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SEO for Plumbers: The Complete Guide

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SEO for Plumbers: The Complete Guide

Everyone searches for plumbers on Google. Nobody uses the Yellow Pages anymore.

This means that if you want to attract more customers to your plumbing business, the first page of Google is where you need to be. 

This guide teaches you how to get there from start to finish. 

Chapter 1. Plumber SEO basics

Let’s kick things off by answering a few basic (but important) questions. 

Why is SEO important for plumbers?

SEO is important for plumbers because hundreds of thousands of people search Google for local plumbers every month. 

Estimated monthly search volume for "plumbers near me" in the U.S.

Many people search for specific types of plumbers too, like emergency plumbers and gas plumbers:

People search for local plumbers in many ways

If you don’t show up in Google when people in your area search for what you do, you’re missing out on business.

Here are a couple of stats further highlighting the importance of SEO for plumbers: 

  • Every month, there are over 700,000 searches for “plumbers near me” globally.
  • Every month, there are hundreds of thousands of searches for other plumbing services like “emergency plumber near me” and “gas plumber near me.” 

Can I do SEO for my plumbing business myself?

Yes. The basics of SEO are simple. You may need some help with more complex things like link building and fixing technical issues. But you can improve your visibility online even if you don’t have a technical bone in your body.

Chapter 2. Google Business Profile optimization

Google shows two types of results for local queries (e.g., “plumber near me”): 

  1. Map pack results
  2. Regular organic results
Google's two types of results for local queries: regular and map pack

You can rank in both of them. But to rank in the map pack, you need to claim and optimize a free Google Business Profile. 

Let’s explore how to do that.

1. Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile

A Google Business Profile is a free local listing from Google. It allows a business to rank in the map pack.

Here’s how to claim and optimize your profile:

A. Add or claim your business

This is done through Google Maps. Google explains how to do this on any device here

B. Set your business category

This is straightforward enough for most plumbers as, unsurprisingly, the best category is usually “Plumber.”  However, you should be as specific as possible when choosing a category, so there are a few others to consider if you specialize in a particular area. Examples include:

  • Gas installation service
  • Drainage service
  • Heating contractor

C. Set your service area

This lets customers know whether you serve their area. You can list up to 20. Just ensure that the boundaries of your overall service area don’t extend farther than about two hours of driving time from where your business is based, as per Google’s guidelines.

D. Add other basic information

This helps customers understand if you’re the right solution for them. Essential details include your opening hours, phone number, and website. Add photos of plumbing jobs completed if possible too. The more complete your profile, the better.

E. Add services

This helps potential customers understand whether you can help with their issues. Filling these in accurately may also help prevent phone calls from folks asking for things you don’t offer. That’s useful if you specialize in a specific area like bathroom installation.

Make sure to add the services you offer to your Business Profile

Recommendation

You’ll need an optimized Business Profile for each office if you serve multiple cities or states with multiple offices. Repeat the steps above to do that. 

2. Get listed in directories

Most business directories list your business name, address, and phone number. In the SEO world, these are called NAP citations. According to BrightLocal’s survey, 7% of SEOs think they’re the most important ranking factor for map pack rankings.

7% of SEOs think citations are the most important ranking factor for the map pack

Follow these two simple steps to get NAP citations for your business.

A. Get listed with big data aggregators

Data aggregators feed information about your plumbing business to many directories. Get listed with them, and you could end up with hundreds of citations.

Here are the big data aggregators in the U.S.:

You’ll also want to submit your business to other big players. In the U.S., these include:

  • Apple Maps
  • Yelp
  • Yellow Pages
  • Bing Places
  • Facebook
  • TomTom
  • Dunn & Bradstreet

B. Get listed in industry and city-specific directories

Plumbing and city-specific directories are your next target. You can use the Link Intersect report in Ahrefs’ Site Explorer to find them. This shows you websites linking to multiple competitors, but not you. For local businesses, many of these will be directories. 

Here’s the process:

  1. Paste your website into Site Explorer
  2. Go to the Link Intersect tool
  3. Enter the homepage URLs of 5–10 competitors
  4. Hit “Show link opportunities” 
  5. Eyeball the results for relevant directories
Link Intersect in Ahrefs' Site Explorer
Link Intersect finds many directories linking to plumbers' homepages

As you can see, many of the linking sites are directories for plumbers or local businesses.

3. Get more reviews

Reviews are important for ranking in the map pack. In fact, according to BrightLocal’s survey, 17% of SEOs think they’re the most important ranking factor. 

17% of SEOs think reviews are the most important ranking factor for the map pack

Here’s how to get more reviews for your plumbing business:

  • Use Google’s Business Profile Manager to create a review link and send it to happy customers
  • Turn your review link into a QR code and print it on your business card
  • Give previous customers a call and ask them to leave a review
  • Put the review link on your website

Chapter 3. Keyword research

People don’t always click map pack results. They also click the regular organic results. This means you can’t just rely on your Google Business Profile to attract business. You also need to optimize your website to rank for relevant keywords.

If you build a reputation and a few good backlinks (more on that later), your homepage will hopefully rank for obvious terms like “plumber near me.” But not everyone who needs a plumber searches this way.

Some people will search for more specific services like “emergency plumber” or “drain unblocking.” 

Many people search for individual plumbing services every month

For this reason, you should create additional pages on your website to attract more customers from relevant searches. To do that, you need to know what potential customers are searching for. 

Here’s how to do that in three simple steps.

1. Find service and industry keywords

Put your thinking cap on and list the services you offer. 

Here’s what that may look like:

  • Drain unblocking
  • Boiler repair
  • Boiler installation
  • Boiler servicing
  • Radiator installation
  • Burst pipe repair
  • Drain cleaning
  • Toilet installation
  • Tap repair

Recommendation

Check the services listed on your Google Business Profile to speed up this process. 

Next, paste the list into Ahrefs’ Keywords Explorer, select your country from the dropdown, check the Matching terms report, then add the phrase “near me” to the “Include” filter. 

Filtering for "near me" searches in Keywords Explorer

This will show you other local services people search for that include the terms on your list. 

For example, if we paste the list above into Keywords Explorer, we see terms like:

  • sewer drain cleaning near me
  • storm drain cleaning near me
  • gas boiler repair near me
  • commercial boiler repair near me
  • radiator installation near me

Eyeball the results and add any missed services you offer to your list. 

2. Check relative popularity

You’ll probably want to create pages for all the services you offer. But it makes sense to prioritize the ones people are searching for the most. 

To do this, repeat the previous step with your completed list of services. As reports in Keywords Explorer are sorted by monthly search by default, it should tell you roughly which services get the most searches.

"Near me" searches for plumbing services in Keywords Explorer

Of course, this is national search popularity (not local). But what happens in one city is likely to be similar in the next, so it doesn’t really matter. 

3. Assign keywords to pages

Most service keywords deserve their own pages. But it may be best to group similar ones together if Google ranks near-identical results.

For example, the results for “drain cleaning near me,” “drain unblocking near me,” and “drain clearance near me” are virtually indistinguishable. This is because all of these searches mean roughly the same thing.

In cases like these, there’s no need to create multiple pages for each service. Just create one.

Recommendation

If you’re unsure whether to create one or multiple pages for similar keywords, consider whether having multiple pages will be useful for visitors. If the answer’s no, one page is usually the best bet. 

Learn more: How to Do Local Keyword Research

Chapter 4. Content creation

Knowing what keywords to target is useful. But unless you actually create pages to target them, there’s not much point in doing keyword research. There are also a few other pages you should create. Let’s go through them all.

1. Create service pages

Each of the main services you offer should have its own page. 

There are many ways to create these, so it’s impossible to say what will work best for you. But if you’re looking for a good starting point, here’s a rough template:

Service page template for plumbers

Here are the four areas to focus on:

  1. Clarity – Help visitors understand whether this service is right for them by tying it to the problems they may be facing
  2. Catchment – Help visitors understand whether you serve them with a map and locations
  3. Confidence Help visitors understand why they should choose your business; reviews, accreditations, and unique selling points are the name of the game here
  4. Contact – Tell visitors how to get in touch 

None of this is rocket science. Even better, the only bit you need to change between pages is clarification of the service offered. You can reuse catchment, confidence, and contact information across them all. 

2. Create an “about” page

Most plumbers have an “about” page even if they’re not invested in SEO. And although these pages rarely pop up in search results, they’re a useful place to demonstrate E-A-T.

E-A-T stands for expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness. It’s not a Google ranking factor, but ranking factors do map to these qualities. 

Here are a few ideas for demonstrating E-A-T on your “about” page:

  • Explain how the business started
  • Explain how long you’ve been in business and/or been a plumber
  • Talk about your certifications and accreditations
  • Explain how you’re insured and licensed
  • Feature reviews and testimonials from happy customers

Learn more: What Is E-A-T? Why It’s Important for SEO

3. Create a location page

This isn’t necessary if you’re a one-person band operating in one area. But if you have multiple bases and service areas dotted around the country, you need to list these on a location page.

