AdSense is a free ad network provided by Google to web publishers. But it has a strict set of policies to get approved and use the services.
Once AdSense approves a publisher, it’s pretty easy to get started and to run ads on the website. The use of AdSense doesn’t require professional expertise or technical knowledge. Furthermore, one can make decent money with AdSense if done the right way.
However, some publishers try to implement cheat methods to make more money and end up getting banned by AdSense. And, some don’t put the time in optimizing AdSense and start their losing ad revenue.
Such mistakes are common. So here, we are discussing fifteen AdSense mistakes often made by publishers, and their possible solutions:
1. Not A/B Testing With Ad Units
Ads are all about testing. A publisher needs to experiment with different ad units and test with multiple channels to figure out the best working ad placement. Furthermore, the testing should be an ongoing process. Meaning, you as a publisher need to keep testing with multiple sets of ad units. Ad testing may include experimenting with color schema, background, ad types, format, and size.
Creating an elaborated report of your tests and running ads based on the generated data results in better CTR. For publishers new to AdSense, starting with Auto Ads feature of AdSense is a good practice. And then gradually moving to the testing and experimenting feature of AdSense should make sense
2. Not Following Google AdSense Policies
As mentioned, AdSense has a strict policy. It is always recommended for publishers to read and understand the terms of AdSense properly, before getting started. In case of any doubt, publishers can write an email to Google. Or they can try the Google Product Forum and get answers from other users and professionals.
3. Altering The AdSense Code
No tweaking with Google AdSense code. Google is very clear about the code alteration policy. Furthermore, the ad code and search code should never be edited. All this affects the ad targeting and conversion for advertisers. Also, the ads should be titled with ‘Advertisement’ or ‘Sponsored Links’. Any other heading can lead to a deduction from AdSense net earnings.
4. Creating Multiple AdSense Accounts
AdSense allows publishers to operate multiple websites within a single account. Hence, In case you have more than one website, you can operate them with one AdSense account. Google does this to make sure you receive payment under the name of a single payee. In case your existing account is not working then you should contact Google and get answers rather than creating a new AdSense account.
5. Sending Emails With Ads
Google finds it against the policy to send AdSense ad code embedded in an email. In case Google finds out that an impression is registered from an email, strict actions (like blocking AdSense account) can be taken against the publisher.
6. Clicking On Your Own Ads
Clicking on your own ad is an invalid activity. Google specializes in monitoring invalid activities across the web. Publishers are not permitted to click on their own ads. However, Google understands a publisher can click on own ads by mistake. Hence, in such a case, it recommends publishers to immediately report Google about the mistake so Google can take charge from there accordingly.
7. Associating With Click Farms or Bot Traffic
Bot traffic and invalid traffic is a big NO when running AdSense ads. Google uses machine learning to identify non-human traffic. If too much suspicious traffic is marked, Google can deduct an amount from the publisher’s net earning and might also end up banning the publisher.
8. Placing Too Many Ads
Ideally, AdSense asks publishers to place not more than three ad units on a single web page. However, some publishers add even more than five ad units in hopes of earning more revenue. Such activities only degrade the user experience and affect the fill rate of the webpage. And if not corrected, AdSense can also seize the publisher’s earnings.
9. Adding Ads That Affects User’s Experience
Talking about user experience, not just the number of ad units but also the placement of ads matters while using AdSense. If you place three or more ad units above the fold without giving proper space for content, this will drastically affect the user experience.
As a result, the user might start using an adblocker. Hence, publishers are advised to make it right by following the best practices.
10. Using Copied or Copyright Content
Original content is always appreciated by Google. People often think that content only affects search engine ranking. But from time to time, reports have shown that original quality content has always increased both earnings and reputation for publishers.
At the same time, AdSense advertising policies encourage publishers to steer clear from plagiarizing content or using copyright material without approval.
11. Non-User Friendly or Objectionable Content
Adult, harmful, and profane content is not allowed on AdSense ads. Other than the mentioned category, there are more types of content that Google doesn’t allow. The same practice is also advised to advertisers who use Google Ads.
12. Hosting Illegal or Unauthorized Content
Selling piracy content, display of illegal activity (depending on geographical location as well) and download links for malicious software are also not allowed by AdSense. If you own a website related to any of these types of content may not be able to access your AdSense account.
13. Placing Ads On Pages Like 404, Contact, And Privacy Policy
AdSense doesn’t encourage ads on certain web pages of the website, such as:
- Privacy policy
- Disclaimer
- Terms and condition
- Contact page Sitemap
- 404 error
- Blank page
- Only content pages with maximum user activity should display ads.
14. Video Without Any Description
This is one of the most common AdSense mistakes made by publishers. Adding video (from YouTube, DailyMotion, or original upload) can surely attract users. But Google can’t actually scan the video until it has a written description.
Hence, a written description of the video is important for the video to be not considered as a blank page. Providing at least a 300-word description of the video content is a good strategy that also works for SEO of the page.
