page.title=Monetize with Ads
page.metaDescription=Ads are a quick and easy way to incorporate a monetization option into both your free and paid apps.
page.tags="monetizing", "free", "freemium", "ads"
page.image=/distribute/images/advertising.png

@jd:body

<div class="figure">
  <img src="{@docRoot}distribute/images/advertising.jpg" style="width:460px;">
</div>

<p>
  Ads can be a quick and easy way to earn more from your <a href=
  "{@docRoot}distribute/monetize/freemium.html">freemium</a>, <a href=
  "{@docRoot}distribute/monetize/premium.html">premium</a>, and <a href=
  "{@docRoot}distribute/monetize/subscriptions.html">subscription</a> apps.
  AdMob and the Google Mobile Ads SDK let you add advertising to your apps with
  just a few lines of code.
</p>

<p>
  The question is: which model gets the best results for your app? Google's ad
  tools are made to help you figure out what combination works best for both
  your audience and your bottom line. </p>

<p>Start by linking your AdMob and Google
  Analytics accounts to get better insights and more earning power: for
  instance, AdMob can promote in-app purchases to the people who buy them most
  often, while showing income-generating ads to those less likely to buy right
  now.
</p>

<p>
  Using <a href=
  "http://www.google.com/ads/admob/monetize.html#subid=us-en-et-dac">AdMob</a>
  and the <a href="{@docRoot}google/play-services/ads.html">Google Mobile Ads
  SDK</a> included in Google Play Services, you’re able to add advertising into
  your apps, with just a few lines of code.
</p>

<p>
  When including ads in your apps you should consider:
</p>

<ul>
  <li>
    <p>
      <strong>Placement within your apps</strong> &mdash; Well-placed ads make
      it more likely that users will click through and convert. Poorly-placed
      ads lead to lower click-through rates, and even poor ratings and users
      abandoning your apps. Our <a href=
      "{@docRoot}training/monetization/ads-and-ux.html">developer training</a>
      on using ads shows some of the best ways to place ads.
    </p>
  </li>

  <li>
    <p>
      <strong>Ad formats</strong> &mdash; Every app offers a different type of
      experience for users, so it’s important that your ad formats match that
      experience. While banner ads may work well for a flashlight utility app,
      an immersive gaming app may benefit more from a video interstitial.
      Mismatched ad formats can make users unhappy and leave money on the
      table.
    </p>
  </li>

  <li>
    <p>
      <strong>Maximizing your performance</strong> &mdash; Make sure you’re
      optimizing your advertising revenue by maximizing your CPMs and fill
      rate. Ad providers often cite their very high CPMs but don't mention low
      fill rates that can severely decrease your effective CPM. Be sure to look
      at both of these figures. Consider using a <a href=
      "https://support.google.com/admob/v2/answer/3063564?hl=en&amp;ref_topic=3063091#subid=us-en-et-dac">
      mediation</a> solution if you’d like to use multiple ad providers in your
      apps. Look for solutions that offer yield management or <a href=
      "https://support.google.com/admob/v2/answer/3379794?hl=en&amp;ref_topic=3379793#subid=us-en-et-dac">
      network optimization</a> features to serve the highest paying ad for each
      impression.
    </p>
  </li>

  <li>
    <p>
      <strong>Exercising control options</strong> &mdash; A variety of ads may
      show up within your app. It may make sense to <a href=
      "https://support.google.com/admob/v2/answer/3150235?hl=enl#subid=us-en-et-dac">
      block</a> certain of those advertisements from appearing, depending on
      your goals and the type of experience you want to provide. Some
      developers, for instance, don’t want ads for apps in their same category
      showing to their users, while others don’t mind at all.
    </p>
  </li>

  <li>
    <p>
      <strong>Cross promoting your other apps</strong> &mdash; Ads can do more
      than earn revenue. Consider running <a href=
      "https://support.google.com/admob/v2/answer/3210452?hl=en#subid=us-en-et-dac">
      house ads</a> within your apps to promote other apps in your portfolio.
      When you launch a new app, this kind of promotion is a free and easy way
      to attract new users quickly.
    </p>
  </li>
</ul>

<p>
  Don't forget that paid channels like AdWords and YouTube can help you cast a
  wider net by reaching targeted audiences outside the app ecosystem. They're a
  great way to find new users at a price that you control. <a href=
  "https://support.google.com/adwords/answer/2549053">Learn more</a>.
</p>

<p>
  To start monetizing with ads, sign up for AdMob and integrate the Google
  Mobile Ads SDK into your apps. If you also need to manage direct deals with
  advertisers, consider using DoubleClick for Publishers Small Business.
</p>


<p>
  To start monetizing with ads sign up for <a href=
  "http://www.google.com/ads/admob/#subid=us-en-et-dac">AdMob</a> and integrate
  the <a href="https://developers.google.com/mobile-ads-sdk/download">Google
  Mobile Ads SDK</a> into your apps. If you also need to manage direct deals
  with advertisers, consider using <a href=
  "http://www.google.com/doubleclick/publishers/small-business/index.html#subid=us-en-et-dac">
  DoubleClick for Publishers Small Business</a>.
</p>

<div class="headerLine"><h2 id="related-resources">Related resources</h2></div>

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