Getting a rejection email from Google AdSense can be frustrating. Many website owners feel they have done everything right, only to find their application turned down. Usually, the reason is a small detail that was overlooked. Understanding these common mistakes can help you fix your site and get approved on your next attempt.
Here are the primary reasons why applications get rejected and how you can resolve them.
Low-Value Content
This is one of the most frequent reasons for rejection. Google wants to provide users with helpful and unique information. If your site has very few articles or the content is too short, it may be flagged as low value.
To fix this, aim for at least 20 to 30 high-quality posts before you apply. Each post should be detailed, typically over 600 words, and offer real value to the reader. Avoid “thin content” that just summarizes what other sites already say.
Lack of Originality
If your content is copied from other websites, your application will be rejected immediately. Even if you rewrite the articles slightly, Google’s systems are very good at detecting unoriginal work.
Always write from your own perspective. Use your own experiences, unique opinions, and original images. If you use information from other sources, make sure to add your own insights to make it different and better.
Missing Essential Pages
A professional website must have certain legal and informational pages. These pages build trust with both users and the review team. If your site is missing these, it looks incomplete or unreliable.
Ensure your site includes:
- Privacy Policy: Explains how you handle visitor data.
- About Us: Tells the story of who you are and what your site is about.
- Contact Us: Provides a way for people to reach you.
- Terms and Conditions: Outlines the rules for using your site.
Poor User Experience and Navigation
If a website is hard to use, it will likely be rejected. This includes messy menus, broken links, or a design that looks broken on mobile phones. Google prioritizes sites that are easy to navigate and look professional.
Check your site on your phone to make sure it loads correctly. Ensure your menu is clear and that every link works. A clean, simple layout is often better than a complex design that confuses visitors.
Site Under Construction
Never apply while you are still building your website. If a reviewer visits your site and finds “Coming Soon” pages, empty categories, or placeholder text like “Lorem Ipsum,” they will reject the application. Your site should look like a finished product with a consistent history of updates.
Traffic Quality Issues
While you do not need millions of visitors to get approved, having zero traffic can be a problem. More importantly, the type of traffic matters. If you are using “bots” or paying for fake visitors to boost your numbers, your application will be denied. Focus on getting real visitors from search engines or social media by sharing helpful content.
Policy Violations
Google has strict rules about the types of content they allow. Sites that focus on illegal activities, adult content, or copyrighted material like pirated movies and music will not be accepted. Ensure your niche is safe and follows all program guidelines.
Summary Checklist for Success
Before you click the submit button again, go through this list:
- Do I have at least 20 original, high-quality articles?
- Are my Privacy Policy and Contact pages easy to find?
- Does my website load fast and look good on mobile?
- Is my navigation menu simple and free of broken links?
- Is all my content written by me and not copied from elsewhere?
Fixing these issues not only helps with your application but also makes your website better for your readers. Once you have made these changes, wait a few weeks to build up a bit more traffic before reapplying.
