When it comes to adding revenue to a web site, AdSense rules the roost. As the biggest and most popular source of advertising, Google AdSense makes the rules that web publishers live with. Because the punishment for breaking the rules is harsh (exclusion from the Google AdSense program forever) many web site owners are afraid to add anything to their site except AdSense. "I don't know if it's allowed," they say. "I don't want to take any chances."

The fact is, you can have many revenue-enhancing agents on your web site in addition to AdSense so long as they are not contextual. What does contextual mean? AdSense searches the words on your web site, then places ads that match the context, or the environment.

For instance, if AdSense finds many words about dogs on your web site, it will assume the context of the site is about dogs. It will line you up with ads related to dog training, pet supplies and such. Google specifically prohibits you from using AdSense with any other form of contextual advertising.

Advertising banners and links to products are just two examples of other types of advertising that can co-exist with AdSense. One of the most complimentary additions is the Amazon Associates program.

By registering at Amazon.com, you are able to place graphic images that link to a wide range of products on your web site. Amazon is not just books. You can get ads for everything from power tools to toys. You go to the Amazon, site, find products you want to feature and copy a bit of Javascript to create the link. Amazon, unlike AdSense, is not pay-per-click, however. You only earn revenue when a purchase is actually made.

Amazon has also added a program called "Omakase." Omakase is Japanese for "leave it up to us," an allusion to the fact that you leave it up to Amazon to search your web site and find products that suit your page. At first glance, this may sound like contextual advertising. However, Google's official stance on Amazon's Omakase program is this: "According to our program policies, Omakase may be displayed on the same page as Google ads on your site."

So go ahead, branch out in your advertising and enhance your revenue. AdSense and Amazon can co-habit in harmony on any web site.



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