Running a Google Ads campaign can be a challenge, and seeing your account flagged for issues like “Compromised Site,” “Circumventing Systems,” “Malicious Software,” “Unwanted Software,” “Misrepresentation,” or “Unreliable Claims” can feel like a nightmare. These issues can bring your advertising efforts to a halt and negatively affect your business performance. But don’t panic—help is just a few steps away!
In this guide, I’ll walk you through identifying and resolving these common problems, ensuring your Google Ads account gets back on track and starts delivering valuable results again.
Common Google Ads Disapprovals
Before diving into solutions, let’s understand what these common issues mean:
Compromised Site:
This indicates that Google has detected security vulnerabilities on your website, such as malware or hacking attempts. Google prioritizes user safety, so they will suspend ads directing traffic to compromised sites.
Google Resource : Check Compromise Site
Types of Malicious Software on Compromised Sites
Malware refers to software designed to harm or gain unauthorized access to devices or networks. Compromised sites can host various types of malicious software, including:
- Adware – Displays unwanted ads or downloads them without user consent.
- Spyware – Collects user data and browsing behavior without permission.
- Keyloggers – Secretly records keystrokes to capture sensitive information.
- Trojans – Disguises as legitimate software while carrying out malicious activities.
- Ransomware – Restricts access to data until a ransom is paid.
- Mobile Malware – Specifically targets mobile devices through compromised sites.
- Rootkits – Allows attackers to gain remote control over a system.
- Worms – Spreads across networks without direct user action.
- Fileless Malware – Exploits legitimate programs to execute harmful code.
- Malicious Redirects – Redirects users to harmful websites without their knowledge.
Google’s automated detection system continuously scans websites for these threats, ensuring users are protected from compromised sites.
Circumventing Systems
This violation implies your account may be attempting to bypass Google’s advertising policies. This could result from placeholder content, broken links, copied text, or even unintentional mistakes.
Google Resource : Check Circumventing Systems Policy
Misrepresentation
Google expects advertisers to be transparent and provide accurate information. Misrepresentation disapprovals typically stem from:
- False claims about products or services.
- Misleading information on landing pages.
- Hiding critical details, like pricing or terms.
Misleading representation errors may also occur when deceptive practices are used to entice users to click.
Additionally, Google considers the following practices in their Misrepresentation Policy:
Manipulated Media: Deceiving users through altered media related to politics, social issues, or public concerns.
Deceptive Practices: Misleading users to engage with content under false or unclear pretenses.
Google Resource : Check Misrepresentation Policy
Malicious Software / Unwanted Software
This disapproval arises when your ads or landing pages contain harmful software or link to unsafe downloads. Even unintentional malware on your site can trigger this violation.
Google Resource : Check Malicious Software / Unwanted Software
Dishonest Behavior
Google prohibits deceptive practices aimed at circumventing their policies. This includes creating multiple accounts to bypass restrictions or promoting illegal activities.ing illegal activities, or manipulating the ad system.
Google Resource : Check Enabling dishonest behavior
Unreliable Claims
Google protects users from ads making unverifiable or exaggerated promises. Common causes of unreliable claims disapprovals include:
- Overpromising results (e.g., “Lose 10 pounds in a week”).
- Claims without substantiated evidence.
- Misleading comparisons or guarantees.
Google Resource : Check Unreliable and harmful claims
Other Common Disapprovals:
- Google Ads Disapproved Destination Not Working: Broken links or inaccessible landing pages.
- Google Ads Disapproved Destination Mismatch: Ads leading to irrelevant or different landing pages.
- Inaccurate Business Name & Character Limit: The business name exceeds allowed character limits.
- Experimental Medical Treatments: Ads promoting unverified or experimental treatments.
- Clickbait: Ads designed solely to generate clicks without meaningful content.
- Unsupported Language: Ads using a language not supported by Google Ads in that region.
- Personalized Advertising Restrictions: Violations related to privacy and personalized targeting.
- Abusing the Ad Network: Engaging in prohibited practices like click fraud or excessive ad spam.
- Data Collection and Use Violations: Misuse of customer data.
- Capitalization Issues: Ads with excessive or improper use of capitalization.
- Excessive Repetition: Repeating keywords or phrases unnaturally.
Google Ads Disapproved – Government documents and official services policy
Ads disapproved for online gambling
Ads Disapproved for “Speculative & Experimental Services”
Abusing the Ad Network
Data Collection and Use
Editorial and Technical Requirements
Punctuation and symbols – Ads Disapproval
Recreational drugs google ads disapproved
Common Issues Leading to Ad Disapprovals:
- Pop-ups: Ads or landing pages with excessive pop-ups may lead to disapprovals.
- Speed Issues: Slow-loading websites can result in a poor user experience and ad suspension.
- Broken Links or Duplicate Content: Links that don’t work or duplicate content can cause problems.
