Guides · The publisher library

Publisher monetization, explained.

How ad networks, Google Ad Manager, MCM, and ads.txt actually work — so you can tell a good deal from a bad one before you sign anything.

We build PubAds, a managed Google Ad Manager network, so we have a point of view. Every guide leads with how the category works in general before it gets to where we fit.

The library

Guides: 04
Total reading time: ~28 min
Last updated: Jul 2026
Written by: The pubads.io team

Every term defined · Every claim checkable

Start where you are.

Choosing a partner? Start at 01 · Term tripping you up? Glossary below

01Choosing a networkBest publisher ad networks (2026)The four network archetypes, the six dimensions that decide which is right for you, and the honest one-liner on the names you'll actually shortlist.9 minUpd. Jul 2026

02How it works underneathGoogle Ad Manager MCM, explainedWhat Multiple Customer Management is, how Manage Account vs Manage Inventory delegation differ, and what to look for in an MCM partner.7 minUpd. Jul 2026

03The full setup pathMonetize a website with Google Ad ManagerThe GAM ecosystem, the two ways in (run it yourself vs a network partner), the five setup steps, and the honest DIY-vs-managed trade-off.6 minUpd. Jul 2026

04The one file that mattersads.txt for publishersWhat ads.txt is, the line format field by field, how it works when you join a managed network, and the mistakes that quietly cost you money.6 minUpd. Jul 2026

Stuck on a term?

The glossary defines every term these guides use — one clear definition each, with examples, no vendor spin.

Open the glossary

AdX MCM ads.txt RPM GPT DIRECT vs RESELLER

From the same deskPrefer shorter reads? Visit the blog for quicker practical posts.

Put a guide into practice.

Create a free account, add your site, and verify it with one ads.txt line. We take it from there — and you confirm every term before anything goes live.

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