How to Add Google AdSense Verification Code to WordPress: A Step-by-Step Guide

3 min readJun 8, 2024

Monetizing your WordPress site with Google AdSense is a popular way to earn passive income through display ads. However, before you can start displaying ads, you need to verify your website with Google AdSense. This guide will walk you through the process of adding the Google AdSense verification code to your WordPress site.

Why Verify Your WordPress Site with Google AdSense?

Verification is a crucial step in the Google AdSense approval process. It helps Google confirm that you own the website where ads will be displayed. Once verified, you can start placing ads and earning revenue.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Google AdSense Verification Code to WordPress

Step 1: Sign Up for Google AdSense

If you haven’t already signed up for Google AdSense, follow these steps:

Visit the Google AdSense website.
Click on the “Get Started” button.
Sign in with your Google account.
Enter your website URL and select your site’s language.
Complete the application form and submit it.

After submitting your application, you’ll receive a unique verification code from Google AdSense.

Step 2: Copy the AdSense Verification Code

After your application is reviewed, you will receive an email from Google AdSense with instructions.
Log in to your Google AdSense account.
Navigate to the “Site” section.
Select the site you want to verify.
You will see a verification code. Copy this code as you will need it in the next step.

Step 3: Add the Verification Code to Your WordPress Site

There are several methods to add the AdSense verification code to your WordPress site. Here are the most common ones:

Method 1: Using a WordPress Plugin

Install and Activate the Plugin:

Go to your WordPress dashboard.
Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
Search for a plugin like Insert Headers and Footers or Header Footer Code Manager.
Install and activate the plugin.

Add the Verification Code:

Go to Settings > Insert Headers and Footers.
Paste the AdSense verification code into the Scripts in Header section.
Save your changes.

Method 2: Editing the Theme’s Header.php File

Access the Theme Editor:

Go to your WordPress dashboard.
Navigate to Appearance > Theme Editor.
Find and click on the header.php file in the right-hand sidebar.

Insert the Verification Code:

Paste the AdSense verification code just before the closing </head> tag.
Click Update File to save your changes.

Method 3: Using the Customizer

Access the Customizer:

Go to your WordPress dashboard.
Navigate to Appearance > Customize.

Add the Code:

Depending on your theme, find the section for Additional CSS or Additional Scripts.
Paste the AdSense verification code.
Publish your changes.

Step 4: Verify Your Site with Google AdSense

Return to your Google AdSense account.
Click on Request Review to notify Google that you’ve added the verification code.
Google will review your site, which can take a few days. You’ll receive an email once the verification process is complete.

Tips for a Smooth Verification Process

Ensure Your Site is Complete: Make sure your site has sufficient content and adheres to Google’s content policies.
Check for Errors: Ensure there are no syntax errors in your HTML code when adding the verification code.
Use a Reliable Plugin: If you choose to use a plugin, ensure it’s well-maintained and compatible with your version of WordPress.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Issue 1: Verification Code Not Found

Ensure the code is placed correctly within the <head> section of your site’s HTML.

Issue 2: Verification Denied

Review Google’s AdSense policies to ensure your site complies with their guidelines.

Issue 3: Plugin Conflicts

Deactivate other plugins temporarily to rule out conflicts, and then try adding the code again.

Conclusion

Adding the Google AdSense verification code to your WordPress site is a crucial step to start monetizing your content with ads. By following this guide, you can seamlessly integrate the verification code and ensure your site is ready for Google AdSense approval. Once verified, you can explore various ad formats and placements to maximize your revenue. Happy blogging and earning!