At the beginning of the year, Google introduced the AdSense Publisher Toolbar to help us monitor account performance. Recently, they changed the name to the Google Publisher Toolbar.

On top of now being able to support DoubleClick for Publishers, they have added a new feature which allows us to block ads while we view our site. If you see an ad that doesn’t suit your site, there’s no need to search around for URLs, just simply block the ad.

Google comments on how the ad blocker works with the upgraded Publisher Toolbar:

Here’s how it works, once you’ve installed the toolbar: Just as before, you can view account performance in a widget in the corner of your Chrome window, as well as ad overlays on the page itself. Clicking on one of the ad overlays will now bring up additional information about that ad unit, including the name of the ad slot, performance metrics, the destination and display URL of the ad, and a preview of the ad. Below the ad preview, you can take action on either the ad or the URL: If you are using the Ad Review Center, you can choose to block the ad directly and your action will be reflected the next time you visit the Ad Review Center. If you block a URL, it’ll be added to your URL filter list.

Please be assured that clicking the ad overlays generated by the toolbar is permitted, and won’t generate any invalid clicks. Also, keep in mind that blocking any ad will lower your potential earnings, as it reduces competition for your ad space by removing advertiser bids from the auction. It’s a myth that filtering ads can prevent ‘low-paying ads’ from appearing, so as always, we recommend blocking only those ads that you feel are unsuitable for your users.

If you use Google Publishing, these are some great enhancements. Blocking ads has never been so easy. Also, it works with DoubleClick for Publishing now too. If you’re already using the toolbar, it will update automatically. If you want to download the Toolbar, follow this link. Enjoy.