Here’s an example from TDIndustries:

Example of a plumber's "locations" page

You can also create individual pages for each location like Mr. Rooter:

Example of a plumber's "locations" page for an individual location

There can be SEO benefits to having a page for each location. But generally speaking, having one page listing them all will suffice for most plumbers. 

Having pages for services people search for is a large part of the battle won. But there are a few extra on-page optimizations you can make to get the most juice out of them. 

A. Write compelling title tags and meta descriptions 

Title tags and meta descriptions are important because they often appear in search results.

Example of the title tag and meta description in Google's search results

You can’t get too creative when writing these for service and location pages (which are the important ones). Still, they do need to be as accurate and compelling as possible. 

Title tags

Simplicity is the name of the game here. Your service and business name in title case divided by a pipe will usually suffice.

Drain Unblocking | [Business Name]

For location pages, use your main service and add “in [location]”:

Plumber in Atlanta | [Business Name]

Meta descriptions

No need to reinvent the wheel here either. Just give a few more details about the service and your business.

Here’s a good example:

Things not draining properly? Josh’s Plumbing Company can unblock and repair any and all drainage problems. We’re here to help 24/7.

Keep these within around 120 characters, or they may truncate. (A free tool like SERPSim can help keep you in range.)

B. Use short, descriptive URL slugs

A URL slug is the last part of the URL that describes the content on the page. 

Example of a URL slug

Descriptive URL slugs are important because they help searchers understand the content and context of the page before clicking. They’ll get cut off in the search results if they’re too long, so it also pays to keep them short and sweet. 

Here’s a simple format for service page URL slugs: 

service-name

Example:

drain-cleaning

It’s that simple. Just the service name with dashes between words. No need to shoehorn locations or additional keywords in there.

For location pages, write the location name instead.

Having pages optimized for search engines is all well and good. But unless Google can find and index those pages, it’s all a waste of time because only known and indexed pages can appear in search results. This is where technical SEO comes in.

Technical SEO may sound scary, but the basics are pretty straightforward. 

This section explores setting your site up for technical success and monitoring its technical health over time. 

A. Plan your site structure

Site structure is how your website is organized. It’s important because it helps: 

  1. Visitors navigate your website.
  2. Google to find all your pages.

Here’s a good starting point for your site structure:

How to structure a plumbing website for SEO

Each of the connectors is an internal link.

Recommendation

Feel free to internally link between pages in other ways too. For example, if you only offer drain cleaning services in half of the areas you serve, you may want to list and link to those areas on the drain cleaning service page. It’s completely fine to do this. 

B. Use HTTPS

HTTPS is a secure way for visitors to access webpages. It’s important for SEO because it’s been a lightweight ranking factor since 2014

To check if you’re using HTTPS, visit your website and look at the search bar. If there’s a lock icon before the website address, you’re using HTTPS.

The lock icon means a site is secure

If you’re not using HTTPS yet, ask whoever is in charge of your website to make the switch. 

C. Monitor your SEO health

Your website’s SEO health can impact the site’s rankings or even stop it from appearing on Google. 

For example, here’s a small piece of HTML that SEOs call a “noindex tag”:

<meta name="robots" content="noindex" />

It may look harmless enough, but this code blocks Google from indexing or returning a webpage in its search results. Even if your page ranked #1, it wouldn’t show up at all with this code.

This is an extreme example, but it highlights the importance of monitoring your SEO health.

You can use all kinds of tools to do this, but Ahrefs Webmaster Tools (AWT) is a good starting point. It scans your website for 100+ common SEO issues and advises how to fix them. Best of all, it’s completely free. 

If you’re new to AWT, a good first port of call is to check your Health Score. 

Health Score in Ahrefs' Site Audit

This metric gives you a high-level overview of your site’s technical SEO health. If it doesn’t look great, you can delve into individual reports to better understand what’s wrong and how to fix it. 

Learn more: The Beginner’s Guide to Technical SEO

Backlinks are one of Google’s strongest ranking factors. In general, the more high-quality backlinks you have, the better your rankings and search traffic.

Unfortunately, link building is one of the more challenging facets of SEO. Getting high-quality backlinks takes time, creativity, and effort.

Here are a few tried and tested tactics for those willing to do the work.

Guest blogging

Guest blogging is where you write a post for another website. This brings all kinds of benefits, including exposure and relationships. But the main SEO benefit is the link back to your website. 

Here’s an example:

Example of a guest post by a plumbing company

This post was written by a plumbing firm in Australia for Porch.com, a site about home improvement. You can see the link to the firm’s site after the header image.

Here’s how to find guest post opportunities in Ahrefs’ Content Explorer, a searchable database of billions of webpages:

  1. Enter a broad word or phrase related to your niche
  2. Change the search mode to “In title”
  3. Filter for pages on sites with a minimum DR of 30 to remove low-quality sites
  4. Filter for websites with 5,000+ estimated monthly search traffic
  5. Filter for pages published within the last 90 days to remove those that are no longer publishing
  6. Filter for “One page per domain,” as there’s no point pitching to the same site many times

This search will return recently published pages about the topic on sites with search traffic.

For example, if you run the search for “bathroom remodel,” you get 62 results, including this blog post about bathroom remodeling ideas on a site with an estimated 38K monthly search visitors. 

Searching for guest post opportunities in Ahrefs' Content Explorer

Since you know this website has recently published about bathroom remodeling ideas, it may be interested in a guest post about a similar topic like bathroom remodeling mistakes. You just need to find its email address and pitch the post.

Recommendation

People will often request payment for guest posts. If this happens, don’t worry about it. Just say no and pitch to another website. 

HARO

HARO (Help A Reporter Out) is a free service connecting sources and journalists. Sign up as a source, and you’ll receive regular emails with journalist requests.

Here’s one from Martha Stewart Living about plumbing leaks: 

Example HARO request

Respond to and answer the journalist’s questions if you see a relevant request. They’ll usually credit you with a link if they include your answer in their piece. 

This is exactly what happened on this occasion:

Example HARO backlink

If we check this plumbing company’s backlink profile in Ahrefs’ Site Explorer, we see just how well this tactic is working for it. It has 16 links, thanks to quotes from co-founder Max Rose. It probably got all, if not most of these, from journalist requests. 

The many backlinks built using journalist requests for Four Seasons Plumbing

Replicate competitors’ links

You won’t be able to replicate all of your competitors’ links. But chances are, you can replicate some of them. For that reason, it’s worth taking one or two of the top-ranking competitors for “plumber in location” and checking their backlinks. Here’s how:

  1. Paste a competitor’s domain into Ahrefs’ Site Explorer
  2. Choose “Exact URL” search mode
  3. Filter for “DoFollow” links only (these usually move the needle most)
Followed links in Ahrefs' Site Explorer

Here’s one that may be replicable for this competitor:

Example of a potentially replicable backlink in Ahrefs' Site Explorer

It comes from a website listing NHS discounts and deals for various services. The site gets an estimated 13.5K monthly search visits, according to Ahrefs, and it looks like you can add a discount just by registering.

This backlink is easily replicable

Recommendation

Be careful about the links you try to replicate. You won’t want to replicate them all, only the good ones. Read more about what makes a good and bad link here

Reclaim lost links

Most websites delete or move pages from time to time. You can recover the lost value of any backlinks pointing to them by redirecting them to their new locations.

Here’s the process:

  1. Paste your domain into Site Explorer
  2. Go to the Best by Links report
  3. Filter for “404 not found” pages

For example, Mr. Rooter has 12 broken pages, including one about its emergency plumbing services with backlinks from six referring domains.

Broken pages with backlinks, via Ahrefs' Site Explorer

If we click the “Emergency Plumbing” link on the website, we’re taken to a different URL. 

Example of a broken URL because the old URL wasn't redirected

This is probably because it moved the page at some point. To reclaim the old page’s backlinks, it just needs to redirect the old URL to the new one. 

Chapter 8. SEO content marketing

Ranking service and location pages isn’t all you can do to get traffic (and customers) from organic search. You can also create and rank helpful content about things potential customers may be searching for.

For example, this post from Mr. Rooter explaining why your house may smell like sewage gets an estimated 13.6K monthly search visits:

Estimated monthly organic traffic to one of Mr. Rooter's blog posts

Even if only 0.1% of those visits translate to customers, that’s 13–14 customers per month from one blog post.

You’ll also notice that this post has backlinks from 54 referring domains.

This is another benefit of creating useful informational content. It tends to attract more backlinks—especially if it ranks in organic search.

Let’s take a brief look at how to do this.

A. Find a proven topic

Proven topics answer the questions people are searching for and aren’t too challenging to rank for. You can find topics that fit the bill by doing keyword research. We did this earlier to find services people were searching for. But this time, we’re doing it to find questions. 

Here’s the process:

  1. Enter a few relevant words and phrases into Keywords Explorer (e.g., bathroom, toilet, water pressure)
  2. Go to the Matching terms report
  3. Toggle the “Questions” filter
  4. Filter for low-KD keywords, say under 20
Searching for plumbing questions in Ahrefs' Keywords Explorer

Here’s just one of the thousands of topics this search finds: 

Thousands of people search for "how to increase water pressure in shower" every month

To see if this is truly a low-difficulty topic, you need to click the SERP button to check the top-ranking results. What you’re looking for are results that:

  1. Have few or no backlinks Because you don’t want topics where you’re likely to need lots of backlinks to rank. 
  2. Were published by other similarly sized plumbing companies – Because you want to know that businesses of your caliber can rank.
  3. Get search traffic Because you want to confirm you can get traffic by ranking. 

