemaps uses your sitemap to learn about the structure of your site and to increase our coverage of your webpages.
Google Sitemaps Help Google Sitemaps Help pages.
Google Special Features Google Web Search Features Index
Submit Your URL To Google Enter your full URL, including the http:// prefix.
Report Spam in Google Results Help maintain the quality of Google search results by reporting spam you find Google index.
Non Google Controlled Sites
Google Data Centers List List Google's worldwide network of servers. Google PageRank Prediction Google PageRank Prediction Tool. Future Page Rank Tool at RustyBrick
Google Weblog Google Weblog is not affiliated with or endorsed by Google
GoogleRankings.com - Check URL relevance in Google Check the ranking of a web page in Google. A free search engine optimization too
Poodle Predictor See what your site's pages look like in Google results.
Google Page Google Search Engine Optimization Website
Google PageRank Google's PageRank explained and how to make the most of it
Slashdot Google Discussions Slashdot threads related to Google
Slashdot Discussion on Google Rank Contest Discussion of a search engine optimization contest based on the process of optimizing a web page and links to insure a high ranking with Google being the main search engine of interest.
WebmasterWorld WebmasterWorld Forum, The Google World Threads
