Ad networks are crucial for digital publishers who want to increase their revenue through their websites. There are multiple alternatives to earning ad revenue, and as a content site owner, you need to remember that premium advertising partners are needed for high payouts and optimized strategies.
One of the most common ad networks we see clients using is Ezoic. Though the platform has decent ratings and a recognizable name, it’s not always the most lucrative solution for everyone. We’re often asked for alternative options and believe it’s always worth testing multiple ad networks over time to see what works best for you.
To help you understand your ad network options and boost your monetization game, we’ve created a list of the most common and best alternatives, along with their pros and cons so you can make an informed decision that suits your specific needs.
Newor Media
Newor Media is a full-service ad management solution that supports header bidding. Header bidding is the programmatic advertising technique of bringing an array of networks to bid in real-time for inventory. Unlike networks that only sell units to their advertisers, Newor Media draws from various networks to drive competition—leading to higher earnings for publishers!
They specialize in revenue maximization and balancing user experience. For example, they work with publishers to optimize ad placement and layout. Ezoic relies on AI to optimize strategies, but Newor takes a balanced approach between manual and AI. As a result, publishers get strategies tailored more to their website and audience rather than strategies based on best practices. Additional services include revenue-generating solutions (Adblock revenue recovery, ad refresh, etc.), page-load speed assistance, and a consent management platform.
Starting with Newor Media: Publishers must meet a traffic requirement of 30,000 unique users per month. Account reps work with publishers to integrate header bidding onto their websites.
PROS:
- Supports an extensive ad catalog; sticky ads, display ads, native, video ads, interstitials, vignettes
- Non-contractual and non-exclusive, so they’ll work alongside AdSense
- Gives publishers access to Google’s AdX inventory through their Google MCM channel
- Full ad-management service
CONS:
- Traffic requirement makes it difficult for new bloggers to join
Media.Net
A popular AdSense alternative, Media.Net, is a logical Ezoic replacement for bloggers to consider. The global network is run by and serves as a primary ad provider for two of the most popular search engines: Yahoo and Bing.
Media.net focuses on high-quality contextual advertising for small to large publishers. Essentially, they want to offer premium ad spaces to content-driven bloggers. Although they’re not an ad management platform, they offer a unique layout customization feature to change color schemes and designs.
Starting with Media.Net: No traffic requirements, but a few surrounding websites—content must be unique, and website category must be available in their list of advertiser categories. Seamless website and mobile integration through their dashboard.
PROS:
- No joining costs
- RPM rates are some of the highest in the industry
- Known for reliable customer support
- Access to in-depth reporting through their data analysis dashboard
CONS:
- Some ads require a double-click to earn
- Source of traffic must be from the US, Canada, or the UK
- They will flag you for low-quality/quantity traffic and possibly suspend your account
- Not an ad management platform; optimizing will fall on publishers
Mediavine
Lifestyle, entertainment, food, travel, or fashion blogger? Mediavine may be the best Ezoic alternative for you. The network is a full-service ad management platform that works in the vertical to deliver highly relevant ads to users.
They’re known for highly competitive earnings per mille visitors (EPMV) rates which account for all visitors during a period. As a result, bloggers have an extremely high earning potential. Content creators also love their ad support services. It allows publishers to craft content and build their brand, while Mediavine acts as an ad manager.
Starting with Mediavine: To join, publishers need 25,000 sessions per month. Mediavine handles setup and integration for publishers.
PROS:
- Bloggers earn high-income
- Offers ad service to optimize ads
- There’s an exclusive Facebook group where staff and publishers work together
CONS:
- Competitive network to join; even exceeding the traffic requirement does not guarantee approval
Google AdSense
Google AdSense is perhaps the most known and widely used advertising network. They offer a set-it-and-forget-it approach to selling and buying display ads. As a result, it’s an ideal platform for new bloggers.
Although publishers have access to Google’s pool of advertisers, AdSense does not support header bidding—severely limiting the demand pool. Additionally, compared to other networks’ catalogs, they don’t support as many different ad types. It’s common practice for most publishers to seek an AdSense alternative once they start scaling their website—so be careful not to take two steps back! Instead, if you’re considering using AdSense as an alternative, look for an ad platform willing to work alongside them.
Starting with AdSense: No set traffic requirement, but they assess website quality for approval. Integration requires a WordPress Plugin, and then it’s relatively hands-off.
PROS:
- It’s free to join
- Publishers can place ads on multiple sites from a single account
- Can use an ad solution platform in conjunction to boost earnings
CONS:
- High payout threshold of $100
- Limited network stack
- Unexplained account bans at any time; for reasons ranging from policy violations to click fraud
Google AdExchange
Google AdExchange (AdX), previously known as DoubleClick, is essentially the premium version of AdSense that offers solutions to a few of AdSense’s shortcomings. Designed to run in a bidding fashion, AdX allows publishers to monetize across various popular sites (Google, Youtube, etc.) and offers a more extensive network stack that helps drive competition—and CPM rates!
In addition to more competition, publishers get access to a larger catalog of ad types. For example, publishers can use rich media and video ads—which are the most lucrative ad types in display advertising at the moment.
