I miss the old days of Google AdSense, but we must find a way to adapt and continue generating revenue with Google.
It’s definitely starting to feel like traditional AdSense is losing its edge, especially with the rise of AI-driven content, ad blockers, and new monetization models like affiliate and subscription platforms. While AdSense still works for some niches, it's nowhere near as reliable or profitable as it used to be. For example, I run a niche content site focused on things like Shake Shack Nutrition — which used to bring in decent passive income via AdSense. But over the past year, earnings have dropped significantly despite consistent traffic. I've had to explore other monetization options like sponsored posts and direct partnerships.
Google keeps pushing more AI into everything and is kind of forcing users to rely on automated settings. It’s starting to feel like they just want to get paid without actually giving us control over anything anymore
Totally agree — it feels like Google is prioritizing automation over user control. AI tools can be helpful, but when settings are hidden or locked, users lose transparency. More customization and manual options would make the balance much better.
I don't think this is really the "end" of AdSense, but it's clear the landscape has shifted a lot compared to a few years ago. Earnings are definitely not what they used to be, especially with Google's recent changes in how ads are served and paid, but AdSense still has the advantage of being simple and accessible for smaller publishers. The way I see it, the smart move now is not to rely on it as the only source of income mixing in affiliate programs, direct sponsorships, or even experimenting with other ad networks can make a big difference.
I totally agree, the landscape has definitely changed, and AdSense isn't what it used to be. But, like you said, it's still a simple and accessible option for smaller publishers. I think diversifying revenue streams is more important than ever relying solely on AdSense isn’t a smart move anymore.
Yeah, feels like Adsense is pushing small publishers out. CPM might work for big sites, but for many of us, it’s a huge drop in earnings. Maybe it’s time to look for other networks or diversify income sources.