Google AdSense Auto Ads make monetization easy. Google automatically decides where to place ads on your site. While that sounds great, sometimes Auto Ads appear in places you don’t want them.
Why Controlling Auto Ads Matters? Auto Ads can boost earnings, but giving them total freedom isn’t always ideal. Ads in the wrong places can frustrate users, reduce engagement, and even cause compliance issues with Google’s policies. When you fine-tune Auto Ads, you not only improve user experience but also give high-performing ad spots more visibility. The result is often better CTR, stronger RPM, and happier visitors.
So how do you control auto ads placements?
Step 1: Access Auto Ads Settings
To start, log in to your AdSense dashboard (https://www.google.com/adsense/) and head over to the Ads section. From there, choose your site and click Edit Auto Ads. This is where all your placement controls live.
Step 2: Exclude Pages That Don’t Need Ads
Not every page should display ads. Think of your privacy policy, thank-you pages, or checkout screens — they don’t add value for advertisers or users. In the Auto Ads panel, scroll to the Page Exclusions option and enter the URLs you want to block from ads. Once saved, Google will stop serving Auto Ads on those pages.
In WordPress, you can use an Easy Google AdSense add-on to entirely remove ad code from those pages. This keeps your site looking professional and policy-compliant.
Step 3: Control Ad Formats
AdSense Auto Ads support several formats: in-page ads, anchor ads, vignette ads, and multiplex ads. You don’t have to use them all. For example, if vignette ads feel too intrusive on your site, simply switch them off in the settings. If you run a blog, in-page ads and multiplex ads often perform better, while e-commerce sites may benefit more from anchor ads. Testing formats one by one is the best way to discover what works for your audience.
Step 4: Adjust the Ad Load
Another powerful control is the Ad Load slider. This setting determines how many ads appear on a single page. A higher setting means more ads and possibly higher revenue, but it can also overwhelm readers. A lower setting creates a cleaner look but may reduce earnings. The middle setting is usually a safe place to start. From there, you can increase or decrease the load based on feedback and performance reports.
Step 5: Monitor Performance and Optimize
After making changes, don’t forget to measure results. Use AdSense reports to track RPM, CTR, and CPC over time. If you notice a revenue drop, review which settings you changed and adjust accordingly. The best strategy is to test one modification at a time. That way, you’ll know which settings directly impact your earnings and user experience.