Smart Links + Publisher Guide
If you are looking for an ad network that actually works for Nigerian publishers, Adsterra is one of the most reliable options available right now. Whether you have a website or not, Adsterra has a way for you to start earning. This guide covers everything from signing up to getting paid including how to use their Smart Link to earn without a blog.
What is Adsterra?
Adsterra is a global advertising network that connects publishers (people with websites or traffic) with advertisers. As a publisher, you earn money by placing Adsterra ads on your site or by sharing their Smart Link with your audience.
Founded in 2013, Adsterra has grown to serve over 35 billion ad impressions monthly across 248 countries and regions, making it one of the largest ad networks in the world.
Why Adsterra Works Well for Nigerians
- Instant approval — no waiting weeks for your site to be reviewed
- No minimum traffic requirement — new blogs are accepted
- Multiple ad formats — popunder, social bar, native banner, smart link
- Low payout threshold — withdraw from as little as $5
- Payoneer support — perfect for Nigerian publishers
- Twice monthly payments — faster cash flow than most networks
Part 1: How to Sign Up as an Adsterra Publisher
Step 1 — Create Your Account
Go to adsterra.com and click “Sign Up.” Select “Publisher” not Advertiser. Fill in your name, email address, and create a password. Verify your email address by clicking the link they send you.
Step 2 — Add Your Website
Once inside your dashboard, click “ADD WEBSITE” and fill in:
- Your website URL (e.g. smartearnng.com)
- Website category
- Choose your ad formats
Step 3 — Choose Your Ad Formats
Adsterra offers several ad formats for publishers:
Popunder — A full page ad that opens behind the main browser window. Pays well and fires once per visitor session.
Social Bar — A notification-style ad that appears at the bottom of the screen. Less intrusive and works well on mobile.
Native Banner — Ads that blend naturally into your content. Good for engagement without disrupting the reading experience.
Direct Link / Smart Link — A special URL that automatically shows the best paying offer to each visitor. No website needed to use this.
Step 4 — Get Your Ad Codes
After adding your website, Adsterra will send you an approval email with your placement IDs. Log back into your dashboard, find your website, and click “Get Code” for each ad unit. Copy each code and paste it into your website’s header using a plugin like WPCode.
Step 5 — Start Earning
Once the codes are live on your site, Adsterra starts serving ads immediately. You earn based on impressions and clicks depending on the ad format.
READ ALSO: HOW TO MAKE MONEY WITH MONETAG
Part 2: How to Use Adsterra SmartLink to Earn Without a Website
This is where Adsterra gets really interesting for beginners. The Smart Link is a single URL that automatically detects each visitor’s location, device, and browser and shows them the highest paying offer available for their profile.
You do not need a website to use it. You just share the link and earn every time someone clicks through.
How to Get Your Adsterra SmartLink
- Log into your Adsterra publisher dashboard
- Look for “Smart Links” in the left sidebar menu
- Click “Create Smart Link”
- Copy your unique Smart Link URL
- Start sharing it anywhere
Where to Share Your Adsterra Smart Link
WhatsApp — Share directly in groups or on your WhatsApp Status with a curiosity-driven caption. Example: “This site is paying Nigerians just for clicking — no registration, no investment. Check it out 👇 [your link]”
Telegram — Share in your Telegram channel or groups. Pin it at the top of your channel so every new subscriber sees it immediately.
TikTok — Place the link in your bio and create short videos driving viewers to click it.
Twitter/X — Tweet with an engaging caption and your Smart Link.
Facebook Groups — Share in relevant Nigerian make money groups with context.
How Much Does the Smart Link Pay?
Earnings from the Smart Link vary by country and traffic quality. For Nigerian traffic, expect:
- $0.50 to $2 per 1,000 clicks (CPM basis)
- Higher earnings possible with international traffic
While individual earnings per click are small, volume is the key. Sharing consistently across multiple platforms builds up over time.
Part 3: Adsterra Referral Program
Adsterra also has a referral program that pays you 5% of every referred publisher’s earnings for life. This means if you refer someone who goes on to earn $1,000 from Adsterra, you earn $50 automatically and permanently.
To get your referral link:
- Log into your Adsterra dashboard
- Find “Referral Program” in the sidebar
- Copy your unique referral link and banner codes
- Share them in your content and social media
How Adsterra Pays Nigerian Publishers
| Payment Method | Minimum Payout | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Payoneer | $5 | Twice monthly |
| Wire Transfer | $1,000 | Twice monthly |
| Bitcoin | $50 | Twice monthly |
| USDT | $50 | Twice monthly |
Payoneer is the most practical option for Nigerian publishers. Payments are processed on the 1st and 16th of every month.
Adsterra Tips for Better Earnings
- Use multiple ad formats — combining popunder, social bar and native banner increases your revenue per visitor
- Drive quality traffic — engaged visitors who spend time on your site generate more impressions
- Share your Smart Link consistently — treat it like a side income stream alongside your blog earnings
- Refer other publishers — the 5% lifetime commission adds up significantly over time
Is Adsterra Worth It for Nigerian Publishers?
Yes, especially for beginners. The instant approval, low payout threshold, and Smart Link option make it one of the most accessible ad networks for Nigerians starting out. It may not pay as much per impression as premium networks like Ezoic, but the ease of getting started and the flexibility of the Smart Link make it a strong choice.
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Final Thoughts
Adsterra is one of those platforms where the barrier to entry is low but the earning potential grows significantly as your traffic increases. Start with the Smart Link if you are just beginning, add it to your website as you grow, and use the referral program to create an additional passive income stream.
Ready to get started? [Sign up for Adsterra as a publisher here] and begin earning from your traffic today.
Have questions about Adsterra or need help setting it up? Join our Telegram community and ask directly 👉 https://t.me/smartearnblog