In this case, a page from a small plumbing company in Washington with just six backlinks gets an estimated 1,024 monthly search visits. So this seems to be a low-competition topic that could be well worth pursuing. 

Example of a proven topic

You can also find proven topics by plugging a similarly sized competitor into Site Explorer and checking the Top pages report. This shows the pages on its site that get the most organic search traffic.

Top pages by traffic for Fischer Plumbing

B. Publish an optimized blog post

Ranking for any topic requires content. In this case, a blog post.

Here are the basics of creating an optimized blog post:

  • Match search intent – If people want a list, write a list. If a how-to guide is more appropriate, write that. Take cues from the top-ranking results to infer what people want. 
  • Make it easy to read – Use images, lists, subheadings, and other formatting to make it easy to skim and digest. 
  • Write a compelling title – More people will click a post titled “10 Fast & Easy Ways to Increase Water Pressure in Your Shower” than “10 Ways to Increase Water Pressure in Your Shower.”
  • Use a short, descriptive URL/increase-shower-water-pressure/ is better than /10-fast-and-easy-ways-to-increase-water-pressure-in-your-shower/ because the latter will get cut off in the search results.

C. Get links to it

Blog posts that rank often attract links naturally, but they rarely rank without links. It’s a catch-22.

You can get links to blog posts using the tactics discussed in chapter #7. However, as blog posts are informational and useful, there are a few more link building tactics you can use. 

For example, you can look at the SERP overview for the keyword you’re targeting in Keywords Explorer to find similar content with backlinks. 

The SERP overview in Keywords Explorer showing similar pages with backlinks

If any of these posts have inaccurate or outdated information, you can tell the people linking to them and suggest swapping out the link for your accurate and up-to-date piece. 

Learn more: How to Combine SEO & Content Marketing for Amazing Results

Chapter 9. Tracking SEO progress 

You can track the performance of your Google Business Profile in search. Just search for your business while logged in and click “See profile performance.” 

How to check your Google Business Profile's performance

To track the performance of your website, there’s Google Search Console (GSC). This free tool from Google shows your organic traffic over time, keyword rankings, and so on. 

Unfortunately, GSC has limitations, such as only showing your top 1,000 keyword rankings.

This is where Ahrefs Webmaster Tools comes in handy. Not only can you track the “SEO health” of your website in Site Audit (as discussed in the technical SEO chapter), but you can also see all keyword rankings in the Organic keywords report in Site Explorer.

Organic keyword rankings for Mr. Rooter in Ahrefs' Site Explorer

If you want to track local keyword rankings for your website, use Ahrefs’ Rank Tracker.

For example, suppose your business operates out of Miami, Florida. In that case, you may want to track keyword rankings in Miami, Florida, or even a specific ZIP code. You can do this for up to 10,000 keywords. 

Local rank tracking in Ahrefs' Rank Tracker

Keep learning

Everything above was pretty exhaustive. It should be enough to get your plumbing business off the ground in the search engines. But if you’re looking to learn even more about SEO, check out these resources:

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SEO

How SEOs Make the Web Better

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How SEOs Make the Web Better

SEOs catch flak for ruining the web, but they play a crucial role in the search ecosystem, and actually make the internet better for everyone.

Let’s get the criticism out of the way. There are bad actors in SEO, people who seek to extract money from the internet regardless of the cost to others. There are still scams and snake oil, posers and plagiarists. Many parts of the web have become extremely commercialized, with paid advertising and big brands displacing organic and user-generated content.

But while there are situations where SEOs have made things worse, to fixate on them is to ignore the colossal elephant in the room: in the ways that really matter, the web is the best it’s ever been:

  • It’s the easiest it has ever been to find information on the internet. Searchers have a staggering array of tutorials, teardowns, and tips at their fingertips, containing information that is generally accurate and helpful—and this was not always the case.
  • Bad actors have a smaller influence over search. Search is less of a Wild West than it used to be. Once-scam-ridden topics are subject to significant scrutiny, and the problems and loopholes in search that need fixing today—like big brands and generic content receiving undue prominence—are smaller and less painful than the problems of the past.
  • More people use search to their benefit. Online content is the most accessible it has ever been, and it’s easier than ever to grow a local business or expand into international markets on the back of search.

SEOs have played a crucial role in these improvements, poking and prodding, building and—sometimes—breaking. They are Google power users: the people who push the system to extremes, but in doing so, catalyze the change needed to make search better for everyone.

Let’s explore how.

SEOs help regular people benefit from search

SEOs are much-needed intermediaries between Google and the rest of the world, helping non-technical people acquire and benefit from search engine traffic.

There is a huge amount of valuable information locked up in the heads of people who have no idea how to build a website or index a blog post. A carpet fitter with a bricks-and-mortar business might have decades of experience solving costly problems with uneven subfloors or poor moisture management, but no understanding of how to share that information online.

SEOs provide little nudges towards topics that people care about and writing that’s accessible to people and robots. They help solve technical problems that would hinder or completely block a site from appearing in search results. They identify opportunities for companies to be rewarded for creating great content.

It’s a win-win: businesses are rewarded with traffic, searchers have their intent satisfied, and the world is made a little richer for the newfound knowledge it contains.

SEOs turn helpful standards into real websites

SEOs do many things to actively make the web a better place, tending to their own plot of the Google garden to make sure it flourishes.

Take, for example, the myriad standards and guidelines designed to make the web a more accessible place for users. The implementation of these standards—turning theoretical guidelines into real, concrete parts of the web—often happens because of the SEO team.

Technical SEOs play a big part in adhering to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, a set of principles designed to ensure online content is “perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust” for every user. Every SEO’s fixation with Core Web Vitals fuels a faster, more efficient web. Content teams translate Google’s helpful content guidelines into useful words and images on a page.

(Case in point: check out Aleyda Solis’ Content Helpfulness Analyzer.)

Screenshot: Aleyda Solis' helpful content GPTScreenshot: Aleyda Solis' helpful content GPT

There is a lot of overlap between “things that help users” and “things that improve search performance.” Even if the motive behind these changes is as simple as generating more traffic, a well-optimized website is, generally speaking, one that is also great for real human beings trying to engage with it.

SEOs pressure-test Google’s systems

The biggest criticism leveled at SEOs is that they break things. And they do! But that breakage acts as a type of pressure testing that strengthens the system as a whole.

Abuse of spintax and keyword stuffing forced Google to develop a better understanding of on-page content. Today, that loophole is closed, but more importantly, Google is much better at understanding the contents of a page and its relationship to a website as a whole.

Hacks like hiding keywords with white text on a white background (or moving them beyond the visible bounds of the screen) forced Google to expand its understanding of page styling and CSS, and how on-page information interacts with the environment that contains it.

Even today’s deluge of borderline-plagiarised AI content is not without benefit: it creates a very clear incentive for Google to get better at rewarding information gain and prioritizing publishers with solid EEAT credentials. These improvements will make tomorrow’s version of search much better.

This isn’t just Google fixing what SEOs broke: these changes usually leave lasting benefits that extend beyond any single spam tactic and make search better for all of its users.

Illustration: how fixing problems leads to smaller future problems and improved search experienceIllustration: how fixing problems leads to smaller future problems and improved search experience

This is not to argue that blackhat SEO is desirable. It would be better to make these improvements without incurring pain along the way. But Search is huge and complicated, and Google has little incentive to spend money proactively fixing problems and loopholes.

If we can’t solve every issue before it causes pain, we should be grateful for a correction mechanism that prevents it—and more extreme abuse—from happening in the future. SEOs break the system, and in doing so, make future breakages a lot less severe.

SEOs are the internet’s quality assurance team

Some SEOs take advantage of the loopholes they discover—but many don’t. They choose to raise these issues in public spaces, encourage discussion, and seek out a fix, acting like a proxy quality assurance team.

At the small end of the spectrum, SEOs often flag bugs with Google systems, like a recent error in Search Console reporting flagged independently by three separate people, or Tom Anthony famously catching an oversight in Google’s Manual Actions database. While these types of problems don’t always impact the average user’s experience using Google, they help keep search systems working as intended.

At the other end of the scale, this feedback can extend as far as the overarching quality of the search experience, like AJ Kohn writing about Google’s propensity to reward big brands over small brands, or Lily Ray calling out an uptick in spam content in Google Discover.

SEOs are Google’s most passionate users. They interact with it at a scale far beyond the average user, and they can identify trends and changes at a macroscopic level. As a result, they are usually the first to discover problems—but also the people who hold Google to the highest standard. They are a crucial part of the feedback loop that fuels improvements.

SEOs act as a check-and-balance

Lastly, SEOs act as a check-and-balance, gathering firsthand evidence of how search systems operate, letting us differentiate between useful advice, snake oil, and Google’s PR bluster. 

