There are countless reasons when your Google Ads account is (and always is) at risk of suspension, and out of many I picked one topic for the day.
Luckily, this is going to be a successful case study where you will get to see me and my team’s effort to resolve the uncommon reason for Google ads suspension.
So, I am here to share an amazing case study regarding a Google Ads account which was suspended due to the site being compromised.
Now, this is different from your account being suspended. The account was actually not suspended rather the Google Ads were disapproved of for the compromised site.
In case you do not know that we (me and my team) provide different working solutions for the compromised site, malicious software, unreliable claim, destination not working, ad suspended for circumvention, and any such reasons.
So, this was the reason we ought (me and my team) to create one more case study regarding this severe issue most of the Google Ads account owners face in the wake of a site being hacked/compromised.
Understanding the Consequences of a Compromised Site
For businesses entrusting their advertising endeavors to Google Ads, the ramifications of a Google Ads Compromised site error are profound. Beyond the immediate financial losses incurred from wasted ad spend, businesses risk tarnishing their reputation and eroding customer trust. An association with compromised sites not only undermines the credibility of businesses but also exposes users to potential harm, resulting in a cascading effect of negative consequences.
Key Consequences:
- Financial Losses: Immediate financial losses from ineffective ad campaigns.
- Reputation Damage: The risk of tarnishing a business’s reputation and credibility.
- Customer Trust: Erosion of customer trust and the potential loss of loyal customers.
- User Harm: Exposure of users to potential harm, which can amplify negative repercussions.
Continued Failure of Appeals to Google Ads
First thing first, I am going to show you the original Ads account where you can see the client started to sort the ads out for the compromised site.
But they actually failed in many appealing attempts. They failed in August. Then they failed again in September. And the appeal also failed on 7th of October, 2013.
Client Finally Handing Over the Case to Us
After so many failed attempts, they handed over the case to us in helping them sort out the problem for the ads to get disapproved.
Yes, it is not easy for the site owners to sense, detect, and fix what Google suggests. Sometimes they are easy to spot, sometimes the case gets trickier where the traces are impossible to detect.
Then comes the turn of handing down your case to the professionals. And at the time of fiddling with Google Ads specifically, we are your go-to guys to suggest, fix, and provide you with the best solutions for safe operation in the future.
We Failed As Well…. (1st Try)
Me and my team commenced with the case and tried to get the issue sorted. But we also failed. And you can see we have had 3 failed attempts as well registered
Know that it’s always a team effort, so my team decided to take a manual route to fix things up.
Our Strategy Proposed by the Team: Investigating Coding and Shopify
Manual investigation and we, the team, opted with two options;
First, we contacted Google support on our own as the team commenced with the manual review by sending them an email. Know that the account is an established one and has huge spending hitting the mark of more than US$ 3.5m, and has been in use for a while so we were quite confident as the client would not be having any issues at all.
While we were sending the email to Google, we ran through the discussion within the team for our own traces to the issue for the possible sorted out reasons.
Secondly, we had to go through Shopify, we also looked into GSC (Google Search Console) for any current and past errors.
Upon finding nothing from all of the above, then we dug deep into coding. Also used several malware scanning software but know what? We eventually did not find any issues with the site using those tools and scanners.
But that does not end here — we found the coding to be disturbing. So, we thoroughly investigated the issues, starting with Shopify, with the thought some apps were eventually causing the problem.
Commencing our manual research with coding, we went through extensive investigation step-by-step, app-by-app to find the trace of the possible epicenter of the issue.
Gladly, that was not such a case with the majority of the apps and codes looking just right.
Why is Open Communication Important During the Process of Resolving Google Ads Issues?
Open communication plays a crucial role when resolving issues with Google Ads. Here’s why:
1. Transparency and Trust: Keeping you informed throughout the process builds trust. You know exactly what’s being done to resolve the problem, fostering confidence in the team’s capability.
2. Timely Updates: Regular updates ensure you’re never left in the dark. You’ll always be aware of the latest developments, helping you stay informed about the current status of your ads and account.
3. Quick Problem Resolution: Open communication allows for quicker identification of issues. When you can provide immediate feedback or additional information, the team can swiftly adjust their approach, leading to faster resolution.
4. Reduced Uncertainty: Knowing the status of your issue reduces anxiety and uncertainty. Clear, consistent communication helps manage expectations, ensuring you know what to expect and when.
5. Collaborative Solutions: Open lines of communication invite collaboration. You can share insights and preferences, leading to tailored solutions that better align with your specific needs and goals.
