Digital marketing is a broad term that encompasses a huge variety of different strategies, techniques and approaches. However, when it comes to monetising online content, eventually your choice boils down to affiliate marketing vs Google AdSense.
Which of these approaches should you use? In this article, we discuss the pros and cons of each and outline which we feel is the best for digital businesses and content creators, today.
Google AdSense: Pros and Cons
Google AdSense is a program managed by Google through which website owners and content creators can offer space on their platforms for ads.
AdSense is a PPC system, which means the amount you are paid will depend on the number of clicks ads generate on your platform.
One of the biggest advantages of AdSense is the low barrier to entry. The ads themselves are created by Google, so there is no requirement for you to spend time or money creating ads yourself.
There is no need for any special marketing or advertising knowledge when it comes to using AdSense. Google takes care of everything, which makes this a popular choice for newcomers to the world of digital marketing and content creation.
However, there are some downsides to using AdSense. First of all, you’re going to need to build a following if you want to see any serious returns, which takes time and effort.
For example, if you want to use AdSense on your YouTube account, first you’re going to need to amass 1,000 followers. Given that it takes an average of 22 months to reach this milestone, you won’t be able to start using AdSense straight away.
Another downside to using Google AdSense is the lack of control. Google will choose what products are advertised on your platform, which means they won’t necessarily be totally relevant to your audience or your brand. Furthermore, visitors to your platform may find ads invasive and annoying.
Affiliate Marketing: Pros and Cons
If you’re looking to monetise your digital brand, affiliate marketing is another approach you can take.
One of the biggest draws of affiliate marketing is the control it can offer you. Rather than Google choosing which ads appear on your platform, affiliate marketing leaves you free to decide which products you promote. This way, you can ensure you are only promoting items that are relevant to your audience and that reflect your brand ethos and values.
There is also higher earning potential with affiliate marketing. Rather than serving merely as a space where adverts can be displayed, you will be taking a more active role in the sales process and will be paid accordingly.
Affiliate marketing also offers you the chance to more effectively build your brand and online presence. With the correct approach, you can become a trusted authority voice in your particular niche; with readers and viewers returning to your platform again and again to look out for the next top product you are promoting.
Furthermore, you don’t need massive audience numbers to profit from affiliate marketing. By choosing the right affiliate program, you can profit from generating just a small number of conversions. This makes it the perfect choice for content creators and influencers working within small, specialised sectors.
Finally, choosing affiliate marketing means you can streamline your platform and make it look more professional and appealing. You’ll be free from invasive, irrelevant ads that can discourage users from exploring or returning to your site. Instead, your affiliate links will be contained directly within the content you create.
Which Approach is Best?
When it comes down to affiliate marketing vs Google AdSense, which comes out on top? There are clear pros and cons to each, but with its higher earning potential, greater creative control and stylistic advantages, we think that affiliate marketing is definitely the best approach. What do you think?