Google shares lots of useful guidance, but it’s important to recognize the limits of their advice. They are a profit-seeking company, and Search requires opacity to work—if everyone understood how it worked, everyone would game it, and it would stop working. Mixed in with the good advice is a healthy portion of omission and misdirection.

Google Search plays a vital role in controlling the flow of the web’s information—it is simply too important for us to leave its mechanics, biases, and imperfections unexplored. We need people who can interrogate the systems just enough to separate fact from fiction and understand how the pieces fit together.

We need people like Mic King, and his insanely detailed write-up of SGE and RAG; Britney Muller and her demystification of LLMs; the late Bill Slawki’s unfaltering patent analysis; or our own Patrick Stox’s efforts in piecing together how search works.

Screenshot from Patrick Stox's presentation, How Search WorksScreenshot from Patrick Stox's presentation, How Search Works

Final thoughts

The web has problems. We can and should expect more from Google Search. But the problems we need to solve today are far less severe and painful than the problems that needed solving in the past; and the people who have the highest expectations, and will be most vocal in shaping that positive future, are—you guessed it—SEOs.

To SEOs: the cause of (and solution to) all of the web’s problems.



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12 Creative Lead Magnet Ideas For Law Firms

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12 Creative Lead Magnet Ideas For Law Firms

Lead magnets have long been an effective tactic for generating more leads and growing an email list.

Popular in the marketing industry, lead magnets can also be used by independent business owners to attract more clients and build online authority.

This is also true for law firms, which often rely on their content to build trust, increase traffic, and generate more leads.

However, law firms face unique challenges given the complexity of their subject matter and the restrictions regarding soliciting new clients.

That’s why we are sharing some of the most creative (and effective) lead magnet ideas law firms can use to grow their email lists and get more leads.

1. Educational Ebooks

The legal process can be confusing for many clients. They might venture to Google in search of resources, information, services, and tips for their case.

What better way to build your authority and draw in potential clients than to share educational content via ebooks?

Ebooks are generally in-depth guides or reports that cover a particular topic in detail. For law firms, ebooks can provide beginner-friendly insights, case studies, and/or step-by-step guidance regarding legal issues.

Not a designer? No problem! There are tons of free tools you can use to create ebooks. One of the most popular options is Canva.

Here’s how to create an ebook using Canva:

  • Select a template: Canva offers a variety of ebook templates for different styles and themes. You can view and decide which pages to keep, discard, or edit to suit your needs.
  • Customize the design: Use Canva’s stock photos, illustrations, icons, and graphics, or upload your own images to personalize your ebook. Experiment with colors, backgrounds, fonts, and photo effects.
  • Add content: Fill in your design with helpful content. Add a descriptive title. Consider linking to supporting resources, including eye-catching images, adding “bonus tips,” and more to make your ebook engaging.
  • Publish and share: Once the ebook is finalized, you can download and save it as a JPEG or PNG. Then, you can upload it to your website and put it behind a subscription wall.

2. Free Legal Templates

Templates are predesigned forms that make it easy for users to create, edit, and save their own documents. Templates can be used to create wills, lease agreements, contracts, non-disclosure agreements, parenting plans, and more.

As an attorney, you have the legal know-how to help clients create detailed and accurate legal documents.

While there are limitations – you should recommend users get their documents reviewed by an attorney – providing templates can help people head in the right direction.

When clients download the template, they can provide their email addresses, allowing your firm to follow up and offer to assist them in completing or reviewing the document.

Some other legal template ideas include:

  • Power of attorney.
  • Advance healthcare directives.
  • Employment contracts.
  • Business formation documents.
  • Partnership agreements.
  • Service agreements.
  • Release or waiver forms.
  • Prenuptial agreements.
  • Intellectual property assignments.
  • Demand letters.
  • Cease and desist letters.
  • Settlement agreements.
  • Complaints or petitions.
  • Loan agreements.
  • Promissory notes.

3. Exclusive Webinars And Interviews

Live or pre-recorded webinars are another great way to offer value to potential clients. People love the interactive nature of live webinars and the ability to re-watch informational videos.

You can host online seminars, interviews, or sessions regarding important legal topics, helping your audience know what steps to take during the legal process.

For example, you can talk about how to navigate the divorce process, how to get started with a will, or what to know about real estate law.

Here are a few examples of titles you can use for your webinar:

  • “Understanding Your Rights: [Legal Topic] Explained.”
  • “Navigating [Legal Issue]: Your Step-by-Step Guide.”
  • “Legal Essentials: How to Protect Your [Assets/Business/Family].”
  • “How to Avoid Legal Pitfalls in [Scenario/Situation].”
  • “[Legal Topic]: A Lawyer’s Tips for Success.”
  • “Legal Questions Answered: [Topic] Q&A Session.”
  • “What Every [Entrepreneur/Parent/Homeowner] Should Know About [Legal Topic].”
  • “What Every [Person/Business Owner] Should Know About [Legal Topic].”

Once you have your idea for your webinar or interview, you can promote your session on social media, your website, or via your email list.

Then, people can register for the webinar by providing their contact information and expressing their interest in the topic.

This will allow you to follow up with them after the session, opening the door to them becoming new clients.

4. Downloadable Checklists

Simplify complex legal topics and processes with easy-to-follow checklists.

Checklists help prospective clients organize their tasks, prepare for their cases, and remember important details regarding legal proceedings.

Checklists provide a ton of value, making them a smart pick for a potential lead magnet.

Say, for example, that you’re a will and probate attorney. You could create a checklist titled “X-Step Checklist for Estate Planning.”

You could design this document to include helpful resources, tasks, and graphics that support people navigating the estate planning process.

Some steps on this type of checklist might include:

  • Download our free Estate Plan Template.
  • Create a list of your family members and other beneficiaries.
  • Take inventory of your assets, such as real estate, bank accounts, and investments.
  • Take inventory of your liabilities, such as debts, mortgages, and loans.
  • Record the information from your insurance policies (life, health, and property).
  • Choose your power of attorney designation.
  • Hire a will and probate attorney to help you draft your last will and testament.
  • Schedule for reviewing and updating the estate plan.

You can offer checklists as downloadable content in exchange for contact information, which will help you build a database of potential clients.

Plus, a necessary step in the checklist could be for someone to contact an attorney (i.e., you) for more support; you can then provide your direct contact information.

5. Actionable Worksheets

Similar to checklists, worksheets are interactive tools that help potential clients understand the legal process, assess their situation, prepare for a legal consultation, and even calculate estimated attorney costs.

Worksheets can be particularly helpful if you are used to getting new clients who don’t yet have their information or documents in order.

People can opt into using the worksheet, which provides value to them and makes them a better client for you!

You could even have people fill out the worksheets in exchange for personalized feedback or consultation offers, creating an opportunity for you to engage with them directly.

6. Tools And Resource Lists

If you have the technical skills to create web applications (or the resources to hire someone to do this for you), digital tools are a great way to garner user interest and generate leads.

Resource lists are perhaps the simplest version of this. You can design and publish a list of relevant resources someone might need and then host this list on your website.

For example, some resources might include document templates, links to government websites, links to case studies, and links to helpful videos.

Another approach is to create online tools such as calculators or apps. Some ideas include:

  • As an interactive “checkup” tool that evaluates users’ legal needs.
  • A cost calculator that estimates the costs for certain proceedings (like starting a business, filing for divorce, hiring an attorney, etc.) based on the user’s specifications.
  • An e-document generator, which creates basic legal documents like non-disclosure agreements or letters of intent.
  • Visual timeline “maps” that show the typical timeline of various legal processes.
  • Case studies, where users can input different variables to see the possible legal outcomes for their situation.

There may be many more ideas that we haven’t been able to think of here, so get creative and consider what might be most relevant to your audience!

Remember that the key is to capture users’ information so you can follow up with them later as a possible lead.

7. Video Tutorials

Unlike webinars, video tutorials are usually pre-recorded videos in which you instruct users on a particular process from start to finish. This usually includes detailed steps and examples instead of interviews or sound bites.

Consider some scenarios in which clients might need help navigating a task, such as filing a small claims case or trademarking their logo.

Then, create an outline for your video, detailing the steps you want people to take.

Finally, record your video, edit the content, and then host the video – likely as a private video on YouTube (which can be sent to subscribers via email) or behind an opt-in wall on your website.

8. Legal Case Studies

Case studies are common lead magnets for the legal industry. This is because potential clients want to see examples of when you have succeeded in a case and what the outcome was for your client.

Case studies can build trust and convince people that you are the attorney to work with.

In your case study, explain the problem the client was facing, how the case was handled, what the outcome was, and (ideally) your client’s review of your services.

Highlight the benefits of your client working with an attorney to get the guidance and support they need to navigate this stressful and challenging situation.

You can put these case studies behind an opt-in wall or have them express interest via social media, with you sending them the case study in exchange for their email address.

Interested readers can then request more information or a consultation, becoming a potential lead!

9. Interactive Quizzes

Quizzes are usually used to prompt users to answer questions and receive a “score.”

