I believe in targeting. Targeting=highCTR=higheCPM.. It is the most important thing for an adsenser. The better the targeting, the more you earn. And most importantly, when you finally got to the level of master targeting, it's only time that's the sky limit of how much you can earn.
Don't over do it. Many sites have the maximum number of ads allowed and look too spammy. If I have to hunt to find content, I just leave.
Tip #1 - forgotten by many, many new publishers - read, digest and comply with the rules. Tip #2 - if you don't follow tip #1 don't complain if you get banned.
My most important tip(s): have patience and try to experiment with different AdSense layouts in order to work out which suits you best and maximizes AdSense efficiency.
Make your site for PEOPLE.. Give them what they want with useful information - then do your SEO, backlinks, etc.. all the ad-optimization, ad-targeting, etc does not mean anything if people arent coming to your site..
The tragetting itself is taken care of by adsense. You create a site on a topic and adsense should provide relevant ads for it. I think you should not blend the ads in too much because it will simply result ina lot of unintended click which will result in smartpricing in the long run.
Most Important: READ TOS. Seriously, READ IT. Stop asking stupid questions that can be answered with a 1seconds glimpse of the TOS. It kinda goes with the read and digest rules suggestion already mentioned.
Don't rely on Adsense only. There are a lot of other ways (some are even better) to monetize your site. Try a lot and you will find out what's working best for your niche.
And at that... make sure it's worth reading. Quality content draws more visitors. More visitors means more opportunities for you to benefit from Adsense.
I've seen both good and bad adsense layouts, so far its come down to other aspects of the game. such as link development and traffic. but formost is content, content, content. similar to a realtor saying, "location, location, location" you'll find the adsense layout that works for you. but yeah, follow the TOS. they are helpful and respond quickly
Hey damien, sometimes it's not true never use borders. According to the owner, the ads in the header performs very well. I think it's best to make your ads blends and at the same time standing out quite a bit. Like Joel does with a leaderboard: http://www.askjoelcomm.com/