- Flash Content: Sites with Flash content that’s inaccessible to Google’s crawler will be disapproved.
- Misleading or Unsafe Content: Ads promoting counterfeit goods, dangerous products, or illegal services are prohibited.
Flash Content
If your website has Flash content and no text ads to be read by Crawler. Your ads will be disapproved as per Google.
Other Common Google Ads Disapprovals
- Birth Control / Addiction Services: Ads related to birth control or addiction services may be disapproved in certain countries due to local regulations. However, if you’re targeting specific regions where these ads are allowed, you can obtain certification to get them approved. Always ensure you’re complying with local advertising rules and Google’s policies.
- Third-Party Consumer Technical Support: If your ad is promoting third-party consumer technical support services, it may be disapproved. Google typically disapproves ads that offer services related to technical support for products or services that do not belong to the advertiser or do not meet Google’s quality standards.
- Consumer Finance: Ads related to consumer finance (e.g., loans, credit cards, or insurance) are often subject to stricter guidelines due to regulatory concerns. Ads in this category may be disapproved if they don’t meet Google’s advertising policies for financial products or services. Make sure to follow the specific requirements outlined by Google for these types of ads.
How to Fix Google Ads Disapprovals Issues
1. Check for Website Security Issues
If your account has been flagged for a compromised site, the first step is to ensure your website is secure:
- Scan for Malware: Use tools like Google Search Console, Sucuri, or SiteLock to check your website for malware or vulnerabilities.
- Update Your Website: Ensure all CMS, plugins, and themes are updated to the latest versions to eliminate potential entry points for hackers.
- Obtain an SSL Certificate: Secure your site with HTTPS to enhance user trust and meet Google’s standards.
Once these steps are complete, request a review from Google.
2. Review Your Website Content
For accounts flagged for circumventing systems, content quality is critical:
- Eliminate Placeholder Text: Replace any “Lorem Ipsum” or dummy text with meaningful, high-quality content.
- Check for Dead Links: Ensure all links on your landing pages lead to functional, relevant pages.
- Avoid Duplicate Content: Plagiarism can trigger suspensions. Use tools like Copyscape to verify your content’s originality.
- Comply with Policies: Review Google’s advertising policies to ensure all your landing pages meet their standards.
3. Use Google Search Console
Google Search Console is a powerful tool for identifying and fixing website compliance issues:
- Log in and verify your website.
- Navigate to the “Security Issues” section to identify problems.
- Fix the highlighted issues and submit a “Request Review” once resolved.
4. Submit an Appeal to Google
Once you’ve resolved all the flagged issues, it’s time to appeal the suspension:
- Go to the Google Ads Help Center.
- Fill out the suspension appeal form, providing detailed explanations of the steps you’ve taken to address the issues.
- Attach any supporting documentation or screenshots to strengthen your case.
Google will review your appeal and typically respond within 3-5 business days.
When to Seek Expert Help
While it’s possible to address these issues independently, some cases require specialized expertise. If your ads remain disapproved or your account isn’t restored after multiple attempts, it’s time to call in a professional.
As a Google Ads Certified Professional and owner of a Google Partner Company, I specialize in:
- Fixing Google Ads disapprovals.
- Restoring suspended accounts.
- Optimizing landing pages for compliance and conversions.
With years of experience and over 100 successful account restorations, my team and I can help you get your campaigns back on track.
Key Takeaways
- Regularly monitor your website for security issues and maintain high-quality, policy-compliant content.
- Use tools like Google Search Console to identify and resolve compliance problems quickly.
- If you’re stuck, don’t hesitate to seek expert assistance to minimize downtime and business losses.
Steps to Prevent Future Disapprovals
- Stay Updated: Regularly review Google Ads policies to ensure compliance.
- Maintain Website Quality: Ensure your landing pages offer a positive user experience, free from broken links or intrusive ads.
- Monitor Ads Regularly: Use Google Ads diagnostics to identify potential issues before they lead to disapprovals.
- Hire Experts: If managing compliance feels overwhelming, consider working with a Google Ads specialist to ensure your campaigns adhere to best practices.
Need Help? Contact Me Today!
If you’re struggling with Google Ads disapprovals or suspensions, let’s work together to restore your account and grow your business.
Don’t let technical issues hold you back — take action today and watch your ads thrive! 🚀
Conclusion
Google Ads disapprovals, while frustrating, are preventable and resolvable with the right approach. By understanding the common disapproval reasons such as Misrepresentation, Malicious Software, Dishonest Behavior, Circumventing Systems, and Unreliable Claims, and by taking proactive measures, you can minimize disruptions to your campaigns and maximize their effectiveness.
🔹 Need Expert Assistance? We specialize in Google Ads restoration, policy compliance, and resolving disapprovals. Contact us today for professional support!
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