But in their application to the legal field, quizzes can be used to help people assess their legal situation and receive answers, next steps, or considerations from a trusted legal professional.

These “answers” could be auto-generated based on certain criteria or (most effectively) crafted by your legal team and sent to the recipient via email.

The user receives their personalized assessment, with recommendations and/or precautions for their case, and you generate a potential new lead.

Keep in mind that there are limits to what degree you can provide legal counsel to someone who is not yet a client. Your “answers” might need to include more general advice and a recommendation to seek out legal counsel.

10. Mini-Courses

Similar to tutorials, courses can be used to help people understand their rights, learn how to navigate the legal process, or know the steps they need to take to hire an attorney.

A course does not necessarily need to be on video but could consist of an email series, downloadable PDF, or a series of worksheets.

Course hosting platforms like Teachable and Kajabi make it easy to publish your course materials, drive sign-ups, and even follow up with your subscribers.

You can publish mini course videos, add “homework,” link to related resources, and so much more.

Remember that creating a course is often more involved than just a single tutorial. That’s why we recommend creating a “mini” course that provides just enough value to get people interested in your services.

Here are some example course topics you could use:

  • Legal Fundamentals: X Steps to Understanding Your Rights.
  • Navigating Contracts: What You Need to Know Before Signing.
  • Estate Planning Basics: How to Plan Your Legacy.
  • Small Business Law: Protect Your Company the Right Way.
  • Intellectual Property 101: How to Safeguard Your Ideas.
  • Mini-Course: How to Buy and Sell Property (Tips From a Real Estate Attorney).
  • Employment Law for Employees: Know Your Workplace Rights.

11. Trend Reports

Trends reports offer analysis, findings, and opinions regarding trending legal topics or stories.

If there’s a hot topic in your industry – and people are searching for it – it could be an interesting idea to publish your very own trends report.

For example, say you are a real estate attorney. A common trending topic is the real estate market: is it going up or down?

You could host a “market watch” report summarizing your findings and connecting the market to what buyers/sellers need to know about real estate law.

You can advertise your specialized report and grow your email list by enticing users to opt into your report or newsletter.

Then, you can notify your audience of special events, promotions, blog posts on your website, upcoming webinars, and so much more. That way, you have a growing list of potential leads!

12. Facebook Groups

People are constantly searching for information — on Google, on social media, and yes, even in Facebook Groups. If you have knowledge to share, creating a Facebook Group could be a way to generate more leads.

When you create a Facebook Group, you are able to prompt new members to answer questions when they sign up.

These can be questions like, “Why are you interested in [legal topic]?” “Would you like to provide your email address to receive more information?” or “What other topics are you interested in?”

These questions can help you not only grow your list but also come up with more topic ideas for your group.

For example, you could create a Facebook Group called “Real Estate Watch” if you are a real estate attorney, “Small Business Tips” as a business attorney, or “Contracts 101” as a contracts attorney.

While you can’t give out personalized legal advice, you can point people in the right direction if they have questions about complex legal matters.

Think Of Your Own Creative Lead Magnet Ideas

When it comes to lead generation, the possibilities aren’t only limited to this list!

You know your audience the best, so you might have your own ideas for how to engage with them and what content they might be interested in.

Don’t hesitate to think outside the box to come up with your own lead magnet ideas.

Lead magnets can be an effective tool for increasing engagement, growing your audience, and attracting new leads. Law firm marketing doesn’t have to be boring.

Try to think of new ways to reach your audience and get them excited to work with you.

More resources: 


Featured Image: Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock

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The 17 Best Ad Networks For Content Creators In 2024

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The 17 Best Ad Networks For Content Creators In 2024

No room for doubt, we find ourselves firmly entrenched in the era of the creator economy.

In today’s digital landscape, the influence wielded by content creators, influencers, and community builders has reached unprecedented heights. Their craft not only resonates with audiences but also opens up diverse avenues for revenue generation.

However, navigating this landscape is far from a walk in the park.

Bloggers, videographers, photographers, and creatives of various stripes are in a perpetual quest for innovative ways to monetize their work amid the unpredictable nature of the digital domain.

Enter display ad networks – a tried-and-true method for creators to maximize earnings while ensuring an exceptional user experience. The key lies in selecting the right one.

In the upcoming sections, we’ll delve into the most promising ad networks for content creators in 2024, equipping you with the tools to monetize your content effectively.

Understanding Ad Networks:

Let’s kick off with the basics: What exactly is an ad network?

An ad network acts as the intermediary between publishers (bloggers, content creators, etc.) seeking to sell ad space and advertisers eager to secure ad placements.

These networks bridge the gap, helping advertisers locate suitable websites aligning with their target audience and goals. Conversely, they enable publishers to connect with advertisers whose content aligns seamlessly with their own.

For bloggers and content creators, ad networks offer a hassle-free opportunity to monetize their content without the intricacies of direct negotiations with advertisers.

Contrary to sponsored posts or affiliate marketing, ad networks provide a more automated, hands-off approach, saving creators both time and stress.

Here’s a glimpse into the typical functioning of ad networks, though the specifics may vary based on your chosen network:

  1. Joining the network: Submit your content for review; the network evaluates your content based on various criteria.
  2. Ad placement: Once approved, the process of placing ads on your site begins. This may involve embedding a code snippet or inviting bids from advertisers.
  3. Earnings generation: Users viewing or clicking on ads lead to revenue for you, as advertisers pay the network for serving their ads.
  4. Payment: The network transfers your earnings through your chosen method, sometimes with a commission deducted.

Exploring Ad Network Types:

While ad network types are ever-evolving, some categories remain prevalent. Here are a few you might encounter:

  1. Vertical Networks: Specialized in specific niches or industries, targeting a highly specific audience.
  2. Premium Networks: Emphasize high-quality ad content, often collaborating with top-tier publishers and high-traffic websites.
  3. Specialized or Inventory-Specific Networks: Focus on specific content types rather than industries, such as video-specific or podcast-only networks.
  4. Targeted Networks: Aim for hyper-specific demographics or user segments, honing in on criteria like location and behavior.
  5. Performance and Affiliate Ad Networks: Prioritize user actions over mere ad display, with payment tied to specific user actions.

Choosing the Right Ad Network:

While ad networks offer a recognizable avenue for income, not all are created equal. Consider the following factors:

  1. Audience and Niche: Ensure alignment with your content and audience.
  2. Ad Formats: Select networks offering ad types, sizes, and placements that suit your preferences.
  3. Revenue Models: Understand payment models (revenue share, CPM, CPC, CPA) and choose what aligns with your goals.
  4. Traffic Requirements: Be mindful of minimum traffic requirements, choosing a network that suits your platform’s reach.
  5. User Experience: Prioritize networks that enhance user experience, delivering non-intrusive, relevant ads for increased audience satisfaction and revenue.

1. Google AdSense

Screenshot from GoogleAdsense, October 2023The 17 Best Ad Networks For Content Creators In 2024

For those embarking on the journey of ad monetization, Google AdSense stands out as an excellent choice. As a product of Google, it reigns supreme among ad networks, appreciated especially by beginners for its user-friendly interface.

What makes it particularly enticing for novices is the absence of a minimum traffic requirement, and the fact that joining the self-service platform comes at no cost.

Once you secure approval, initiating the display of ads is as simple as embedding a code snippet into your site. The Auto Ads feature adds to the convenience, allowing effortless automation of ad placement on your website or selective deactivation for specific pages.

Google AdSense presents a diverse range of ad formats, including display, text, in-feed, and in-article ads. Moreover, it offers personalization options such as contextual and behavioral targeting.

Despite its user-friendly appeal, navigating Google AdSense comes with its set of challenges. Obtaining approval can be a rigorous process due to Google’s stringent policies and guidelines. Additionally, even after approval, there is a lingering risk of account suspension for any policy violations.

To cash in your earnings, a minimum of $100 must be accumulated. While AdSense does offer a decent income, it falls short in terms of revenue potential compared to some alternative platforms.

Here’s a breakdown of the revenue share: 68% goes to site owners, while 32% goes to Google AdSense. The payment model is based on cost-per-click (CPC), and fortunately, there are no traffic requirements to contend with.

Key Features:

  1. Responsive Ads: AdSense ensures that your ad units automatically adjust to the user’s device, guaranteeing a seamless user experience.
  2. Insights and Analytics: Dive into detailed performance reports to glean valuable information on your ads’ effectiveness. Track metrics like views, clicks, revenue, and more to optimize your ad placements.
  3. Ad Review Center: Take control of the ads displayed on your site by utilizing the ad review center. This feature empowers you to review, approve, or deny specific ad categories, shaping the content that aligns with your platform’s ethos.

2. Media.net

The 17 Best Ad Networks For Content Creators In 2024Screenshot from media.net, October 2023

If you find yourself seeking an alternative to Google AdSense, look no further than Media.net. Powered by the dynamic duo of Yahoo! and Bing, this platform boasts an extensive pool of advertisers, making it an excellent choice to complement your AdSense endeavors.

