How Do I Get Ads on My Squarespace Website?

If you’re looking to monetize your Squarespace website with ads, you have a few different options depending on the type of ads you want to display and the user experience you’re aiming for. Below, I’ll walk you through the best ways to get ads on your Squarespace site, whether you’re using Google AdSense, affiliate banners, direct sponsorships, or third-party ad networks.

1. Google AdSense (Automated Ads)

Google AdSense is one of the easiest ways to display ads on your Squarespace site. It automatically serves ads based on your content and audience.

How to Set Up Google AdSense on Squarespace

1. Apply for AdSense at Google AdSense. Google will review your site to make sure it follows their policies.

2. Once approved, generate your ad code inside your AdSense dashboard.

3. Add the AdSense code to Squarespace:

   • Go to Settings > Advanced > Code Injection

   • Paste the ad script inside the Header or Footer Code Injection section.

4. Alternatively, if you want to place ads inside blog posts or sidebars:

   • Use a Code Block inside a blog post or page and paste the ad script.

5. Save your changes, and ads will start displaying once Google approves them.

Pros of AdSense:

✅ Easy setup
✅ Automatically optimizes ads for your visitors
✅ Works across all Squarespace templates

Cons of AdSense:

❌ Google takes a cut of your earnings
❌ You need high traffic to earn significant money
❌ Ads can slow down your site if not optimized

2. Affiliate Ads (Best for Bloggers & Niche Websites)

Affiliate ads let you earn commissions by promoting products. Unlike Google AdSense, these ads don’t pay per click but rather per sale or action.

Popular Affiliate Networks for Squarespace Sites:

• Amazon Associates – Earn commissions on any products people buy after clicking your link.

• ShareASale – A marketplace with thousands of affiliate programs.

• Rakuten, CJ (Commission Junction), and Impact – Great for lifestyle, tech, and finance blogs.

How to Add Affiliate Ads to Squarespace:

1. Join an affiliate network and get approved.

2. Find products related to your niche and generate affiliate links or banners.

3. Use a Code Block to embed banners in blog posts or your site’s sidebar.

4. Track conversions in your affiliate dashboard.

Pros of Affiliate Ads:

✅ Higher earning potential than AdSense
✅ No need for massive traffic—just the right audience
✅ Works well in blog posts, sidebars, or email marketing

Cons of Affiliate Ads:

❌ You don’t earn unless someone makes a purchase
❌ Requires strategic placement and content marketing

3. Sponsored Ads (Direct Advertisers & Paid Placements)

If your website has a loyal audience, you can sell ad space directly to brands.

Ways to Offer Sponsored Ads on Squarespace:

• Sell Sidebar Ads – Offer brands a space to display banners.

• Sponsored Blog Posts – Write reviews or feature a company’s product/service.

• Email Newsletter Sponsorships – Charge brands for a feature in your email newsletter.

• Exclusive Partnerships – If you have a niche audience (e.g., food blog, fitness site), companies might pay for a long-term sponsorship.

How to Add Sponsored Ads to Squarespace:

1. Create an "Advertise with Us" page listing your site’s audience stats, pricing, and options.

2. Use a Code Block to embed an advertiser’s banner ad.

3. If using multiple sponsors, consider a third-party ad manager like AdPlugg to rotate banners.

Pros of Sponsored Ads:

✅ Higher payouts than AdSense
✅ No middleman—100% of the earnings go to you
✅ Builds direct relationships with brands

Cons of Sponsored Ads:

❌ Requires audience trust—don’t promote irrelevant brands
❌ Takes time to attract advertisers

4. Third-Party Ad Networks (AdSense Alternatives)

If AdSense doesn’t work for you (or you want higher earnings), try alternative ad networks.

Top Ad Networks for Squarespace Sites:

• Mediavine – Best for high-traffic blogs (minimum 50,000 sessions per month)

• AdThrive – Premium ad network (minimum 100,000 monthly pageviews)

• Ezoic – Works with lower traffic sites and optimizes ad placements for better earnings

• Monumetric – Requires a minimum of 10,000 monthly pageviews

How to Install Third-Party Ad Networks on Squarespace:

1. Apply for the network and get approved.

2. Copy the ad script they provide.

3. Paste it into Code Injection (Header or Footer) or use a Code Block inside blog posts.

Pros of Alternative Ad Networks:

✅ Higher RPM (earnings per 1,000 views) than AdSense
✅ More customization for ad placements
✅ Works well for established blogs

Cons of Alternative Ad Networks:

❌ Most have traffic requirements (Mediavine, AdThrive)
❌ Can slow down site speed if not optimized

5. Pop-Ups & Exit-Intent Ads

If you want ads that don’t clutter your content, try exit-intent pop-ups or inline banners.

How to Add Pop-Up Ads to Squarespace:

• Squarespace’s built-in pop-up feature (great for email capture or affiliate promos)

• Elfsight – Third-party tool to add pop-ups with special offers

• POWr – Interactive pop-ups for ads or promotions

💡 Pro Tip: Use pop-ups sparingly—too many can annoy users and hurt your site’s performance.

Best Practices for Squarespace Ads

✅ Optimize for User Experience – Don’t overwhelm visitors with too many ads.
✅ Test Placement – Sidebar, in-content, and footer ads tend to perform best.
✅ Check Mobile Responsiveness – Some ads may not look good on mobile.
✅ Monitor Performance – Track clicks and conversions to see what works best.

Final Thoughts: Which Ad Method Is Best?

🔹 If you want passive income: Start with Google AdSense (easy, but low earnings).
🔹 If you have niche content: Use Affiliate Marketing (higher earnings, but requires strategy).
🔹 If you have direct brand relationships: Sell Sponsored Ads (best for established blogs).
🔹 If you have high traffic: Apply for Mediavine or AdThrive (premium earnings).

Whichever route you take, remember: ads should enhance, not disrupt, your website. Pick the method that aligns with your content, audience, and long-term goals.

👉 Have questions about setting up ads on Squarespace? Drop them below!