TOPICS
- Introduction to Blogging Ads
- Types of Ads and Where to Put them
- Inside Look at HomeAndPocket.com Traffic and Ads
Ever wonder how blogs make money from ads? It’s not as simple as “put up some banners and get paid.”
Although I thought it was….
Behind every ad placement is a strategy — balancing reader experience, layout design, and earning potential.
At HomeAndPocket.com, I primarily use four main ad formats. Each one serves a purpose depending on the device, placement, and how the reader interacts with the page or article I am publishing.
I essential Get 4 Types or styles of Ad Choices on my WordPress Website:
- The Rectangle (300×250)
- The Leaderboard (728×250)
- Mobile Leaderboard (320×50)
- Wide Skyscraper (160×600)
Those numbers you see after the “Type” of ads are the dimensions of the ad in pixels — width × height. They basically tell the advertiser how much space the ad will occupy on your page
In short, width × height = the visible size of the ad on your page. Advertisers often pick sizes based on performance — some sizes get more clicks or attention than others.
1. The Rectangle (300×250)
A compact, versatile ad that fits neatly within articles and sidebars, striking a good balance between visibility and reader flow.
- Where it goes: Inside articles, usually midway through content or at the end.
- Why it works: It’s one of the most common ad sizes online and performs well because it fits naturally within the flow of reading.
2. The Leaderboard (728×90)
A wide banner that stretches across the top or bottom of a page, built to catch attention right as a visitor lands on the site.
- Where it goes: Top or bottom of pages on desktop view.
- Why it works: This is your classic banner ad — it’s wide, grabs attention immediately, and is great for brand visibility.
3. The Mobile Leaderboard (320×50)
A slim, mobile-friendly version of the leaderboard that keeps ads visible without interrupting the scrolling experience.
- Where it goes: At the top or bottom of the screen for mobile users.
- Why it works: Clean, minimal, and doesn’t interrupt scrolling. Since over half of traffic comes from phones, this is essential.
4. The Wide Skyscraper (160×600)
A tall, vertical ad placed along the sidebar — ideal for long-form content where it stays in view as readers scroll.
- Where it goes: Sidebar on desktop pages.
- Why it works: Ideal for longer content — it scrolls with the reader and keeps engagement high for advertisers.
Above: The 4 types of Ads available on WordPress. I mainly use the “Leaderboard” for most in article ads.
How Advertisers Pay
There are a few different models:
- CPC (Cost Per Click): You earn when someone clicks.
- CPM (Cost Per Mille): You earn per thousand views.
- CPA (Cost Per Action): You earn when a user takes an action like signing up or buying something.
The Balancing Act
More ads don’t always mean more money.
This is something I have struggled with since I published my first Article. Which was my “Pilot Article”.
Did you Click on the link and read the article?
Probably Not – Anyways…
When it comes to Ads, too many slow your site, hurt SEO, and annoy readers.
The goal is balance — clean layouts that keep readers focused on your message, while letting ads quietly support the platform.
I think we’ve all been to those sites or read an article where you were so frustrated with the amount of Ads being diplayed you closed to the article.
I know I have.
I am also aware that some of my articles have flittered with that line as well. Something I try to avoid by going back and reading all my articles after there are posted with the Ads in them.
A look at HomeAndPocket Ad Revenue and How It All Adds Up
I don’t mind sharing my personal Ad Revenue for HomeAndPocket.com. and have been doing so since the sites inception.
Part of HomeAndPocket’s articles and experience is sharing the behind the scenes of my investments and income to show the Truth and dispel perception.
I keep an updated behind the scenes tracking of my site Traffic and Ad Revenue for all to see – Here
So, Lets take a look at where HomeAndPocket.com is today with Traffic and Ads:
Traffic:
The first thing we will look at is the overall traffic for the site.
As you can see below, the site has been active since January 1st, 2025
I have a total of 11,500 views over that roughly 10 plus months. Which averages around 1,000 views a month. Not as much as it sounds.
Most well established site earn that in a day or hour!
Visitors vs. Views.
Basically, visitors are unique people who come to the site and views are how many pages or times a page is loaded.
So, If you came to HomeAndPocekt and went 3 pages, it would be 1 visitor and 3 views.
Below is the Most Viewed Section:
This section basically outlines which pages/articles rank the highest in terms of views, not necessary visitors.
It’s very normal for the Homepage to be the most viewed page mainly becasue that’s where you start and or end on the website.
The “Freedom Fund” is my cornerstone of the site due in part to me sharing my monthly dividend haul and updating and posting my actual stock portfolio for all to see.
Above: My total Earnings from HomeAndPocket Ad revenue.
Surprised?
I know I was and am every time I look at it. I thought I’d be making Millions by now!
Just Kidding – but it does dispel the notion that blogging or other online ventures are not get rich quick schemes.
In total, I’ve “made” just under $15.00 over the last 11-months.
That’s less than $1.50 per month. and I use quotes are “Made” because wordAds don’t pay you until you cross the $100 threshold.
So, at this rate, It will take me about five and a half years to get my first paycheck.
I may be good with investing but blogging, entertainment, and social media – not so much!
Final Thoughts
Running a blog isn’t free — hosting, design, research, and time all cost something.
Ads are what make content sustainable without charging readers.
But for me, HomeAndPocket.com has never been about making a quick buck.
After nearly a year — 11 months to be exact — the site has brought in less than $15 in ad revenue.
Yet in that same time, over 11,000 people have read the words, ideas, and lessons I’ve shared here.
That reach, that connection, means far more than the ad payouts ever could.
Building this site has taught me more about investing, personal finance, marketing, web design, and storytelling than I ever expected to learn when I started.
I’ve broken things, fixed them, redesigned pages, studied analytics, and slowly started to understand what readers actually care about.
Each article is a step forward — not toward profit, but toward mastery and purpose.
In many ways, that’s the real reward.
Because even if the ad revenue barely covers a cup of coffee, the growth, the learning, and the engagement with readers like you — that’s worth more than the money I didn’t earn.
As Always, Thanks for Reading and be sure to Subscribe Below!
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