Media.net has gained recognition for its emphasis on contextual ads. Unlike targeting ads based on user interests, it aligns with the content on your page, a strategy believed to enhance user engagement and clickthrough rates (CTRs). Picture this: If your blog explores serene beaches, Media.net might showcase ads for beach towels to your audience.

Much like AdSense, Media.net comes without a price tag and has no traffic requirements for joining. It offers a vast array of ads, optimized for seamless viewing on mobile devices.

One distinctive advantage of Media.net is its dedicated account managers, providing assistance with setup, issue troubleshooting, and optimization tips. This support sets it apart from many other platforms.

However, it’s essential to be aware of a few downsides, including a somewhat challenging approval process, a learning curve, a minimum payout threshold of $100, and limited payment options, confined to Payoneer or wire transfer.

It’s noteworthy that Media.net tends to shine brightest for sites in specific niches like health, tech, and finance. Sites outside these niches might experience comparatively lower earnings than on alternative platforms.

Here’s a snapshot of its features:

  1. Dynamic Optimization: Media.net optimizes between various ad types to maximize the impact of your impressions, tailoring them to your audience.
  2. Sizeless Ads: Publishers enjoy the flexibility to create ads with custom sizes and designs, ensuring a perfect fit for their site.
  3. “Sticky” Ads: The platform introduces ads that stay fixed to the screen as users scroll or in-content ads automatically woven into your content, enhancing viewability.

3. Raptive (Formerly AdThrive)

The 17 Best Ad Networks For Content Creators In 2024Screenshot from Raptive, October 2023

Formerly known as AdThrive, Raptive has solidified its position as one of the most coveted ad networks for content creators, particularly those navigating the realms of travel, lifestyle, food, and parenting.

Renowned for catalyzing substantial revenue growth through meticulous ad placement and performance optimization, Raptive distinguishes itself by prioritizing publishers. Creators can expect to receive payment irrespective of whether Raptive has received payment from its advertisers.

Among the advantages of Raptive are a dedicated support team catering to creators, flexible payment options, personalized site recommendations, the capability to host and monetize video content, and a user-friendly dashboard offering insights into earnings and impressions.

However, like any platform, there are certain drawbacks to consider.

Foremost, Raptive sets a high bar for entry, necessitating a minimum of 100,000 pageviews to qualify for its traffic requirements. This requirement can pose a challenge for newer or smaller creators.

Additionally, Raptive predominantly caters to English content, with a prerequisite for a majority of traffic originating from the US, CA, UK, AU, or NZ. Some reports indicate that Raptive might have a high ad density, potentially impacting the user experience, a factor creators need to weigh.

Breaking down the revenue share, 75% goes to site owners, while 25% goes to AdThrive. The payment model operates on a cost-per-click (CPC) basis, and the traffic requirement is set at 100,000 pageviews per month.

Key Features:

  1. Auto Ad Placement: Raptive’s algorithms ensure that ads are automatically positioned for optimal performance.
  2. Experimentation: Creators can engage in A/B ad testing, experimenting with various ad types and placements to find the most effective combination.
  3. Learning Resources: Raptive enriches creators with a range of expert webinars, tutorials, and articles, empowering them to enhance their earnings through insightful guidance.

4. Adcash

The 17 Best Ad Networks For Content Creators In 2024Screenshot from Adcash, October 2023

Adcash stands out as a self-serve ad network designed to cater to the needs of both creators and advertisers, with a global reach that spans across diverse audiences.

Its reputation is anchored in the extensive array of traffic sources and ad formats it offers. From pop-unders, native ads, and interstitials to display ads, banners, push notifications, and beyond, Adcash provides a comprehensive toolkit.

This global perspective translates into a significant advantage for content creators, enabling them to connect with users in more than 196 countries – a testament to the platform’s adaptability.

Beyond global reach, Adcash boasts real-time performance reporting, optimization tools, and a noteworthy feature: anti-adblock technology. This technology empowers creators to continue generating revenue from visitors who employ ad-blocking tools.

Getting started with Adcash is relatively straightforward, and the platform supports multiple payment options.

However, like any platform, Adcash presents certain considerations. Some ad formats, such as interstitials or pop-unders, might impact the user experience negatively. The minimum payment threshold is set at $25 USD/EUR, and the CPM rates, while competitive, tend to be slightly lower than the market average.

Here are some key attributes of Adcash:

  1. Anti-Adblock Technology: A unique feature that allows ads to be shown to users, even when they are utilizing ad-block tools.
  2. High Fill Rate: Adcash maintains consistently high fill rates, ensuring creators can monetize a significant portion of their impressions.
  3. Live Reporting: The Publisher Platform Reports section in Adcash offers live reporting, allowing creators to track revenue in real-time as it accrues.

5. Amazon Publisher Services

The 17 Best Ad Networks For Content Creators In 2024Screenshot from Amazon Publisher Services, October 2023

Amazon Publisher Services offers publishers and content creators a comprehensive suite of tools designed to streamline the management of their ad inventories and optimize content monetization.

One of its major draws is the gateway it provides to Amazon’s expansive advertising ecosystem. Content creators can leverage cloud-based solutions such as the transparent ad marketplace, unified ad marketplace, and shopping insights. Additionally, creators gain access to Amazon’s substantial ad demand, enhancing their revenue potential.

However, it’s crucial to note that Amazon Publisher Services is tailored more towards established creators with significant website traffic, as it mandates a minimum of 5,000 unique daily visits. For newcomers, the platform might appear daunting due to its complexity, requiring time and technical know-how for effective implementation.

Breaking down the features:

  1. Transparent Ad Marketplace (TAM): Amazon’s server-side header bidding solution takes a cloud-based approach, enhancing speed and efficiency in ad transactions.
  2. Unified Ad Marketplace (UAM): This feature empowers creators to efficiently manage multiple demand partners, securing optimal bids for their inventory by consolidating demand from various sources.
  3. Shopping Insights: A distinctive attribute providing data insights based on shopping behaviors. This allows publishers to fine-tune their delivery strategies for maximum optimization.

While the revenue share and payment model details are undisclosed, Amazon Publisher Services operates on a cost-per-thousand-impressions (CPM) basis. The minimum traffic requirement is set at 5,000 unique daily visits, reinforcing its focus on creators with substantial online presence.

6. PropellerAds

The 17 Best Ad Networks For Content Creators In 2024Screenshot from PropellerAds, October 2023

PropellerAds stands out as a welcoming ad network tailored for beginners, with a primary focus on display ads. Its appeal lies in its user-friendly interface and hassle-free onboarding process – no minimum traffic threshold required.

The platform boasts a global reach and an extensive advertiser pool, ensuring publishers from various regions can capitalize on its monetization options. PropellerAds offers a diverse range of ad formats, spanning popunders, push notifications, native banners, interstitials, and more.

Employing a combination of technology and manual reviews, PropellerAds diligently monitors the quality and content of ads. This proactive approach enables the removal of any unsafe or suspicious content, ensuring that the right ads reach the right audience.

Additional advantages of PropellerAds include a 100% monetized inventory, providing creators with flexible payment options, dedicated account manager assistance, and access to optimization tools.

However, there are certain considerations to bear in mind. PropellerAds has been noted for its lenient approach with advertisers, raising concerns about the potential for low-quality and intrusive ads. It’s also predominantly limited to display ads, which may be a relevant factor for some creators.

Here’s a closer look at the key features:

  1. Real-time Reporting: PropellerAds provides instant access to real-time reporting, allowing creators to track the performance of their ads with immediacy.
  2. Account Manager: While this benefit is more limited to larger publishers, those eligible can enjoy the assistance of a dedicated account manager to address concerns and optimize performance.
  3. Referral Program: PropellerAds introduces a referral program, enabling users to boost their earnings by referring fellow creators to the network.

7. Infolinks

The 17 Best Ad Networks For Content Creators In 2024Screenshot from Infolinks, October 2023

Infolinks positions itself as an ad network with partnerships with some of the globe’s major advertisers, including Amazon, Microsoft, and eBay.

What sets this network apart is its specialization in cutting-edge, “intent-driven” banner ad formats meticulously designed to seamlessly integrate with website content, combating banner ad blindness. These distinct ad types go by names like InFold, InText, InTag, InFrame, and InScreen.

For creators seeking to diversify beyond traditional banner ads or explore alternatives, Infolinks presents itself as a compelling option. The absence of minimum traffic requirements means creators of all sizes can easily join, and the setup process is straightforward.

An interesting facet is that Infolinks allows you to use its ads on the same website alongside AdSense ads, offering the potential for a synergistic income boost.

However, like many ad networks, the potential impact on the user experience is a key consideration. While Infolinks’ non-traditional formats are less intrusive than large banners or pop-ups, they can still influence the overall user experience.

It’s important to note that Infolinks maintains a $50 minimum payment threshold, provides relatively limited customization options compared to some platforms, and may not match the earning potential of other networks.

Here are some key features:

  1. InText: This ad format scans content, highlighting relevant keywords. When users hover over these keywords, relevant ads are displayed.
  2. InFold: Overlay ads that often appear as a footer ad in relation to search intent.
  3. InTag: This ad type compiles your content’s most valuable keywords into a tag cloud on the page. Users can view relevant ads by hovering over a keyword.
  4. InFrame: Banner ads strategically placed in the margins of your website’s page, utilizing previously unused screen space.

