Buying a website with an existing Google AdSense account can be a shortcut to passive income. But is it always a smooth ride? The reality is a mix of successes and challenges. Some website buyers see fast revenue growth, while others face unexpected problems—from policy violations to traffic drops.
In this case study, we’ll explore real-life examples of individuals who purchased websites with AdSense accounts. We’ll discuss the issues they encountered, how they tackled them, and whether their investments paid off.
Case Study 1: From $300 to $3,000 per Month – A Profitable Turnaround
Background
In 2022, Mark, a digital entrepreneur, purchased a content-based website for $12,000. The site had a steady $300 per month in AdSense revenue and received 30,000 visitors per month. The seller assured him that the earnings were stable and that no major work was required.
Challenges Faced
- Traffic Drop After Google Update
- Two months after purchase, the site’s traffic dropped by 40% due to a Google algorithm update.
- Several top-ranking articles lost their positions.
- AdSense Earnings Decline
- With lower traffic, monthly revenue fell to $180.
- Click-through rates (CTR) dropped from 2.5% to 1.8%.
- Outdated Content and SEO Issues
- Many articles were outdated or poorly optimized.
- Internal linking was weak, and some pages had broken links.
Strategies for Overcoming Challenges
- SEO Optimization:
- Mark updated old articles, added new keywords, and improved internal linking.
- He used Google Search Console to fix broken links and errors.
- New Content Strategy:
- Hired two freelance writers for $500 per month.
- Published 10 new articles per month targeting low-competition keywords.
- Ad Placement Optimization:
- Experimented with ad positions, increasing CTR to 3.1%.
- Switched to Auto Ads, letting AdSense decide optimal placements.
Results After 6 Months
- Traffic increased to 50,000 visitors/month.
- AdSense revenue grew to $3,000 per month.
- ROI achieved in just 6 months.
Mark’s case shows that buying a site with AdSense can be profitable, but SEO and content updates are crucial.
Case Study 2: AdSense Account Suspended – A Costly Mistake
Background
Sarah purchased a niche blog in 2023 for $8,500. The site was earning $400 per month from AdSense. It had mostly organic traffic and a strong backlink profile.
Challenges Faced
- AdSense Policy Violation
- One month after purchase, Sarah received a policy violation notice.
- AdSense flagged her site for “invalid traffic”.
- Sudden AdSense Account Suspension
- Within two weeks, AdSense disabled her account.
- Revenue dropped to $0 overnight.
- Difficulty in Getting Reinstated
- Google’s appeal process was slow and unclear.
- Even after fixing the issues, her appeal was rejected twice.
Strategies for Overcoming Challenges
- Finding the Root Cause:
- She used Google Analytics to check traffic sources.
- Found bot traffic from certain countries—possibly caused by previous owner’s marketing tactics.
- Applying for a New AdSense Account:
- She removed low-quality traffic sources.
- Applied for a new AdSense account using a different LLC and domain.
- Exploring Alternative Monetization:
- Used Mediavine (a premium ad network) once traffic hit 50,000 sessions/month.
- Added affiliate marketing, earning $1,200/month from Amazon Associates.
Results After 8 Months
- Ad revenue recovered to $1,500/month.
- Affiliate income added an extra $1,200/month.
- Total earnings: $2,700/month, higher than before suspension.
Sarah’s case highlights the risks of buying a website with an AdSense account. Always check for fake traffic before purchasing.
Key Lessons from These Case Studies
1. Due Diligence is Critical
- Check Google Analytics and Google Search Console for traffic quality.
- Ask for a detailed revenue report before buying.
2. AdSense Rules Can Be Strict
- Google doesn’t always provide clear reasons for bans.
- If traffic looks suspicious, avoid buying the site.
3. Content and SEO Matter
- Updating content can boost rankings and revenue.
- Invest in high-quality articles to maintain growth.
4. Be Ready for Traffic Drops
- Google updates can hit any website.
- Diversify traffic sources (SEO, social media, email lists).
5. Consider Alternative Monetization
- If AdSense fails, try Mediavine, Ezoic, or affiliate marketing.
Final Thoughts
Buying a website with an AdSense account can be a profitable investment—but it’s not without risks. Some buyers triple their earnings, while others struggle with bans and traffic loss.
The key to success? Due diligence, SEO improvements, and diversification. If you’re prepared for the challenges, you can turn a struggling website into a highly profitable asset.