Here is a guide on the most common AdSense Approval Mistakes Beginners Must Avoid to help you get your site ready for success.
1. Applying with Too Little Content
One of the biggest mistakes is being too in a hurry. If you have only five or six posts on your blog, it is likely to be rejected for “Low Value Content.”
A blog needs to look like a finished project, not a work in progress. Most experts suggest having at least 15 to 20 high-quality, long-form articles before you even think about applying. Each article should be well-structured and provide real value to the reader.
2. Neglecting Essential Legal Pages
Your blog is a business, and every professional business website needs certain legal pages. If these are missing, it sends a signal that your site might not be trustworthy.
Make sure your site has the following pages clearly visible in the menu or footer:
- About Us: Explain who you are and what your blog is about.
- Contact Us: Give readers and partners a way to reach you.
- Privacy Policy: This is a legal requirement. You must tell users how you handle their data.
- Terms and Conditions: This outlines the rules for using your website.
3. Using Scraped or Copied Content
Search engines are very smart. They can easily tell if you have copied text from another website or simply “spun” an article using software to make it look new.
Plagiarism is the fastest way to get a permanent rejection. Your content must be original. Even if you are writing about a common topic, use your own voice, your own experiences, and your own unique perspective.
4. Poor Website Navigation and Design
If a human visitor cannot find their way around your site, a review bot won’t like it either. A messy layout with broken links, confusing menus, or a design that looks “broken” on mobile devices will lead to rejection.
Keep your design clean and simple. Use a standard menu at the top of the page so people can find your categories easily. Ensure your site loads quickly and looks great on smartphones, as most people browse the web on their mobile devices today.
5. Focusing on Prohibited Niches
Some topics are simply not allowed for monetization. If your blog focuses on things like hacking tutorials, adult content, or anything illegal, you will not be approved.
Before you start your blog, check the official policies to ensure your niche is “safe.” Stick to helpful, informative, and family-friendly topics like travel, technology, education, or lifestyle to stay on the safe side.
6. Using Copyrighted Images
Just because an image is on the internet does not mean it is free to use. Using copyrighted photos without permission is a serious mistake.
Instead of taking images from a search engine, use free stock photo websites. These sites provide high-quality images that are legal to use for your blog. Using original photos you took yourself is even better for your site’s credibility.
7. Applying with No Traffic
While you do not need millions of visitors to get approved, having zero traffic is a red flag. It shows that your site is either too new or not yet useful to the public.
Focus on basic SEO and share your posts on social media to get at least some consistent daily visitors. This proves to the review team that your blog is active and has a real audience.
By avoiding these simple mistakes, you move your blog from being a hobbyist site to a professional platform. Take your time to build a solid foundation, and the approval process will be much smoother.