The revenue share with Infolinks is 70% to publishers and 30% to Infolinks, and the payment model encompasses CPM, CPC, CPA, CPV, CPI, and Auction. Importantly, there are no traffic requirements for creators to get started.

8. Monumetric

The 17 Best Ad Networks For Content Creators In 2024Screenshot from Monumetric, October 2023

Formerly recognized as The Blogger Network, Monumetric emerges as an enticing choice for publishers able to meet the minimum traffic benchmark of 10,000 pageviews per month.

Monumetric stands out for its extensive pool of advertisers, offering a lucrative earning potential coupled with a diverse array of ad formats. This flexibility allows you to tailor your ad choices to align seamlessly with your audience and content.

A notable advantage of Monumetric lies in its dynamic approach. Rather than presenting a single static ad per user session, it continually delivers different relevant units based on the audience, enhancing engagement.

Perhaps the standout feature is the personalized service extended by Monumetric to content creators, bloggers, and publishers leveraging its services. The Monumetric team offers support to comprehend your goals, collaborate on an ad revenue strategy, and even assist in its setup.

On the flip side, there are a few considerations. Beyond the minimum traffic prerequisites, there is a one-time setup fee of $99 to join Monumetrics, although this is waived for those surpassing 80,000 monthly pageviews. The payout schedule operates on a net-60-day basis, with a minimum payout threshold of $10. A critical point to note is that Monumetric exclusively supports WordPress and Blogger websites.

Key Features:

  1. Dynamic Ads: Monumetric’s approach involves dynamic ad placements tailored to the audience and content.
  2. Managed Ad Platform: The company distinguishes itself by offering hands-on support, managing the placement and oversight of your ads.
  3. Personal Support: Monumetric provides one-on-one attention through its dedicated team, aiding in the development of a customized ad strategy for your blog.

The revenue share with Monumetric can reach up to 70% for publishers, and the payment model operates on a CPM basis. Meeting the traffic requirement of 10,000 pageviews per month is essential to unlock the benefits of this platform.

9. Taboola

The 17 Best Ad Networks For Content Creators In 2024Screenshot from Taboola, October 2023

Taboola stands out as a frontrunner in the realm of content recommendations and suggestions. Wondering what that entails?

Consider the last time you perused a blog or article, and at the bottom, you encountered a section suggesting other articles or videos from external sources. These are native ads, also known as sponsored links, often facilitated through an ad network like Taboola.

By enrolling in Taboola, publishers and creators grant the network the authority to present ads through native content suggestions, be they articles or videos.

The advantage of this advertising approach lies in its seamless integration with your site’s content, delivering a more organic user experience compared to disruptive banner ads.

Taboola empowers you to curate the types of content presented to your audience, offering an uncomplicated setup process and the potential for substantial earnings.

However, there’s a noteworthy drawback: Taboola imposes a significantly high minimum traffic requirement for enrollment. Qualification necessitates a minimum of 500,000 pageviews on your blog each month. If this threshold seems daunting, you’re not alone.

For those who meet the criteria, it’s important to be aware that some suggested content on your site may not align perfectly or could be perceived as spam.

Key Features:

  1. Native Ad Format: Taboola’s ads are meticulously crafted to blend seamlessly with your site’s content, minimizing disruption to your users.
  2. User-Friendly Interface: The platform offers a straightforward and easy-to-use interface, streamlining the process for publishers and creators.
  3. Content Discovery Engine: Taboola’s algorithm delves into the interests of your audience, curating content recommendations that align with those interests, ensuring the most relevant suggestions.

Revenue is shared on a 50-50 basis, with 50% going to publishers and the remaining 50% to Taboola. The payment model encompasses CPC and CPM. To unlock Taboola’s features, meeting the minimum traffic requirement of 500,000 pageviews per month is imperative.

10. Revcontent

The 17 Best Ad Networks For Content Creators In 2024Screenshot from RevContent, October 2023

If you’re eyeing the content recommendation space but find Taboola’s minimum traffic requirements a bit steep, consider exploring Revcontent!

With a more attainable minimum threshold of 50,000 pageviews per month, Revcontent emerges as a viable option for bloggers and content creators. While it may not match Taboola’s scale, Revcontent positions itself as a robust competitor, emphasizing performance and quality.

Revcontent distinguishes itself by offering publishers unique customization options, allowing them to ensure that native ads seamlessly align with their site’s design and branding. The network provides various placement options, ranging from the bottom of blog posts to newsletters and even video ads.

Known for its stringent approval process, Revcontent ensures a focus on quality content and sensible placements, enhancing the overall user experience.

However, there are considerations. Despite having a considerably lower minimum monthly traffic requirement, hitting the 50,000-pageviews threshold still requires a decent amount of traffic. The approval process, while maintaining quality, may pose challenges for some creators. While not as expansive as competitors like Taboola and Outbrain, Revcontent has a minimum payout of $100.

Key Features:

  1. Widget Customization: Revcontent allows publishers to customize the appearance of content on their site through widget customization.
  2. Content Recommendation Technology: The platform employs a proprietary algorithm to ensure that recommendations are both relevant and engaging for the audience.
  3. Viral Content Discovery: Recognize a piece of content with viral potential? Revcontent provides a feature allowing publishers to promote such content, maximizing revenue opportunities.

The revenue share with Revcontent leans heavily towards publishers, with an 80-20 split in favor of creators. The payment model encompasses CPC and CPM, and the minimum traffic requirement is set at 50,000 pageviews per month.

11. BidVertiser

The 17 Best Ad Networks For Content Creators In 2024Screenshot from BidVertiser, October 2023

If you’re exploring options beyond the major players in the advertising realm, BidVertiser, a direct advertising network, might pique your interest.

Having launched in 2003, BidVertiser has expanded its reach to serve over 80,000 publishers and advertisers globally. It offers a diverse array of ad formats, including slider ads, popunder ads, and native ads.

What sets BidVertiser apart is that creators earn not only for clicks on ads but also receive additional income if those clicks lead to conversions or sales for the advertiser.

BidVertiser boasts a low payment threshold of $10, coupled with no minimum traffic requirements. Similar to Revcontent, it equips creators with tools for customizing the design of ad units, ensuring seamless integration with their websites and content. Additionally, it maintains a 100% fill rate.

An appealing aspect of BidVertiser is its automated approval process. Meeting the joining requirements results in instant approval, enabling creators to commence revenue generation promptly.

However, BidVertiser does have its drawbacks. The ads it serves may not always align perfectly with your audience, as it lacks contextual targeting, potentially leading to lower click-through rates. Creators are required to provide a list of preferred advertisers; otherwise, BidVertiser randomly selects them. While BidVertiser has a global reach, those with non-US traffic may not experience substantial earnings.

Key Features:

  1. Direct Advertising Platform: Facilitates direct connections between creators and advertisers, eliminating middlemen.
  2. Geo-Targeting: Enables publishers to segment their audience based on demographics and geography, presenting targeted ads for enhanced revenue generation.
  3. Transparency: BidVertiser provides creators with comprehensive details on incoming bids, winning bids, and revenue earned, ensuring transparency in the process.

BidVertiser’s revenue share remains undisclosed, and it operates on a CPC, CPM, and CPA payment model. Importantly, there are no traffic requirements for creators to join.

12. Mediavine

Mediavine stands out as a preferred ad network for numerous bloggers and content creators, celebrated for its commitment to optimizing earning potential while ensuring a positive user experience for audiences.

Let’s delve into the advantages.

Mediavine boasts faster ad delivery compared to many other ad networks, resulting in reduced wait times for users to view ads. Remarkably, Mediavine asserts that its ads load 200% faster than those of competitors.

Prioritizing user experience extends to other facets, including SEO-optimized website scripts and high-quality ad placements striking a balance between revenue generation and user experience.

Renowned for having some of the highest revenue per mille (RPM) in the industry, Mediavine features a substantial pool of top publishers and advertisers. It further fosters a robust community of creators who not only support one another but also engage in mutual learning and networking at conferences and events.

Similar to many ad networks, Mediavine does have a notable downside – its minimum traffic requirement. While not as daunting as some, a minimum of 50,000 sessions per month, predominantly from the USA, is necessary for qualification.

Additionally, Mediavine mandates 100% exclusivity from its publishers, meaning concurrent usage of other ad networks on the same site is prohibited.

Key Features:

  1. Strong Community: Publishers gain access to Mediavine’s dedicated Facebook group, facilitating networking with industry experts and fellow content creators.
  2. Dynamic Ad Placements: Mediavine prioritizes high-quality ads, emphasizing a superior user experience and enhanced viewability.
  3. Transparent Reporting: Both creators and advertisers benefit from detailed insights and analytics provided by Mediavine. The platform includes a dashboard showcasing top posts and RPMs.

Mediavine operates on a revenue share model, with 75% allocated to publishers and 25% to Mediavine. The payment model is based on CPM, and the traffic requirement for qualification is set at 50,000 monthly sessions.

