7 Common Mistakes That Get Your AdSense Account Banned (And How to Avoid Them)

Google AdSense is one of the most popular ways for bloggers and website owners to monetize their content. However, getting approved for AdSense is just the first step. Maintaining compliance with Google’s strict policies is crucial to avoid getting your account banned. Unfortunately, many bloggers make avoidable mistakes that lead to account suspension, leaving them scrambling to recover lost revenue.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the 7 most common mistakes that get AdSense accounts banned and provide actionable tips on how to avoid them. Whether you’re a new blogger or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you stay compliant and keep your AdSense account in good standing.

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1. Click Fraud or Invalid Clicks

### What It Is:
Click fraud occurs when someone artificially inflates ad clicks, either by clicking on their own ads or encouraging others to do so. Invalid clicks include accidental clicks, repeated clicks, or clicks generated by bots.

### Why It’s a Problem:
Google AdSense strictly prohibits any form of click fraud or invalid clicks because it undermines the integrity of the advertising ecosystem. If Google detects suspicious activity, your account will be flagged and potentially banned.

### How to Avoid It:

• Never click on your own ads or ask others to do so.
• Avoid using clickbait or misleading content to encourage clicks.
• Monitor your traffic sources to ensure they’re legitimate and not bot-generated.
• Use tools like Google Analytics to identify unusual traffic patterns.

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2. Placing Ads on Prohibited Content

### What It Is:
Google AdSense has strict guidelines about the type of content that can display ads. Prohibited content includes:

• Adult or sexually explicit material
• Violent or hateful content
• Copyrighted material without permission
• Illegal products or services (e.g., drugs, weapons) Why It’s a Problem: Displaying ads on prohibited content violates AdSense policies and can lead to immediate account suspension. Google aims to maintain a safe and reputable advertising environment, so they take these violations seriously. How to Avoid It:
• Familiarize yourself with Google’s AdSense Program Policies.
• Regularly review your content to ensure it complies with these policies.
• Avoid publishing content that could be considered controversial or harmful.

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3. Using Ad Placement Tricks

### What It Is:
Some bloggers try to manipulate ad placements to increase clicks, such as:

• Placing ads too close to buttons or navigation menus.
• Using misleading labels like “Download” or “Submit” near ads.
• Displaying too many ads on a single page. Why It’s a Problem: These tactics are considered deceptive and violate AdSense policies. They create a poor user experience and can lead to accidental clicks, which Google penalizes. How to Avoid It:
• Follow Google’s Ad Placement Policies.
• Use responsive ad units that adapt to different screen sizes.
• Limit the number of ads per page to maintain a clean layout.
• Avoid placing ads in a way that could confuse users.

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4. Not Disclosing Affiliate Links or Sponsored Content

### What It Is:
If your blog includes affiliate links or sponsored content, you must disclose this information to your readers. Failing to do so can be seen as deceptive.

### Why It’s a Problem:
Google values transparency and requires bloggers to disclose any paid relationships. Non-disclosure can lead to policy violations and account suspension.

### How to Avoid It:

• Clearly label affiliate links and sponsored content with disclosures like “This post contains affiliate links” or “Sponsored by [Brand Name].”
• Place disclosures in a visible location, such as at the beginning of a blog post.
• Review the FTC’s guidelines on affiliate disclosures for additional clarity.

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5. Ignoring Traffic Quality

### What It Is:
Low-quality traffic refers to visitors who aren’t genuinely interested in your content, such as those from click farms or incentivized clicks.

### Why It’s a Problem:
Google AdSense prioritizes high-quality traffic because it leads to genuine engagement. If your site attracts low-quality traffic, your account may be flagged for suspicious activity.

### How to Avoid It:

• Avoid buying traffic or using shady methods to boost visits.
• Focus on organic traffic through SEO and content marketing.
• Use tools like Google Search Console to monitor your traffic sources and identify potential issues.

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6. Violating Copyright Laws

### What It Is:
Publishing copyrighted material without permission, such as images, videos, or text, is a violation of AdSense policies.

### Why It’s a Problem:
Copyright infringement not only puts your AdSense account at risk but can also lead to legal consequences. Google takes intellectual property rights seriously and will ban accounts that repeatedly violate copyright laws.

### How to Avoid It:

• Use royalty-free images from platforms like Unsplash or Pexels.
• Always credit the original source if you use someone else’s work.
• Avoid copying content from other websites without permission.

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7. Failing to Update Your Site

### What It Is:
An outdated or broken website can lead to policy violations, especially if it contains dead links, malware, or poor user experience.

### Why It’s a Problem:
Google prioritizes user experience and security. If your site is outdated or compromised, it may be flagged as non-compliant.

### How to Avoid It:

• Regularly update your website’s design and functionality.
• Fix broken links and remove outdated content.
• Use security plugins to protect your site from malware and hacking attempts.

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What to Do If Your AdSense Account Gets Banned

If your AdSense account is banned, don’t panic. Here’s what you can do:

1. Review the Reason for the Ban: Google will send you an email explaining why your account was suspended. Carefully review the details.
2. Fix the Issue: Address the violation, whether it’s removing prohibited content, fixing ad placements, or improving traffic quality.
3. Submit an Appeal: Once you’ve resolved the issue, submit an appeal through the AdSense Help Center. Be honest and provide evidence of your compliance.

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Final Thoughts

Maintaining a compliant AdSense account requires ongoing effort and attention to detail. By avoiding these 7 common mistakes, you can protect your account from suspension and continue earning revenue from your blog. Remember, Google AdSense is a valuable monetization tool, but it comes with responsibilities. Stay informed, follow the rules, and focus on creating high-quality content that resonates with your audience.

If you found this post helpful, share it with fellow bloggers to help them avoid AdSense bans. And don’t forget to check out our other guides on EarnByBlog.com for more tips on monetizing your website!