1. Introduction
Google AdSense is one of the best ways to monetize your content, but it comes with a very strict set of rules known as the Google Publisher Policies. Ignorance of these rules is the fastest way to get your account suspended or banned for life.
This checklist consolidates the most critical policies into an easy-to-read format. Use this to audit your website before submitting an application or to ensure your existing account remains in good standing.
2. Content Restrictions Checklist
Google will not place ads on content that is illegal, dangerous, or offensive. Ensure your site does NOT contain any of the following:
- Adult Content: Nudity, pornography, or sexually suggestive text/images.
- Shocking Content: Gruesome imagery, physical trauma, or disgusting accounts.
- Dangerous or Derogatory: Hate speech, harassment, bullying, or promoting self-harm.
- Illegal Content: Promoting illegal drugs, sales of weapons, or instructions on how to create explosives.
- Misrepresentative Content: Fake news, deceptive claims (e.g., "Cure Cancer in 2 Days"), or phishing attempts.
- Enabling Dishonest Behavior: Selling fake documents, academic cheating services, or hacking software.
The "Family Safe" Rule
A good rule of thumb is the "Family Safe" rule. Would you be comfortable showing your website to a child or your grandmother? If the answer is no, it likely violates AdSense policies.
3. Traffic Quality Checklist
Invalid traffic is the #1 reason for account bans. Google monitors every click. If they suspect you are manipulating traffic, they will disable your account to protect advertisers.
- No Self-Clicking: NEVER click on your own ads. Not even to "test" them. Google knows.
- No Asking for Clicks: You cannot write "Please support us by clicking ads" or "Visit our sponsors."
- No Bot Traffic: Do not buy "10,000 visitors for $5." This is bot traffic and will get you banned immediately.
- No Click Exchange: Do not participate in "click-for-click" groups on social media.
- No Deceptive Traffic: Do not use pop-unders, automatic redirects, or iframe stuffing to force users to your site.
4. Ad Placement Rules
Where you place your ads matters just as much as the content itself. You cannot trick users into clicking ads ("Accidental Clicks").
- No Misleading Labels: Ads should not be placed under headers like "Download," "Menu," or "Next Page" to confuse users.
- Clear Distinction: Ads must be clearly distinguishable from your content. Do not format ads to look exactly like your navigation buttons.
- Sticky Ads: If you use sticky ads (ads that follow the user as they scroll), you must use approved formats (like Google's own Anchor Ads). Do not create custom sticky sidebars that overlap content.
- Ad Density: Your page should not be more ads than content. If a user lands on your mobile page and sees only ads before scrolling, that is a violation.
5. User Experience (UX) Checklist
Google values the user. If your site is annoying or difficult to use, they won't approve it.
- Site Navigation: Ensure you have a clear menu bar. Users should be able to find pages easily.
- Site Speed: Ensure your pages load reasonably fast. Slow sites have high bounce rates.
- No Pop-up Spam: Avoid excessive pop-ups that block the user from reading the content.
- Broken Links: Regularly scan your site for 404 errors. A site full of dead links looks abandoned.
6. Copyright & Legal Checklist
You must have the legal right to monetize the content on your website.
- Original Content: Do not copy-paste articles from other websites. Even if you credit them, it is still duplicate content.
- Images: Ensure you have the rights to use images. Use stock photos (Unsplash, Pexels) or your own photography. Do not just take images from Google Images.
- GDPR & CCPA: If you have traffic from Europe or California, you must have a consent banner for cookies.
- Privacy Policy: You MUST have a Privacy Policy page that discloses that third-party vendors (Google) use cookies to serve ads.
7. Summary
AdSense policies basically boil down to three things: Create value, be honest, and don't be annoying.
If you create original content that helps people, don't try to trick them into clicking ads, and ensure your site is safe and fast, you will likely have no issues with Google policies. Regularly review this checklist, especially when creating new types of content.