10 Mistakes that can get your Google AdSense Account Banned

Getting approved by Google AdSense happens to be more challenging to most bloggers due to the strict requirements that have been put in place, but even if you secure that approval, your account may not survive that long under the program especially if you do not stick to the set down rules, note that your account is always on the watch to ensure that it is adhering to AdSense program policies.

For anyone planning to join Google AdSense, please read: What to do before applying for Google AdSense.

In this article we are going to look at what you should avoid doing that may lead to your account being suspended or banned. Some of the common mistakes made by publishers include:

Sending ads via email

Sending ads via email mostly happens with affiliate networks or other ads networks that allow it, where you can include ads within content to your email subscribers. This is not allowed by Google, since it is against their program policies.

Altering the AdSense code

Don’t ever try to alter the AdSense code in any way, this may lead to your account getting banned. This happens mostly with programmers who may try to alter the code to accomplish a given goal.

Using paid traffic solely for your AdSense site

Buying certain kinds of traffic solely for your AdSense enabled sites may not be permitted under the program terms of service though promoting your posts on social media, or buying traffic from quality sites like Reddit, Facebook, Google AdWords may not be part of the violation. Google hates sites which add no value to the readers and only exist to make money. Ensure that paid traffic is not your only source of traffic but look for other ways of driving traffic to your website like using social media networks.

Making AdSense ads sticky

Although this technique works well for other networks, it is against AdSense policy to use sticky ads say in the sidebar and this can lead to your account getting suspended.

Placing AdSense ads on 404 page

Do not place ads on 404 error page, exit page, log in page or Thank you page. Always ensure you place ads on pages that are active with enough original content.

Related: 8 Best Google AdSense Alternatives for Bloggers

Invalid clicks

Never click on your own ads or ask your friends to click on AdSense ads. When Google detects such activity happening on your site, your account will be suspended immediately.  Remember as part of the Program Policies, clicking or encouraging people to click on your ads is unacceptable and no publisher should ever attempt it.

Tricking people into clicking ads

These tricks may involve using words e.g. click here and earn big money, or using pop ups or shading your AdSense image ads with an adjacent image. All this tricks are against the Google AdSense program policies and if used can get your account suspended. 

Hosting copyrighted content

If you are running AdSense ads on a site that is distributing copyrighted content like movies, music or any other copyrighted files, then you are most likely to get an instant ban so avoid it.

You can also read: Ezoic vs. Google AdSense – Which is the best option to monetize your site?

Making ads look like content

Although you are free to make your ads blend well with the content on your site by changing the color or size, don’t make it look exactly like your content on the blog or website. Your readers should be able to spot the AdSense ads, and differentiate it from the content.

Sharing AdSense codes & publishers ID

Don’t share your AdSense codes and publishers ID with anyone else. Sharing your details puts your account in danger and anything could happen that violates the program policies.

Linking to sites that distribute illegal & copyrighted content

Ensure that the sites you link out to are reputable and do not hold content that isn’t allowed under AdSense program policies.  Some of the content that is not allowed for AdSense sites include:

• Hacking/Cracking
• Gambling/Casino sites
• Adult content
• Racist content
• etc.

Bottom Line

To avoid your account getting suspended or banned, ensure you read the Google AdSense program policies exhaustively and get to understand them clearly. Most sites get suspended simply because the owners didn’t take time to read the program policies.