15. Using Non-Supported Language
There are a handful of languages supported by Google AdSense. If your website shows content related to one of the non-supported languages, Google will likely not approve your AdSense request. Also, if you change the language after getting the approval, then you might find your AdSense account is removed.
16. KNOWLEDGE OF ADSENSE TERMS OF SERVICE
Knowledge of Adsense terms of service is where many new to publishing and advertising on the Internet make their first serious Adsense mistakes so we have rated it as number 1 in our list of the top 5 mistakes Adsense Publishers make.
Many apply and have AdSense ads on their sites without actually reading the terms of service refer to it as TOS. Unfortunately, this lack of understanding can lead to termination. Once you are banned from Google AdSense, you will have a difficult time trying to get reinstated. Google consistently changes its policies and they are harsh as well as greedy. Lack of knowledge is no excuse. If they deem your site is in disarray or displays negligence of proper maintenance such as broken links, they may issue warnings or shut you down. Google Adsense Mistake.
Therefore, of all the rules and policies on the Internet, Adsense TOS is probably one of the most important to stay current on. It is important to note that AdSense terms and conditions may vary as to your Country and billing address. Be knowledgeable and change your sites as required to ensure you are in compliance to maintain Adsense membership and income potential.
17. SOLICIT CLICKS
Another one of the terrible sins under AdSense mistakes is for you to click on one of the ads placed on your site. As well, you cannot promote or solicit clicks from others, use automated tools or software designed to click on ads. Fraudulent clicks are strictly prohibited. Do not enlist your sites on traffic exchange or auto-surf programs. Google investigates clicks and those suspicious can result in no money and a lifetime ban. Google Adsense Mistake.
Occasionally, someone may illegally click your ads to get you banned. Report immediately and consider temporarily disabling the Adsense ads until Google has researched the AdSense problems and you have been cleared of any negligence. If you must check the ads appearing on your site, use the Google Preview Tool. Using click tracking software is highly recommended as a good marketing tool such as testing ad placement and to follow where clicks are originating.
18. CHANGE THE ADSENSE CODE
You do have options with optimizing and customizing your Adsense ads. Many feel that the placement of Adsense ads is critical to success. Color must complement your web page so pay attention to detail such as the color of the background, borders, and text. You also must adhere to the number of Adsense ads you can place on your site. However, you can never make any changes to the actual ad or the code which Google has provided.
This is absolutely forbidden and another violation of the TOS. Your website is only hosting the ad from another advertiser with the hopes that they, Google and you will make money from visitors to your site who click on the particular ad.
19. MULTIPLE GOOGLE ADSENSE ACCOUNTS
Only one Adsense account per individual or business entity is allowed. If you are caught with more, you will be banned and not just on the one account but all accounts. That is a huge loss of potential revenue, thus not worth the effort of trying to outsmart Google. You can have as many websites as you want under the one account. While you apply with a primary website, you are not restricted to adding more non-related websites later.
Google Adsense accounts are not transferable, assignable or resalable. Google Adsense Mistake.
20. PLACING ADS ON CONTENT AND OTHER WEB PAGES
Here is another common mistake that many Adsense publishers make. They do not truly understand what a content page is, what can be displayed on this page or how it can be displayed. Google does not accept my websites, disorganized sites such as those with broken links, or sites which do not have enough original content. Content pages should contain “keywords” related to the theme of your website.
These keywords are what will drive visitors to your site, read your information and interest the visitor in clicking on one of the related Adsense ads. This content should be unique and original, on topic with the theme of your site. It cannot be stolen, copied from another unless of course with permission. Copyright laws must be obeyed which includes images, videos, and graphics. Content pages are not welcome or thank you pages, login registrations, gateways, emails, or pop-ups. If in doubt, do not put the Adsense code on the page. Google Adsense Mistake.
As well, you cannot place your images next to ads which could mislead or confuse visitors or block the visibility of the Adsense ads with pop-ups for example. Lastly, you cannot have content that is of pornographic nature, hate-related, violent or illegal activity.
Your content pages may be designed for the primary source to generate Adsense income, or you may have another purpose but also want the earning potential of a passive income from Adsense, however, to succeed, you must have interesting, original and “keyword” rich content that will attract and engage the visitor. You want this visitor to stay and click on those ads which will eventually lead to Google sharing the wealth and mailing you funds.
And if you should get yourself banned due to violations of Adsense terms and conditions, do not despair. There are alternatives to Google Adsense which can also generate income for your sites. Google Adsense Mistake.
Final Thoughts On AdSense Mistakes
We have discussed some of the common AdSense mistakes made by publishers. AdSense is always clear about their policy. Hence, it becomes the publisher’s duty to be cautious and stay updated with policy changes. Some terms are pretty clear (like not altering the AdSense code), while others may sound tricky (like maintaining a standard for user experience).
You as a publisher should know, Google is quick to reply to users. In case of any doubt, ask experts at Google to clear it. Finally, for some publishers, it may take some time to fully understand AdSense and its policy. However, it’s always worth a Google Adsense Mistake.
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