Why I Only Earned 20 Cents in 3 Years: My Personal Google AdSense Journey

My Three-Year Struggle with Google AdSense

I want to share a personal experience that many beginners in the digital world can relate to. For the last three years, I have been working on a website, pouring in my time and effort. However, the financial result has been a harsh reality check: I have only earned a total of 20 cents (approximately ₹17-18).

This experience taught me a vital lesson about the difference between starting from scratch and being an established professional. While I struggled for years to make pennies, a professional blogger can earn $8 (₹800) for a single product review written in just a few minutes. High earners in this field can even bring in $100 to $1,000 per day once they have consistent traffic.

The Payout Reality: Why I Haven't Been Paid Yet

Even though I have earned those 20 cents, that money isn't in my bank account yet. Based on the standard Google AdSense requirements for 2025, I am still far from receiving my first payout:

• The $100 Payment Threshold: Google only issues a payout once finalized earnings reach a minimum of $100 (roughly ₹8,400). At 20 cents, I am 99.8% away from that goal.
• The $10 Verification Threshold: Before I can even think about a payout, I must reach $10. At that point, Google mails a physical PIN to verify my identity and address.
• Monthly Payment Cycles: AdSense only pays out between the 21st and 26th of the month, provided the $100 limit was reached by the end of the previous month.

[Image depicting the gap between starting a blog and reaching the $100 payout threshold]

It’s All About Mindset and Knowledge

Looking back, I realize the gap between my 20 cents and a professional’s $800 isn't just about hard work—it’s about mindset and knowledge.

I have come to believe that rich people stay rich because they understand the systems required to generate and retain wealth. Without that specific knowledge, you can have a roadmap and still struggle to find your way.

My journey has been a slow one, but it has highlighted the importance of self-belief. If you gain wealth through luck without the right mindset, you will likely lose it. But if you acquire the knowledge, you can lose everything and still build it back up.

"I am limited only by my own views and the knowledge I choose to acquire."