13. Adsterra

The 17 Best Ad Networks For Content Creators In 2024Screenshot from Adsterra, October 202

Adsterra stands out as a reputable and dependable ad network, providing global coverage and serving as a compelling alternative to larger networks. It particularly caters to creators seeking extensive worldwide coverage and a diverse range of ad types.

Presenting itself as the premier ad network for publishers, Adsterra boasts a swift 10-minute approval process, a 100% fill rate, and a network comprising over 12,000 advertisers. Notably, there is no minimum traffic requirement for joining.

As a self-serve platform, Adsterra ensures ease of use, offering publishers a selection of ad types such as Popunder, social bar, in-page push, native banners, and standard banners. Beyond typical desktop and mobile website traffic, Adsterra allows monetization of social and mobile app traffic.

Adsterra brings additional advantages, including a three-level anti-fraud system for a secure experience, flexible payment options tailored to individual needs, and a Partner Care support system. The support system provides 24/7 multilingual chat assistance for users.

On the downside, Adsterra maintains a minimum payment threshold of $100, and CPM rates may vary based on location.

Key Features:

  1. Referral Program: Adsterra offers a referral program for publishers, enabling them to earn 5% of the revenue generated from anyone they refer.
  2. Strong Security: Employing a combination of in-house and third-party fraud detection tools, along with manual human reviews, Adsterra is committed to providing top-notch security.
  3. Customer Support: With 24/7 support available in multiple languages, Adsterra ensures assistance is readily accessible for its users.

Adsterra operates with an undisclosed revenue share model and supports various payment models, including CPC, CPM, CPI, CPA, and CPL. Notably, there are no traffic requirements for publishers to join.

14. Sovrn (Formerly VigLink)

The 17 Best Ad Networks For Content Creators In 2024Screenshot from Sovrn, October 2023

Sovrn operates as a supply-side platform (SSP), providing a suite of tools and services to publishers and creators for effective content monetization. Its approach integrates traditional ad-serving techniques with advanced methods such as automated affiliate linking, powered by VigLink, a company acquired by Sovrn.

Creators utilizing Sovrn gain access to the Sovrn Data Collective, recognized as the “world’s largest publisher collective for deep consumer insights and enriched audience data.” Currently serving over 60,000 sites, Sovrn offers an array of services including an ad exchange, ad management, and more.

Setting up Sovrn’s tools and integrating them with your website is a straightforward process. Notably, Sovrn can automatically convert relevant links to affiliate links, even on older content. The platform provides customizable ad formats to suit your audience.

While Sovrn does not impose minimum traffic requirements for joining, it does have a minimum payout threshold set at $25 ($50 for wire transfer). The approval process is relatively strict, and payments follow a net-60 structure.

Key Features:

  1. Signal: Sovrn’s Signal feature empowers publishers to delve into their audience’s behavior, utilizing these insights to tailor their ad units.
  2. Automated Affiliate Conversion: Formerly known as VigLink, this feature enables the automatic conversion of standard links into affiliate links.
  3. Access to Sovrn Data Collective: Publishers can leverage data from Sovrn’s collective to understand which ads audiences are engaging with, aiding in revenue optimization.

Sovrn operates on a revenue share model, allocating 75% to publishers and retaining 25%. It supports various payment models, including CPM, CPC, and CPA. Sovrn does not impose traffic requirements for participation.

15. BuySellAds

The 17 Best Ad Networks For Content Creators In 2024Screenshot from BuySellAds, October 2023

BuySellAds operates as an ad marketplace, facilitating revenue generation for publishers by directly connecting them with advertisers across websites, newsletters, and podcasts.

The process involves publishers listing their available ad inventory and CPM in a centralized marketplace. Advertisers can then submit bids for these ad placements, with creators reviewing and approving the proposed creative before the ads go live on their sites.

BuySellAds prides itself on offering an easy-to-use platform, featuring non-disruptive ad types, contextual brand sponsorships aligned with content, and a dependable payment schedule.

While the platform offers numerous advantages, there’s a slight learning curve for beginners. Additionally, there are minimum payment thresholds, ranging from $20 for PayPal to $500 for wire transfer.

Key Features:

  1. Range of Products: Creators can monetize various platforms, including websites, newsletters, and podcasts.
  2. Pricing Control: Publishers have the flexibility to set their own rates through BuySellAds, giving them more control over their earnings.
  3. Marketplace: BuySellAds’ marketplace facilitates direct connections between publishers and advertisers, ensuring that ad placements align with the goals of both parties.

BuySellAds operates on a revenue share model, allocating 75% to publishers and retaining 25%. The payment model is primarily based on CPM, and there are no specific traffic requirements for participation.

16. Ezoic

The 17 Best Ad Networks For Content Creators In 2024Screenshot from Ezoic, October 2023

Ezoic stands out as a technology-driven ad network that harnesses the power of AI to optimize ad placements, enhance revenue, and maintain a positive user experience for publishers.

As a Google Certified Publishing Partner, Ezoic adheres to industry standards in serving ads on websites. It distinguishes itself by being the first in the industry to integrate AI and machine learning into its features. These technologies enable Ezoic to conduct tests on various ad placements, formats, and sizes, determining the most effective formula for publishers to maximize earnings while ensuring a superior user experience.

Ezoic provides creators with the flexibility to choose placeholders for ad locations or specify user experience metrics, such as page load time. The AI considers these preferences when deciding how to serve ads to the audience. Notably, there is no minimum traffic requirement for signing up, and Ezoic caters to global traffic, allowing creators to generate income from diverse sources.

However, it’s important to note that significant earnings may be more likely with US traffic, and there might be a learning curve as creators familiarize themselves with Ezoic’s tools. Temporary performance issues may also arise as Ezoic experiments with different layouts and placements to optimize results.

Key Features:

  1. Mediation: Ezoic’s Mediation feature enables publishers to integrate and manage multiple ad networks, including Google AdSense, alongside Ezoic. This allows networks to compete for ad inventory, ensuring creators receive the highest possible bids.
  2. Leap: An exclusive toolset, Leap provides creators with insights and tips to improve speed metrics, page load times, and Core Web Vitals scores.
  3. Humix: An innovative video tool that allows creators to share and display videos from other publishers on their own website.

Ezoic operates on a revenue share model, allocating 90% to publishers and retaining 10%. The payment model includes CPM and Earnings Per Thousand Visitors (EPMV). The traffic requirement for participation is 10,000 monthly visitors.

17. RevenueHits

The 17 Best Ad Networks For Content Creators In 2024Screenshot from RevenueHits, October 2023

RevenueHits distinguishes itself as a self-service, performance-driven ad network tailored for creators with high-intent audiences likely to engage in actions like making purchases or signing up for advertisers.

The core of RevenueHits’ model revolves around a performance-based approach, particularly emphasizing cost per action (CPA). In this framework, creators earn income when users click an ad on their site and successfully complete an action, such as making a purchase or signing up for the advertiser’s service.

Key Highlights:

  1. CPA Model: Publishers receive payments based on user actions, such as sales, sign-ups, registrations, form fills, or other predefined activities.
  2. Ad Formats: RevenueHits offers a range of ad formats, including display banners, shadow box, floating banners, footer sticky, in-page push, and more.
  3. Referral Program: Creators can participate in a referral program, earning up to 10% of the earnings generated by publishers they refer for a year.

Noteworthy Aspects:

  • No Minimum Traffic Requirement: RevenueHits welcomes publishers without a minimum traffic requirement, offering flexibility in participation.
  • High Earnings Potential: With payouts of up to $50 per acquisition, there is a substantial earnings potential for creators, especially those with a high-intent audience.
  • Payment Thresholds: Publishers should be aware of minimum payment thresholds, set at $20 for PayPal and $500 for wire transfers.
  • Payment Model: RevenueHits operates on multiple payment models, including CPA, CPL (Cost Per Lead), and CPM (Cost Per Mille).
  • Ad Quality and User Experience: While RevenueHits presents an opportunity for earnings, it may not have the same reputation for high-quality ads that prioritize a positive user experience compared to some other networks.
  • Undisclosed Revenue Share: The specific revenue share percentage that RevenueHits retains is undisclosed.

In summary, RevenueHits offers an alternative approach with a focus on performance-driven models, making it suitable for creators seeking opportunities based on user actions. The absence of a minimum traffic requirement and the potential for high earnings based on user conversions contribute to the appeal of this ad network. However, creators should consider the trade-offs, including the minimum payment thresholds and potential variations in overall earnings.

Selecting the right ad network is a crucial decision for content creators, bloggers, and publishers. The process involves understanding the nuances, weighing the pros and cons of each platform, and grasping their diverse payment models and methods.

The key factor is ensuring that the chosen platform aligns with your content goals and values. Before making a decision, it’s essential to clarify what matters most to you – whether it’s the quality of ads, user experience, or payout frequency – and verify that these priorities are reflected in the ad network you opt for.

Whether you’re a novice blogger embarking on the journey to monetize your content or an experienced creator reevaluating your revenue strategy, this guide aims to assist you in making well-informed decisions to maximize your earnings.

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