If your ads keep getting denied on Google Ads, it can be frustrating, especially when you’re unsure of the specific reasons behind the disapproval. Google has a strict set of advertising policies in place to ensure that all ads comply with their standards and provide a positive experience for users. However, understanding why your ads are being denied is the first step in fixing the issue.
This page outlines common reasons for ad disapproval, how you can identify and fix the issues, and steps you can take to get your ads approved.
Common Reasons for Ad Denial
There are several reasons why your Google Ads may be denied. Below are some of the most common issues:
1. Policy Violations
Google Ads has strict advertising policies that must be adhered to. These policies cover various aspects of your ad, including:
- Misleading or deceptive content: Ads that promise unrealistic results or include false information.
- Prohibited content: Ads promoting illegal products, gambling, alcohol, tobacco, or other restricted goods.
- Unacceptable business practices: If your landing page or business practices violate Google’s guidelines, your ads will be disapproved.
- Inappropriate or offensive content: Ads that contain hate speech, violence, or discrimination.
2. Inaccurate or Misleading Landing Page
Google requires that the landing page where users are sent is relevant to the ad and provides a good user experience. If the landing page is:
- Under construction or not functioning properly.
- Doesn’t match the ad content or promises made in the ad.
- Contains excessive pop-ups, redirects, or other disruptive features.
- Is difficult to navigate or provides poor content.
These issues can result in the ad being denied.
3. Keyword and Ad Content Issues
Google’s algorithms can flag ads for certain keyword-related issues:
- Keyword stuffing: Using irrelevant or excessive keywords in your headlines or descriptions.
- Overuse of punctuation: Excessive use of symbols like exclamation marks, dollar signs, or other special characters.
- Unclear or misleading headlines: Ads that mislead users about what’s being offered or fail to provide clarity.
4. Ad Text Issues
Sometimes, the ad copy itself is a source of disapproval. Some examples include:
- Inaccurate claims: Claims that can’t be substantiated or that violate Google’s ad policies.
- Inappropriate language: Use of profanity, offensive language, or discriminatory terms.
- Unclear or incomplete information: Ads that don’t make it clear what is being offered or fail to follow Google’s structured guidelines.
5. Problems with Payment or Account Information
If there is a problem with your payment method, such as using an invalid card, expired payment information, or suspicious payment activity, your ads may be denied. It’s essential to ensure that your payment details are up to date and verified.
How to Fix Ads That Are Denied
1. Review Google’s Policies
Before taking any steps, familiarize yourself with Google’s Advertising Policies to make sure your ad complies. Make sure your ad:
- Reflects the content on your landing page accurately.
- Does not include prohibited products or services.
- Uses appropriate language and ad copy.
You can find the full list of Google Ads policies here.
2. Fix Landing Page Issues
If your landing page is flagged, make sure it meets Google’s standards. Ensure the page:
- Matches the ad’s content and accurately represents the product or service being advertised.
- Works properly (no broken links or errors).
- Is easy to navigate and doesn’t have pop-ups or redirects.
- Offers a clear call to action and provides useful content.
3. Correct Your Ad Text
Go over your ad copy to ensure that:
- It’s clear and specific.
- There are no misleading claims.
- The keywords match the content of the landing page.
- There’s no excessive use of punctuation, symbols, or capital letters.
4. Address Account or Billing Issues
If your ad is denied due to payment or account verification issues, make sure your payment details are correct and updated:
- Check that your payment method is valid, has sufficient funds, and hasn’t expired.
- Make sure your billing address and account information are correct.
- If your account was suspended due to payment issues, resolve them through the Google Ads Help Center.
5. Use the Appeal Process
If you’ve addressed all potential issues and your ads are still being denied, you can appeal the decision. Here’s how:
- Check the Disapproval Reason: Google provides a reason for why your ad was denied, which can help you pinpoint the issue.
- Make Corrections: After fixing any issues, you can either submit the ad again for review or request an appeal if you believe the denial was a mistake.
- Submit the Appeal: If you believe your ad was wrongly disapproved, you can submit an appeal through the Google Ads platform.
6. Review Keyword Strategy
Make sure your keywords align with the content in your ad and the landing page. Avoid irrelevant keywords or phrases that could trigger policy violations. Also, ensure that your keywords are appropriately placed and don’t result in keyword stuffing.
What to Do After Fixing Denied Ads
Once you have addressed the issues that caused the denial, submit your ad for review again. You can follow these steps:
- Go to the Ads Tab: In your Google Ads account, navigate to the Ads & Extensions section.
- Check Ad Status: Find the ad that was denied and review the specific reason for the disapproval.
- Edit Ad if Necessary: If you need to make any further changes, click on the pencil icon to edit your ad. Make sure you address any issues flagged in the disapproval notice.
- Resubmit for Review: Once you’ve made corrections, you can submit your ad for review. Google Ads will usually recheck the ad within 1-2 business days.
- Monitor the Status: Keep an eye on the status of your ad. If it is approved, it will go live shortly. If it’s denied again, review the disapproval reasons and repeat the steps until your ad is successfully approved.
Conclusion
Having your ads denied can be a frustrating experience, but it’s important to approach the situation systematically. By understanding Google Ads policies, reviewing your landing page and ad content, and addressing any billing or account issues, you can resolve the problems that caused the denial. If necessary, you can appeal the decision to get your ads approved.
Ensuring compliance with Google Ads’ policies and focusing on creating transparent, high-quality ads will help you avoid disapprovals in the future. With persistence and attention to detail, you can get your ads back up and running.