AdSense vs Direct Sponsorships - Two Very Different Ways to Monetize

Most advertising platforms like AdSense are built around automation. You add a script, ads get displayed and you earn per click or impression - with very little control over who advertises, what is shown or how the relationship works.

That model works well for scale, but it often doesn't work well for creators, founders or niche platforms that care about brand fit and long-term value.

With a sponsorship-first approach, the model is different. Instead of selling anonymous impressions, creators list their advertising or sponsorship opportunities openly. Advertisers discover these opportunities, review the audience and context and reach out directly to negotiate terms that make sense for both sides.

Adsly is built around this idea. It's not about replacing AdSense, but offering an alternative for people who want direct partnerships, more control and better alignment - especially for newsletters, SaaS products, communities, and niche platforms.

For many creators, one well-matched sponsor can be worth more than thousands of low-quality impressions.