6. Proactive Adjustments: If any unforeseen complications arise, transparent communication allows for the timely implementation of proactive adjustments to the strategy, minimizing negative impacts on your campaign performance.
In summary, maintaining open and consistent communication not only ensures transparency and trust but also facilitates faster and more effective problem resolution.
Detecting One Suspicious App
But we found out just one app that got us suspicious. We were not actually sure that this could be the reason or we were like “Okay! This could be or this could be not.”
All in all, we were super confused with this app.
Google’s Not Responding to the Query
On the contrary because we are a Google Partner company and you know because when we sent an email to them and another email specifying the app to be a possible culprit but surprisingly we got no reply from Google by far.
So, we were like what could have happened because we have a good dedicated Google rep as well but you know we tried a different strategy over here.
Change of Plan: Play-in with Test Account
We basically employed a service strategy, so what we did was we had several test accounts and then we tried creating that same ad over there (which our client has) as well and the same thing happened: the ad was disapproved…
The ad had the same issues as the premium account (client’s one.) The third error from the screenshot below, shows a compromised site resulting in failure.
We raised another support request from this test account. Now we were having two same requests for the same site from two parallel Ad accounts.
Google Finally Emailing Back to Us [Dedicated Support]
Since our account is issued from our Google Partner MCC thus we have the privilege of priority support, so we got an email from Google which you can see from here.
The notable part from the email reads; “Hi! Thank you for your patience!
I understand your concern about disapproval ads for your Google Ads in account 704*******
With that said, we can confirm the latest scan of this domain came back clean and the domain is free from malvertising violations.
The domain should be fully re-enabled to serve ads once the system synchronizes in a few hours (it can take up to 24-48 hours.) We recommend re-uploading the ads for faster processing.”
At the original account, since they had various failed appeals, the ads needed to be re-run. Upon navigating to the “Policy Issues” tab, the ads automatically went to the “Past Violation” which means the ads are no longer suspended but rather passed.
And you can from the below screenshot, on our test account the client’s domain is now approved.
So, this is another successful case study regarding the disapproved ads and you can see the ads are mostly eligible.
For those who do not know what “Past Violation” is. Well, it simply speaks those ads that were disapproved in the past and now lo longer require approval but they have classified as “Past Violation” in order to run/re-activate them knowing whether you should be ready to spend more on the olds ad or not.
Since we cannot re-activate the ad without client’s approval, we wanted to show you an approved version of the disapproved ad from our test account, and also the email we received from Google discussing everything about the issue is no longer being detected on the websites and is free from malvertising violations.
Frequently Asked Questions!
Originally in our case, the ad was suspended due to the site being compromised and I have seen many cases where websites are suspended due to malicious software, unreliable claims, circumventing systems, destinations not working, Ads disapproved due to misrepresentation and many other cases.
Why is Third-Party Consumer Technical Support Forbidden from Advertising?
Third-party consumer technical support services are often restricted from advertising due to several key concerns:
1. Quality Control and Trust Issues
Many third-party services may lack the stringent quality controls upheld by original manufacturers. This can lead to inconsistent and unreliable support, which ultimately damages consumer trust in the brand.
2. Potential for Scams
The realm of third-party technical support is fraught with potential scams. Fraudulent operators can take advantage of unsuspecting users, leading to data breaches, financial loss, and compromised personal information. Restricting these ads helps protect consumers from such risks.
3. Warranty Voidance
Using unauthorized third-party services might void the warranty of the product. Consumers may be unaware of this consequence, leading to unexpected expenses and dissatisfaction.
4. Brand Integrity
Allowing third-party entities to advertise undercuts the brand’s image. Official support channels ensure that customers receive assistance that aligns with the company’s values and service standards.
In summary, prohibiting third-party consumer technical support advertisements safeguards consumers, preserves warranty terms, and maintains brand integrity.
Restrictions on Local Services Advertisements
When advertising local services, particularly for niche areas, it’s important to be aware of Google’s specific restrictions.
- Locksmiths and Similar Services: Ads for services such as locksmiths are only permitted in certain geographic areas. This ensures that consumers are protected from potentially fraudulent or misleading business practices prevalent in these fields.
- Consumer Advisories: For areas where consumer advisories are prevalent, Google may implement stringent controls on how ads for certain products and services are displayed. This is to maintain a high standard of consumer protection and trust.
By adhering to these guidelines, businesses can ensure that their local service advertisements comply with Google’s policies and reach their desired audience effectively.
How Can Businesses Protect Their Google Ads Campaigns from Being Compromised?
