Does AdSense for Search pay less than AdSense for Content?

We recently added Adsense for Search to a bunch of pages on our site.

I have noticed that the average amount earned per click via Adsense for Search is much lower than the average for Adsense for Content.

Is it the case that Google pays different amounts for each? The ads that show on the search results pages seem to be similar or identical to ads that appear on other areas of our site, so I am not sure why there would be a significant differents in average click earnings.

Dave's Answer:

You're exactly correct that the per-click payment for ads shown as part of AdSense for Search are typically quite a bit lower than AdSense for Content. In fact, I believe it's the case that even if the advertiser were paying the same per-click fee to Google for top placement for a given keyword that the payout to someone hosting those ads are lower.

However, I'm a bit confused by one comment you make: you can't add AdSense for Search to your own pages: you can only specify that you want to include a search subsystem on your site and then have AdSense pages in the search results, as far as I recall. Perhaps that's what you mean?

Anyway, one reason that Search produces lower payouts might be because the page that includes the advertisement is served up by Google itself, while on AdSense for Content the pages are actually part of the Web site (for example, this very page on my Web site, which includes AdSense for Content).

Further, I have to say that I've never made enough on AdSense for Search to pay for a can of soda, let alone any meaningful revenue. If I can quote from my popular book Growing Your Business with Google on this topic:

"The majority of Website owners I've surveyed share that while they might make a respectable revenue stream from the AdSense program, almost none of it is because of AdSense for Search. Your site, your visitors, and your experiences may certainly vary, of course, but while it's important to include a search engine on your site, utilizing one that includes ads might not be in your best interest."

I hope that helps clear up your question regarding AdSense for Content versus AdSense for Search!

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Reader Comments To Date: 14

hussam said, on February 7, 2007 2:33 PM:

i have a question ! i put ads for search and i did many tests also my friends did , but in my statistics .. NOTHING HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE MONEY I HAVE OR TO THE CLICKS ???????

almondj said, on May 15, 2007 7:21 PM:

to hussam...

it's called an invalid click, you or anybody else cant click a link more than a few times before google stops counting the clicks and won't give you anymore money. Your lucky google hasn't shot your account down yet!

aca said, on July 2, 2007 10:27 AM:

i made millions on adsense for search!!!

sphurthy said, on June 16, 2008 9:20 AM:

I do make few cents everyday by adsense for search - only sometimes I get a good money for my clicks.

But it is good to have search on your website, it gives a good experience for the end user

Analyst said, on October 3, 2008 2:53 PM:

My compliments for an article written with an indepth analysis and I also feel that the payment is less for search as I have seen the same for my Indian stock tips site.

Quran said, on February 6, 2009 3:30 AM:

you are right adsense for search gives less money then adsense for content. but atleast it gives money.

analogstuff said, on March 5, 2009 12:00 AM:

I dont agree with your statement Dave. I get more money from adsense for search than adsense for content.

John said, on May 13, 2009 7:31 AM:

so it means we should leave adsense for search.

Dore said, on July 21, 2009 7:45 AM:

yes it pays less.

Salae said, on September 27, 2009 1:21 AM:

Adsense for search makes only few cents for me.

shahid said, on December 22, 2009 12:55 AM:

dear friends not to be focus on which one is generating more money but focus on long lasting work as to develop your skills by putting standard article, start tag your account with hubpages write article adsense will put add on it when people will click on ads you will get money.

Muhammad Aleem said, on April 21, 2011 8:31 AM:

Yes same here in my case google is paying jus few cents for google search engine :(

Henry said, on December 3, 2011 1:15 AM:

Pls dave can nigeria citizens participate? How much it cost 2 participate for the google adsense?

Dave Taylor said, on December 3, 2011 8:12 AM:

Hello Henry. According to the Google AdSense signup page, it appears that you can be from Nigeria and join the program (free). Check it out: https://www.google.com/adsense/g-app-single-1

I do have a lot to say, and questions of my own for that matter, but first I'd like to say thank you, Dave, for all your helpful information by buying you a cup of coffee!

I do have a comment, now that you mention it!

Does AdSense for Search pay less than AdSense for Content?

Reader Comments To Date: 14

I do have a comment, now that you mention it!

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