Starting with AdX: Steep traffic requirement of 5 million pageviews a month. Publishers who are approved can add their inventory to AdX via their Google account dashboard.
PROS:
- Supports all sizes and formats of Internet display advertising
- Offers an in-depth reporting feature that allows publishers to gauge the performance of ad exchanges or other demand partners
CONS:
- Nearly impossible for the average publisher to be accepted
- Requires an up-to-date ads.txt file
BuySellAds
Another competitive Ezoic alternative to consider is BuySellAds. The network is comparably a breath of fresh air for publishers who feel Ezoic relies too heavily on AI. They bring back a more traditional way of buying and selling different types of ad space. To clarify, they connect publishers to advertisers and allow you to set pricing and auction of your ad space. As a result, publishers have more control and transparency.
Starting with BuySellAds: Traffic requirement of 50,000 impressions per month to join. Publishers use an HTML code (sent by BuySellAds) to display/serve ads.
PROS:
- More control and transparency in the bidding process.
- Simple setup
- Flexible when it comes to the amount and type of ad space
CONS:
- It takes a high commission percentage – a whopping 25%
- High traffic requirement to be approved
- English-only websites
- Publishers can potentially price themselves out of the market
Propeller Ads
Propeller Ads is a reputable ad network that is particularly sought-after by publishers looking to ditch traditional ad types. Besides the standard catalog, they offer sponsored links, pop ads, and push notification ads. These simple (but slightly intrusive) ad types help with better viewability and engagement—and ultimately a boost in revenue!
In addition to more ad types, their publishers get access to a few other benefits. For example, the network provides bloggers with an ad-block solution feature, AI-assisted ad optimization, and fraud protection tech to help brand safety.
Though we love a network that does more for ads, they don’t support header bidding, and that can’t be overlooked. The lack of a demand prohibits any real competition from occurring. As a result, rates are low.
Starting with Propeller Ads: There is no traffic requirement to join, and cross-device technologies offer seamless integration across all devices.
PROS:
- Minimum payout threshold of $5
- Supports a wide range of ad units for both mobile phones and desktops
CONS:
- It doesn’t support header bidding – severely limiting the demand pool
- Popunder ads can be intrusive to users/ hurt user experience
Infolinks
Looking to break away from traditional display ads? Infolinks is a reputable global ad network that specializes in in-text advertising. They index publisher content to provide ads based on specific keywords—SEO lovers, rejoice! They deliver timely, relevant, and optimized ads using their smart algorithms. Publishers can still implement sidebar, banner, and expandable display ads using Infolinks.
Unfortunately, they operate on a cost-per-click (CPC) revenue model. So any publisher hoping to earn big will need decent traffic and user engagement. Furthermore, since they’re not an ad management platform, publishers will be solely responsible for optimizing placement and layout. However, publishers who can deliver optimized ads will benefit from solid industry rates.
Starting with Infolinks: There are no page views or monthly traffic requirements to join. Publishers can integrate the ad network through an easy WordPress plugin.
PROS:
- Offer a great alternative to display advertising (while still supporting it!)
- Helps SEO-lovers capitalize on their efforts
CONS:
- In-text ads have been known to slow page loading speed
- CPC is not the most profitable avenue for earning
AdThrive
AdThrive is a good alternative and a particular favorite for bloggers within the lifestyle niche. Their network is equipped with advertisers in the lifestyle category—allowing them to serve high-quality, relevant ads.
Publishers who work with the network benefit from high display and video ad incentives, monetization strategy assistance, and a full-service ad management approach. Additionally, they have a considerable revenue share of 75% – one of the largest in the industry!
Starting with AdThrive: 100,000 monthly visitors are necessary to join. AdThrive creates a seamless integration for publishers.
PROS:
- Competitive advertisers within the lifestyle niche
- They guarantee payment
CONS:
- Extremely challenging to get approval – traffic requirements aside
- Not relevant/profitable for publishers outside the lifestyle niche
AdPushup
Another popular Ezoic alternative to consider is AdPushup. The network prides itself on being an optimization solution for earning with ads. They offer layout optimization, A/B testing, and an extensive ad type catalog.
They operate on a CPC basis but offer solutions to increase engagement and viewability. As a result, publishers have the opportunity to yield high profits.
Starting with AdPushup: Publishers must meet a traffic requirement of 10,000 page views per month to join. Integration and setup is a simple 2-step process.
PROS:
- Works to improve user experience, ad layouts, and CTR
- Offers competitive rates
CONS:
- It’s an invite-only ad network.
- Reporting and analytics could be improved upon for deeper insight
Conclusion
While Ezoic might be the first option many consider trying when putting ads on their site, more often than not, it isn’t the best choice. Take time to consider your options and needs, and you’ll settle on the best ad platform for you.
Do you value ease of use and a set it and forget it approach? AdSense probably suits you best. A fan of programmatic advertising? You may want to avoid a network where publishers traditionally sell ad space. If you appreciate having a dedicated customer support team and an ad layout specifically tailored to your site, consider Newor Media. They have a free earnings calculator on their site that can give an idea of what you’d be making.