What are the pros and cons of using Google AdSense for display advertising?

Evaluating the benefits and drawbacks of Google AdSense.

Hey! I’ve used Google AdSense quite a bit for display advertising, so here’s my two cents based on experience:

Pros of AdSense:

Huge network – You get access to a massive inventory of websites and apps, which gives your ads a ton of reach.

Easy to use – It’s pretty straightforward to set up and manage, even if you’re not super tech-savvy.

Smart targeting – Google does a solid job at placing your ads in front of relevant audiences using their contextual and behavioral data.

Reliable payments – You don’t have to worry about shady dealings; Google’s payment system is trustworthy.

Cons:

High competition – Since everyone and their cousin is using AdSense, CPCs can be steep, especially in competitive niches.

Limited control – You don’t get as much say over where exactly your ads show up (unless you put in extra work with placement targeting).

Strict policies – Google can be pretty unforgiving. One wrong move, and your account might get suspended with little explanation.

That said, I’ve started experimenting with some alternatives lately, like 7Search PPC. It’s definitely not as big as Google, but it gives you a bit more control and flexibility, especially if you're targeting niche audiences or want to test budget-friendly campaigns. It's also been easier to get direct support, which is refreshing compared to AdSense’s ticket black hole.