The Google Network is a large group of websites and other products, such as email programmes and blogs, that have partnered with Google to display AdWords ads. Advertisers have the option of running their ads on Google as well as the Google Network for no extra cost.
AdWords ads are placed based either on searches or content, so the Google Network has two components: the search network and the content network.
Who's part of the Google Network?
We are always expanding the number of sites and products in our network through our premium services, our online Google AdSense programme and DoubleClick Ad Exchange. Participating websites must adhere to Google AdSense standards.
Keyword-targeted ads
Besides appearing on search results on Google, AdWords advertisers are automatically eligible to have their campaigns with keywords appear on the Google Network.
The search network
Ads are targeted based on a user's search terms. For example, if you search for 'Italian coffee' on Google, related coffee ads will be displayed next to the search results.
Content network
Ads are targeted based on content themes rather than specific keywords. You can also specify specific sites.
Learn more about the content network.
Placement-targeted ads on the content network
Placements are another way of targeting ad groups. By adding placements to ad groups, advertisers can choose the sites where they would like their ad to appear, or bid more for those sites when they are a match for the ad group's keywords.
Learn more about placements.Content bids
You may also choose to enable the content bids feature. This lets AdWords advertisers set one price when their ads run on Google and Google Network search sites and a different price when their ads run on the Google content network.
Learn more about content bids.
Setting where you want your ads to be displayed
New campaigns that start with keywords are automatically opted in to distribution on the Google Network, so if you want your ads to appear on search and content sites and products, you don't need to do a thing. We recommend targeting both the search and content networks. To get the best ROI from both, review our tips for the search network and for the content network.
You can adjust your campaign settings to show only on the search network or only on the content network.
Learn how to view or edit your distribution preferences.
Other useful tips
Other Google Network facts that you might like to know:
- There is no additional fee to advertise on the Google Network.
- You can use additional ad formats, such as image and video ads, when you run ads on the content network.
- Some sites and products in the Google Network show as few as the top 3 ads per page. The higher your average ad position, the more exposure you'll get.
- All participating sites must adhere to Google AdSense policies.
