How to Get Approval for Google Adsense - My Personal Experience

Way back my college years between 2000 to 2004, I attempted to construct a blog site but I ended up writing one entry only for every new blog site that is introduced. The routine has always been like that, signing up for a new account for whatever blog site is most popular and blogging about stuff reaching up to only one page and then no more. 

When I started reading Bo Sanchez's blogs, I was exposed to different ways on how to earn money through the internet. Then, I stumbled upon names of people I have no idea of (back then) like the Philippine's Online Marketing Guru Mr. Jomar Hilario. I read about his blogs and participated in the free webinars he would give from time to time. In other words, I was convinced that I can really earn extra money through the internet. Back in the early 2000, I was reading all about how to make money from blogging and stuff. Then, I researched more on the topic and eventually learned about Google Adsense. When I started out taking jobs on oDesk, I had several projects wherein I was tasked to blog for different websites. Now, I get the whole picture why people from all over the world would take time publishing different articles online. 

I'd post about how to get approval for Google Adsense based on my own personal experience. As I have mentioned, it was several years back when I tried blogging but it did not work out. In 2011, along with my several applications on oDesk, I revived my blogging habit. I was thinking of keeping a blog site as a personal portfolio ONLY and not for public consumption. But, my hopes to get paid for blogging was rekindled. Day by day, I tried to fill up pages of my blogger account with different entries that I can think of. I mean, that was one tip I got --- for beginners who do not know what to blog about, just write anything under the sun; your experiences for the day, your favorite tv show, what you ate for lunch, an inspiring message or childhood memories. It can be about anything. In my case, I love to blog about my travel adventures and experiences from oDesk projects. 


However, if you are applying for Google Adsense, here are a few of my personal tips:

1. Your blog site should have a catchy title. The title/subtitle should reflect what the reader is about to read or what the site is all about.

2. The "About Me" section is critical for readers to know who is behind every article they are reading.

3. Start blogging NOW! Remember that your blog entries should point out a particular theme. There are many blogs on "How To's" and these are usually the ones who gain attention from readers. Actually, you can blog about anything as long as your site has a specific theme that caters to a particular audience. 

4. Avoid grammatical errors. Proofread your work before publishing it. Your site will increase more credibility if it appears to be professionally done and with limited mistakes.

5. Blog everyday for the rest of your life. This is something I had difficulty doing. But, I tried my best to maintain the site and write as often as I can. 

6. Keep your site as clean as possible. Include "gadgets" which are only crucial like email catcher and share buttons (i.e. facebook, twitter and other social media sites) to gain popularity. Do not include those that will just make your site appear confusing. 

7. On a more technical aspect, when you apply for google adsense, it is most likely that you are going to fill-up forms. Make sure that you declare information that pertains to yourself as correctly as possible.

8. If it is your first time to apply, most likely you will get denied of your application (just like me!). Do not lose hope, just continue writing and posting blogs!

9. Take note that your blog contents should tackle a particular theme and should keep up with google adsense guidelines.

10. Be PATIENT in trying to apply and re-apply (only if you get disapproved). 

It took me one year before my blog site was finally approved for adsense. I think the key is to keep on blogging and be patient with the procedures. Now, I can finally say that Adsense has inspired me to write more meaningful blogs. 

Tips on Time Management Especially for those Working at Home

I must admit that taking projects on oDesk can be a bit overwhelming because you would want to earn as much as you can. However, if you are working at home on a part time basis (like me), you should be able to efficiently assess how many projects you can do. This can help you build up a good track record that you can finish projects on time rather than take on several jobs which you cannot complete. It is both a frustration for you and for the client. When I was just new to oDesk, I tried to engage in several projects but it did not work out well because I was thinking that I had to work double time to submit on time. It was too late when I realized that I have taken too much work and neglected some projects already. Hence, I was unable to produce the expected output for one of my clients. There were times when I took one project after the other because I felt that I CAN STILL handle it but, unfortunately I can only do so much. From then on, I learned my lessons well. I took projects which are appropriate for my skills so, I can give the best for my clients. Luckily, many of my oDesk clients have been satisfied with what I submit to them.

But, one of the most important things that I realized too is time management. I am not an expert on the topic but, I must say that I have learned my lessons the hard way. As an independent contractor in oDesk, TIME MANAGEMENT is essential. It is not wrong to take on several projects all at the same time as long as you know how to prioritize which task must be prioritized (considering the deadline). In this way, you will not sacrifice the quality of your work and at the same time, satisfy your clients by submitting quality work right on schedule.

If you are still struggling with time management, here are a few tips that I can share with you (especially for those working at home/oDesk):

1. Make a list of your "Things to do"

The typical employee always have a list of the things to accomplish for the day. Even if you are working at home, maintaining a line up of tasks that needs to be done will be helpful to identify what projects are needed ASAP and which ones can wait. By doing this, you save yourself from the stress of thinking about the projects all at the same time.

2. Avoid the feeling of panic. Just focus on one task at a time.

When you have enlisted what task needs priority, then put all your concentration on that job alone. Do not be anxious that there are numerous works waiting. Yes, there are multiple projects to be accomplished but you have to stick with what you have on hand --- the one that needs to be done ASAP.

3. Set a time frame for each project.

Think of how much time you need to finish one project and stick to the set schedule. This will enable you to make use of the time properly.  You know yourself well, so only you can tell how much time is needed or how quick of a worker you are.

4. Always aim to finish ahead of the deadline.

There will always be demanding clients especially for those working at home (oDesk, in my case). Whether you are working by the hour or working at a fixed-price contract, always aim to finish ahead of the deadline. This will provide opportunity for you to have spare time relaxing for a while and then, take on additional tasks which means more income.

5. Do not procrastinate.

This is usually the problem for those working at home. You have a lot of temptation to delay the job. Your bed is easily accessible for a quick nap (which ends up extending your sleeping hours); internet is just in front of you to check what's new on facebook; magazines and newspapers at your home to read; the television can be easily turned on and tune in to your favorite tv show. There are plenty of reasons to procrastinate and delay the accomplishment of your projects. So, try to be strong and well-disciplined as possible in getting things done (especially the most important ones).

I am glad to share with you my personal struggles ever since I started working on oDesk. I know I have a long way to go before I can make it my full time job. But, time management especially for those working at home, is one key to be successful in this unique career path.

My First oDesk Dispute Ticket

It was just yesterday when I blogged about my first odesk writing jobs. I did not think I was going to be "reprimanded" by my employer THIS SOON like after a week and a half of working . Well, it was my fault in the first place. Currently, I have 4 employers for which I am writing up different articles altogether. So, with all the excitement and enthusiasm to finish all the necessary tasks, I did not notice when I logged into the time monitoring odesk feature, I clicked on the wrong employer and was charging hours on the wrong one! It was such a bad feeling because all my effort in writing this particular topic was lost. Apart from that, I received a sort of "memo" for the discrepancies in my log in time (which I honestly did not mean).




Ergo, I got my first "dispute" ticket from odesk. I felt bad but after that, I still felt thankful that for a newbie like me, everything was settled and I'm back to work! This time, I swear, I'm going to be more careful. Now, I have to get back to writing more articles! I love this part-time job!