AdSense performance on free site

is free content a detriment to AdSense?

[entropicus]

I have a site which has free content -- hundreds of pages of free software, and programming-related resources.

On one hand, it would seem logical that it would be unlikely to make hundred++ dollars a day on a site which has free content, as the visitors are not browsing looking to spend money. But I wonder if this reasoning has that much merit, as lots of sites with free content, (such as blogs, humour sites, information sites, etc.,) make a fair income from AdSense.

Any opinions on this would be appreciated.

[bhartzer]

You just have to try it and see if you get any ROI from it. Adsense works for some sites while other sites are better served by other forms of advertising and other revenue-generating ideas.

[robsynnott]

Is this original content?

[entropicus]

yes, its all original content with no user comments, forums or chat. I also tried to make it as far as possible from those portal type sites, and only have legitimate, legal content.

[robsynnott]

Consider allowing user comments. Google allows it, and in my experience it has considerably increased the users' interest in the site. Even if they don't like your articles! They may say "Ooh, a negative comment about WidgetSoft. I must register my annoyance", and then see an ad for an add-on for their favourite WidgetSoft product :)

[Never_again]

entropicus: We run a free high quality content site that has several thousand pages of original content (it is not a forum, blog or product review site). Our AdSense income ranges from US$1,000 to US$3,000 per month -- so, yes, you can make good money on a good quality free content site.

[DamonHD]

Hi,

I'm making useful money (USD300+ per month) from an entirely free site. Pays the hosting and some of the other costs!

Rgds

Damon

[entropicus]

thanks, that is pretty encouraging!

for 1k plus a month, that would likely take good traffic, say 10k page impressions?