Set up an ads.txt file

Setting up an ads.txt file is a crucial step in ensuring transparency and preventing unauthorized ad inventory sales on your website. Here's how to set up an ads.txt file:

1. Access your website's server: Log in to your web hosting account or access your website's files via FTP.

2. Create a new text file: In the root directory of your website (the main folder), create a new text file.

3. Name the file ads.txt: Ensure the file is named exactly "ads.txt", with no additional extensions or variations.

4. Add the necessary information: Open the ads.txt file in a text editor and add the following lines:

vbnet
# Replace "publisher_account_id" with your own Publisher ID provided by the advertising platform.
# Replace "advertising_domain.com" with the domain name of the advertising platform.

google.com, publisher_account_id, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0

This example line is for Google AdSense. If you're using other advertising platforms, you'll need to add additional lines for each platform you work with. Here's a breakdown of the fields:

• "google.com": The domain name of the advertising platform.
• "publisher_account_id": Your unique Publisher ID provided by the advertising platform.
• "DIRECT": Indicates that you have a direct relationship with the advertising platform.
• "f08c47fec0942fa0": This is a specific tag for AdSense. Other platforms may have different tags.

5. Save the file: Once you've added the necessary information, save the ads.txt file.

6. Upload the file to your server: Use FTP or your web hosting control panel to upload the ads.txt file to the root directory of your website.

7. Verify the file: After uploading, you can verify that the ads.txt file is accessible by visiting http://yourwebsite.com/ads.txt (replace "yourwebsite.com" with your actual domain name). You should see the content you added in the file.

By setting up the ads.txt file correctly, you're helping advertisers verify that your website is authorized to sell ad inventory, which can increase trust and potentially improve your ad revenue opportunities.