A Google Ads account suspended for Circumventing Systems Policy can be concerning and frustrating. This policy is in place to ensure that advertisers don’t attempt to bypass Google Ads’ review and approval processes or any enforcement mechanisms designed to protect users. Violating this policy typically involves attempts to manipulate or deceive Google’s advertising systems, whether intentionally or unintentionally. If your account has been suspended for this reason, it’s important to understand what happened and how to resolve the issue.
1. Understand the Circumventing Systems Policy
Google’s Circumventing Systems Policy prohibits activities aimed at:
- Manipulating ad review processes: This includes practices like creating multiple accounts to get around ad disapprovals, or using misleading or deceptive information in your ads, landing pages, or payment details.
- Using deceptive methods to bypass account suspensions or restrictions: For example, trying to avoid detection by masking the true nature of your ads, business, or website.
- Improperly altering the ad content or landing page after your ad was disapproved to bypass a review.
The intent behind this policy is to maintain the integrity of the Google Ads ecosystem and protect users from fraudulent or harmful content.
2. Check the Suspension Notification
When Google suspends your account for violating the Circumventing Systems Policy, you should receive a notification within your Google Ads account. This notification will provide some insight into why your account was suspended and whether it was an intentional or unintentional violation.
- Review the Details: The suspension notice may explain specific actions that violated the policy, such as creating multiple accounts to circumvent a previous suspension or using false information.
- Look for Clues: Sometimes, the suspension may stem from something like using incorrect business information or misleading claims in your ads or website.
3. Correct the Issue
Once you understand what led to the suspension, you’ll need to correct the issue. Some common reasons and their solutions include:
- Multiple Accounts: If you created multiple accounts to avoid a previous suspension, you need to close any duplicate accounts and focus on resolving the issue in your primary account. Google typically limits the creation of multiple accounts, especially if there was previous misconduct.
- Incorrect or Misleading Information: Ensure that all the information in your ads, landing pages, and website complies with Google Ads policies. Update any content that may be misleading or deceptive. Double-check business information, claims, and other details.
- Bypassing Suspensions: If you were trying to bypass a previous suspension by creating a new account or making alterations to ads or websites, stop these practices. This could lead to further penalties or even permanent suspension.
4. Submit an Appeal
If you believe that your account was suspended in error or that you’ve resolved the issue, you can submit an appeal to Google Ads. Here’s how:
- Log in to your Google Ads account.
- Click on the suspension notification banner at the top of your account.
- Follow the prompts to submit an appeal. Be specific about the actions you’ve taken to correct the violation, and provide a clear explanation of why you believe the suspension was a mistake or how you’ve addressed the issue.
Google will typically review your appeal within 3-5 business days, but it may take longer, depending on the complexity of the issue.
5. Contact Google Ads Support
If you’re unsure about the details of the suspension or need assistance with the appeal process, contacting Google Ads Support can provide more clarity. Here’s how:
- Log into your account and click the Help icon in the upper-right corner.
- Use the Contact Us feature to reach out via chat, email, or phone. Provide your Customer ID and mention that your account has been suspended for circumventing systems.
Support agents can guide you on the steps you need to take or provide more context regarding your suspension.
6. Avoid Future Violations
To prevent future suspensions, it’s important to adhere strictly to Google Ads policies:
- Ensure Account Transparency: Always provide accurate and truthful information about your business and products.
- Follow the Review Process: Don’t attempt to bypass Google Ads’ system or policy reviews. Be patient and wait for any necessary reviews to complete.
- Regularly Review Google’s Policies: Stay updated on any changes to Google Ads policies. Google often updates its terms and conditions to reflect new advertising standards.
Maintaining compliance will help ensure that your account remains in good standing and that your ads run smoothly.
7. Consider Alternative Advertising Platforms
If you’re unable to resolve the issue with Google Ads or if the suspension is permanent, you may want to consider alternative advertising platforms to promote your business, such as:
- Microsoft Advertising (Bing Ads)
- Facebook Ads
- Instagram Ads
- LinkedIn Ads
These platforms offer similar advertising opportunities with different policies and approaches, which may be more suitable for your needs.
Conclusion
A Google Ads account suspension for circumventing systems can be serious, but it is often fixable with the right steps. Understanding the cause, correcting the issue, and submitting an appeal are key to resolving the suspension. Always maintain transparency, adhere to Google’s advertising policies, and reach out for support if needed to ensure that your Google Ads account stays in good standing and continues to work effectively for your business.