Unlocking Maximum Ad Revenue: Integrating AdMob with Google’s AdManager in Android Kotlin App Using Waterfalling Approach

As a mobile app developer, maximizing ad revenue is a top priority. One effective way to achieve this is by integrating AdMob with Google’s AdManager in your Android Kotlin app using the waterfalling approach. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of mobile advertising and guide you through the step-by-step process of implementing this powerful monetization strategy.

What is AdMob and AdManager?

Before we dive into the integration process, let’s quickly explain what AdMob and AdManager are.

• AdMob: AdMob is a popular mobile advertising platform developed by Google. It allows app developers to monetize their mobile apps by displaying ads from a vast network of advertisers.
• AdManager: AdManager, formerly known as DoubleClick for Publishers, is a robust ad management platform also developed by Google. It provides advanced features for managing and optimizing ad inventory, targeting, and reporting.

The Waterfalling Approach

The waterfalling approach is a popular ad serving strategy that involves prioritizing ad sources based on their eCPM (effective cost per thousand impressions). The goal is to maximize ad revenue by filling ad inventory with the highest-paying ads first. Here’s a high-level overview of the waterfalling approach:

1. Direct-sold campaigns (high eCPM)
2. Ad Network 1 (medium eCPM)
3. Ad Network 2 (low eCPM)
4. AdMob (backup ad source)

Step 1: Set up AdMob and AdManager Accounts

Before integrating AdMob and AdManager in your Android Kotlin app, you need to set up accounts for both platforms.

AdMob Setup

Create an AdMob account and follow these steps:

1. Sign in to the AdMob dashboard and create a new app.
2. Obtain your AdMob app ID and ad unit IDs for banner, interstitial, and rewarded video ads.
3. Enable test ads to ensure ad serving is working correctly.

AdManager Setup

Create an AdManager account and follow these steps:

1. Sign in to the AdManager dashboard and create a new order and line item.
2. Configure your ad units and targeting options.
3. Create a new yield group and add your AdMob ad unit IDs.

Step 2: Add AdMob and AdManager SDKs to Your Android Project

In your Android Studio project, add the following dependencies to your build.gradle file:

dependencies {
  implementation 'com.google.android.gms:play-services-ads:20.3.0'
  implementation 'com.google.ads.mediation:adapter-admob:11.3.0.0'
  implementation 'com.google.ads.mediation:adapter-admanager:11.3.0.0'
}

Step 3: Initialize AdMob and AdManager SDKs

In your app’s main activity, initialize the AdMob and AdManager SDKs:

import com.google.android.gms.ads.AdRequest
import com.google.android.gms.ads.AdSize
import com.google.android.gms.ads.AdView
import com.google.ads.mediation/admob.AdMobAdapter
import com.google.ads.mediation.admanager.AdManagerAdapter

class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
  private lateinit var adView: AdView

  override fun onCreate(savedInstanceState: Bundle?) {
    super.onCreate(savedInstanceState)
    setContentView(R.layout.activity_main)

    MobileAds.initialize(this) { }
    adView = findViewById(R.id.ad_view)
    val adRequest = AdRequest.Builder().build()
    adView.loadAd(adRequest)
  }
}

Step 4: Configure Waterfalling Ad Serving

In the AdManager dashboard, create a new yield group and add your AdMob ad unit IDs. Then, configure the waterfalling ad serving strategy:

Ad Source	eCPM	Priority
Direct-sold campaigns	$10	High
Ad Network 1	$5	Medium
Ad Network 2	$2	Low
AdMob	$1	Backup

Step 5: Display Ads in Your App

In your app’s layout file, add the AdView element:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<LinearLayout xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
  xmlns:app="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res-auto"
  android:layout_width="match_parent"
  android:layout_height="match_parent">

  <com.google.android.gms.ads.AdView
    android:id="@+id/ad_view"
    android:layout_width="wrap_content"
    android:layout_height="wrap_content"
    app:adSize="BANNER"
    app:adUnitId="@string/banner_ad_unit_id" />

</LinearLayout>

Best Practices for Waterfalling Ad Serving

To ensure a successful waterfalling ad serving strategy, follow these best practices:

• Monitor ad performance regularly and adjust ad source priorities accordingly.
• Use a mix of ad formats, such as banner, interstitial, and rewarded video ads, to maximize ad revenue.
• Implement ad refresh mechanisms to minimize ad fatigue and increase ad revenue.
• Use AdManager’s advanced features, such as audience segmentation and targeting, to increase ad revenue.

Conclusion

Integrating AdMob with Google’s AdManager in your Android Kotlin app using the waterfalling approach can significantly increase ad revenue. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a robust ad serving strategy that prioritizes high-paying ads and maximizes ad inventory. Remember to monitor ad performance regularly and adjust your ad serving strategy accordingly to ensure optimal results.

With AdMob and AdManager, you have the tools to unlock maximum ad revenue and take your mobile app to the next level. Start implementing the waterfalling approach today and watch your ad revenue soar!

Stay tuned for more articles on mobile app monetization and optimization strategies. Happy coding!

Frequently Asked Question

Get answers to the most common questions about integrating AdMob with Google’s AdManager in an Android Kotlin app using the waterfalling approach.