If your Google Ads account has been suspended after following the suggestion to add more keywords to your headlines, you may be feeling frustrated and confused. It’s understandable to want to improve your ad performance, but adding keywords to your headlines can sometimes lead to issues if not done correctly. Here’s a breakdown of why this happened, how to resolve the suspension, and what steps you can take to prevent it from happening in the future.
Why Did Adding Keywords to Headlines Cause My Account to Get Suspended?
Google Ads has specific guidelines and policies for creating ads, and these guidelines aim to maintain a high-quality experience for users. While Google’s automated systems may suggest improvements, adding too many keywords to your headlines can violate Google Ads’ advertising policies. Here’s why:
1. Keyword Stuffing
Keyword stuffing is the practice of excessively using keywords in a way that disrupts the readability or user experience of your ad. This is a policy violation, and Google Ads does not allow ads that contain an unnatural amount of keywords in the headline or description.
If you were advised to add more keywords to your headlines and then added them in a way that makes the headline look spammy or unnatural, Google might flag this as a violation of their Advertising Policies. The headline should accurately represent your business and the content users will encounter when they click the ad, not be overloaded with keywords just for the sake of ranking.
2. Misleading Ads
Google also has strict rules against misleading advertising, which includes making your ads appear deceptive by overloading them with keywords. If the keywords in your headlines don’t match the actual content on your landing page or create an expectation that can’t be fulfilled, your ad may be flagged.
3. Low-Quality Ads
Adding too many keywords can make your ad look like it’s trying to game the system, leading to a low-quality score. Google Ads aims to show users relevant and useful content, and ads that are seen as overly optimized or manipulative can be penalized or suspended.
How to Resolve the Suspension
If your account has been suspended after you followed advice to add more keywords, here’s what you can do to resolve the issue:
1. Review Google Ads Policies
Before taking any action, carefully review Google Ads’ policies on ad content. The most relevant policies are:
- Keyword Stuffing: Ads should not be overloaded with keywords in unnatural ways.
- Misleading Content: Ensure that your ad’s message matches the landing page and does not create false expectations.
- Ad Quality: Ads should be clear, relevant, and easy to understand for users.
Ensure that your headlines and descriptions meet these guidelines. If you’ve added too many keywords in a way that could be perceived as spammy or manipulative, it’s important to revise the ad.
2. Fix the Headline and Ad Copy
Go through your headlines and ad copy to ensure they are clear, relevant, and adhere to Google’s guidelines. Here’s how to fix them:
- Use Keywords Naturally: Include keywords that are relevant to your product or service in a natural, readable way.
- Keep it Relevant: Ensure that your headlines align with the content on your landing page and don’t mislead users.
- Focus on Quality: Avoid cramming keywords in places that don’t make sense. Instead, focus on delivering a clear message that highlights your business and the value you provide.
Once your ad copy is in compliance, proceed to update it in your Google Ads account.
3. Submit an Appeal
Once you’ve corrected the issues with your ad, it’s time to appeal the suspension. Here’s how to do that:
- Log into Google Ads: Go to the Google Ads account that was suspended.
- Navigate to the Suspension Notification: Look for the notification or message explaining the reason for the suspension.
- Click on the Appeal Option: You’ll usually see an option to submit an appeal. In your appeal, explain the changes you’ve made, acknowledge the mistake, and reassure Google that your ads now comply with their policies.
- Wait for Google’s Response: It can take up to several days for Google to review your appeal and make a decision. Be patient, and monitor your email and Google Ads account for updates.
4. Contact Google Ads Support
If you’re unsure about what caused the suspension or need further assistance, you can reach out to Google Ads Support. They can provide clarification on what went wrong and offer specific guidance on how to fix the issue. When you contact support, be prepared to explain the changes you made and show how your ads now meet Google’s advertising policies.
How to Avoid Future Suspensions
To prevent future suspensions or issues with your Google Ads campaigns, here are some best practices to follow:
1. Adhere to Google Ads Policies
Always ensure that your ads are in compliance with Google Ads’ policies, especially regarding:
- Ad copy: Avoid excessive use of keywords in unnatural ways. Your ads should be clear, relevant, and informative.
- Landing page: Make sure your landing page matches the content and promise of your ad.
- User experience: Always prioritize the user’s experience by creating ads that are easy to understand and that lead to useful, relevant content.
2. Quality Over Quantity
When optimizing your ad, focus on quality rather than quantity. Rather than stuffing your headlines with multiple keywords, focus on a few key, highly relevant terms that describe your business and what you offer.
3. Test Your Ads
Before launching a campaign, test your ads to make sure they are clear and meet Google’s requirements. Use Google Ads’ ad preview tool to see how your ad will appear to users and check for any issues.
4. Monitor Your Campaigns Regularly
Monitor the performance of your ads and any alerts or messages from Google Ads. By staying on top of your campaigns, you can quickly address any issues that arise and ensure that you don’t accidentally violate any policies.
Conclusion
If your Google Ads account was suspended after adding keywords to your headlines, it’s likely due to a violation of keyword stuffing or misleading advertising policies. To resolve this issue, make sure your ads adhere to Google Ads policies by revising your ad copy, submitting an appeal, and taking steps to prevent future violations.
By focusing on quality ad copy that is relevant to your audience and aligns with your landing page content, you’ll improve your chances of having your account reinstated and running successful campaigns in the future.