Creating helpful content is the best way to grow your website and keep your account in good standing. To help you succeed, you need to understand exactly what you can and cannot post.
Here is a clear guide on the rules for your website content.
What You Should Post (Allowed Content)
The best content is original, high-quality, and helpful to the reader. If you focus on these areas, you will likely see more visitors and a healthier website.
- Educational and Informational Guides: How-to articles, tutorials, and deep dives into specific topics are highly valued. For example, a guide on “How to Start a Small Garden” is excellent.
- Original News and Analysis: Reporting on current events or providing unique opinions on industry trends works well as long as the information is accurate.
- Lifestyle and Hobby Content: Writing about cooking, travel, fitness, or technology is great. People love reading about personal experiences and tips.
- Niche-Specific Reviews: Honest reviews of products or services that you have actually used help build trust with your audience.
What You Must Avoid (Not Allowed Content)
Some topics are strictly prohibited. Posting these can lead to your account being restricted or even closed.
- Illegal Content: You cannot post anything that promotes illegal activities. This includes stolen goods, human trafficking, or instructions on how to commit crimes.
- Copyright Infringement: Never post content that you do not own. This includes “cracked” software, links to pirated movies, or copying articles from other websites.
- Dangerous or Derogatory Content: Content that promotes hate speech, harassment, or violence against individuals or groups is never allowed.
- Sexually Explicit Material: Any form of adult content, including graphic images or highly suggestive text, is a violation of the rules.
- Shocking Content: Avoid posting graphic violence, gore, or anything meant to disgust or scare the reader.
- Deceptive Practices: You should not create “scam” content, such as “get rich quick” schemes or pages that trick users into clicking links.
The “Restricted” Category
Some content is not strictly banned but is “restricted.” This means it might be allowed in certain cases, but it will have very few ads.
- Alcohol and Tobacco: Content promoting the sale of alcohol or tobacco products is heavily restricted.
- Gambling: Online gambling content has very strict rules and often requires special permission.
- Unapproved Pharmaceuticals: Promoting unapproved drugs or “miracle cures” is a major risk.
Tips for Staying Safe
To keep your website running smoothly, always follow these simple rules:
- Be Original: Always write your own words. Use tools to check for accidental plagiarism before you hit publish.
- Moderate Comments: If you allow users to comment, you are responsible for what they say. Make sure they aren’t posting illegal links or hate speech.
- Check Your Images: Ensure you have the right to use every photo on your site. Using “free for commercial use” images is a safe bet.
- Put the User First: Ask yourself if your article truly helps someone. If it does, you are likely on the right track.
By following these guidelines, you can build a professional website that provides value to your readers and stays compliant with all safety standards.