In the dynamic world of digital advertising, securing your Google Ads campaigns from cyber threats is crucial. Here are some essential steps:
1. Ad Creation with Security in Mind
Generate ads within your own Google Ads account. Use your business’s URL and information to identify potential vulnerabilities. This strategy helps isolate issues and allows prompt resolution of any disapprovals or security concerns.
2. Regular Monitoring and Incident Response
Establish a robust system for regular monitoring of your ad campaigns. In case of disapprovals, be prepared to engage immediately with Google’s support team to identify and resolve the issue swiftly. This proactive stance helps mitigate any potential damage from compromised ads.
3. Utilizing Cutting-Edge Technologies
Invest in advanced technologies such as malware detection systems and ad quality control tools. Integrate services from third-party vendors like Wordfence, Sucuri, and Cloudflare to add an additional layer of security to your campaigns. These tools can help detect suspicious activities and protect against various cyber threats.
4. Transparent Communication Channels
Maintain open communication lines with your team and stakeholders. Regular updates and transparent reporting are essential to keep everyone informed about the status of your ad campaigns. This ensures quick action can be taken if any issues arise.
5. Continual Security Training
Provide ongoing security education for your marketing team. Familiarize them with the latest cyber threats and best practices for safeguarding campaigns. Regular training sessions can make a significant difference in how effectively your team can protect your advertising efforts.
6. Partner with Security Experts
Consider consulting with cybersecurity experts for an added layer of protection. Firms that specialize in digital security can offer valuable insights and provide tailored solutions to enhance your campaign’s defenses.
By implementing these strategies, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of their Google Ads campaigns being compromised. Proactive measures, combined with advanced technology and expert guidance, form a solid defense against cyber threats in the digital advertising space.
What types of malicious activities can occur on a compromised site hosting Google Ads?
When a site hosting Google Ads is compromised, it becomes a breeding ground for a variety of malicious activities. These activities are orchestrated by cybercriminals exploiting the compromised platform’s vulnerabilities. Here are some common types of malicious activities you might encounter:
Phishing Scams
Cyber attackers may use the site to launch phishing scams. These schemes aim to trick users into divulging sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card numbers, by masquerading as trustworthy entities.
Malware Distribution
Another significant risk involves the distribution of malware. Malicious software can be disseminated through the compromised site, potentially infiltrating users’ devices and compromising data security. This malware can range from viruses and ransomware to spyware and trojans.
SEO Manipulation
Compromised websites can also be manipulated to alter search engine optimization (SEO) metrics unlawfully. Cybercriminals may employ black-hat SEO techniques to improve the rankings of their malicious or fraudulent sites, thereby increasing their visibility and potential for harm.
Additional Risks
- Ad Fraud: Generating fake clicks to inflate advertising costs.
- Data Breach: Unauthorized access to user data and personal information.
Understanding these risks highlights the critical importance of robust website security measures to protect both site owners and users from cyber threats.
How Incident Response Addresses Google Ads Disapprovals
When facing a Google Ads disapproval, immediate action is crucial. That’s where incident response steps in. Here’s how it helps:
- Proactive Communication: We initiate direct contact with Google’s support team. This ensures that our concerns are addressed promptly and effectively.
- Expert Analysis: By collaborating with Google’s response team, we can delve deep into identifying the root cause of the disapproval. This allows us to understand the exact issues that need resolution.
- Strategic Planning: After pinpointing the problem, we strategize the best course of action to rectify it. This could involve adjusting ad content, tweaking landing pages, or complying with specific policy guidelines.
- Continuous Monitoring: Post-resolution, we continuously monitor the ads to ensure compliance and prevent future disapprovals. This ongoing vigilance helps maintain the integrity and effectiveness of our advertising campaigns.
Through these steps, incident response not only addresses the immediate disapproval but also fortifies our approach to avert potential issues down the line.
Conclusion!
Originally in our client case, the ad was suspended due to the site being compromised and I have seen many cases where websites are suspended due to malicious software, unreliable claims, circumventing systems, destinations not working, Ads disapproved due to misrepresentation and many other cases.
How Can We Help You?/Hire Me
In case your Google ads have been disapproved of for any of such reasons, me and my team can help to sort your problem out.
Get Your Google Ads Disapproved Solved for ✅ Compromised/Malicious/Circumventing/Misleading/Unreliable Claims 👉 (Upwork)
https://aarswebs.com/pricing or reach out here.
Even if you need Facebook Ads, Bing Ads, setting up Audit Management, SEO, Landing Page, Technical SEO, or Web Development services; me and my team can help you in all these fields.
