How to Fix Disapproved Ads in Google Ads|

Have you ever crafted what you thought was the perfect Google Ad only to receive the frustrating notification that Google disapproved it?

While Google Ads can drive significant traffic and conversions for your business, navigating its rules and regulations can be complex. Failing to follow Google Ads policies often leads to ad disapprovals that can halt your campaign’s momentum. This common hurdle can be confusing and discouraging, especially when you’re unsure why your ad was disapproved.

This article will guide you through identifying and resolving issues that lead to ad disapprovals. We’ll explore the key reasons why ads get disapproved, how to diagnose these issues in your campaigns, and the steps you can take to fix disapproved ads in Google Ads. Understanding Google’s advertising policies and the common pitfalls can help you create successful, compliant ads that drive your marketing objectives forward.

Whether you’re new to Google Ads or an experienced marketer facing ad disapproval challenges, this guide provides clear, actionable strategies to get your ads back on track and your campaign running smoothly.

Before diving into the specifics of fixing disapproved ads in Google Ads, it’s crucial to have a fundamental understanding of Google’s policies. These policies ensure a safe, fair, and positive experience for users and advertisers. Violating these policies is one of the most common reasons ads get disapproved.

Google Ads policies broadly cover prohibited content, prohibited practices, restricted content, editorial and technical quality, and legal requirements. These policies ensure that the content is appropriate, the practices are fair, and the ads meet certain quality and legal standards.

For example, Google prohibits advertising counterfeit goods, dangerous products, and offensive content. It also sets standards for the ads’ clarity, accuracy, and functionality.

Following these policies involves aligning your marketing efforts with ethical and effective practices. Familiarizing yourself with these guidelines will save you time and resources in the long run and help maintain the integrity of your brand.

Identifying why Google disapproved your ad is the first step toward resolving the issue. Here are some of the most common reasons why Google disapproves ads:

• Non-Compliance with Content Policies: This includes ads that feature prohibited content such as adult material, dangerous products, or discriminatory practices.

• Misleading or Exaggerated Claims: Featuring ads that promise results that aren’t realistic or verified can lead to disapproval.

• Trademark Issues: Using protected brand names or logos without permission can result in ad disapproval.

• Inappropriate Language: Using offensive or inappropriate language is a sure way to get your ad disapproved.

• Technical Errors: These can range from a malfunctioning landing page to incorrect ad formatting.

• Legal Compliance: Ads must comply with legal requirements, which vary depending on the region and the type of product or service advertised.

By understanding these common causes, you can conduct a more targeted review of your disapproved ads and identify the specific areas that need correction.

When you encounter a disapproved ad, the first step is thoroughly reviewing and diagnosing the issue. Fortunately, Google provides feedback on why they’ve disapproved specific ads, which you can locate in your Google Ads account’s “Ads and Extensions” tab. Each disapproved ad will have a status that indicates the reason for disapproval.

To effectively diagnose the problem, begin by carefully reading the disapproval reason provided by Google. This explanation often pinpoints the policy or standard that your ad has violated. It’s essential to approach this with attention to detail, as the reasons can range from blatant content violations to subtle technical issues.

If the reason isn’t clear or you need further clarification, use the Google Ads Help Center, which offers detailed explanations of policies and common issues. For more complex issues, scroll to the “Contact Us” page within the Help Center for personalized assistance.

After identifying the specific issues, review your ad and its associated landing page. Ensure that they align with Google’s policies and the feedback provided. Sometimes, the issue may not just be your ad but also the content or functionality of your landing page. This diagnostic process is crucial as it lays the foundation for corrective steps.

Identifying why your ad wasn’t compliant with Google’s policies is a critical first step in resolving the issue quickly, and this knowledge will also help you avoid similar problems in future ad submissions.

Once you’ve identified the cause of disapproval, the next step is to address and resolve these issues. Content-related problems are among the most common reasons for ad disapproval. This includes violations related to inappropriate or misleading content, trademark issues, or use of prohibited material.

To correct content issues, revise your ad copy and visuals to comply with Google’s policies. For instance, if your ad received disapproval due to misleading claims, rephrase your copy to be more accurate and transparent about your product or service. Honesty in your advertising is essential to adhere to Google’s standards and build trust with your audience.

In cases of trademark infringement, either obtain the necessary permissions to use the trademarked material or modify your ad to remove any unauthorized use of trademarks. This step not only helps in getting your ad approved but also protects you from potential legal issues.

Furthermore, if your ad received disapproval for inappropriate content, review your ad’s language, imagery, and overall message. Replace any offensive or sensitive content with more appropriate alternatives. Remember, the goal is to communicate your message effectively while respecting Google’s guidelines for safe and respectful advertising.

After making the necessary changes, resubmit your ad for review. Remember that it’s not just about fixing a disapproved ad — it’s also about understanding Google’s standards and applying them to all your current and future advertising efforts on the platform.

As we’ve discussed, technical errors can also lead to Google disapproving your ads. These issues may include problems with the ad’s format, broken URLs, or issues with the landing page. To fix technical errors, you must adopt a meticulous approach to ensure that all technical aspects of your ad and its destination function correctly.

First, verify that the URL in your ad is correct and leads to a working landing page. A common mistake is linking to a non-existent page or one under maintenance, which Google flags as a poor user experience. Additionally, ensure the landing page is closely related to your ad content and offers what the ad promises. Mismatched content between an ad and its landing page is a frequent cause of disapproval.

Next, check the format of your ad. Google Ads has specific requirements regarding the size, file type, and resolution of image and video ads. Ensure that your ad meets these technical specifications.

You should also pay attention to character limits for text ads and avoid excessive capitalization or non-standard punctuation, as Google may flag these as spammy or unprofessional.

If your ad includes automated or dynamic content, such as prices or countdown timers, ensure that these elements function correctly and comply with Google’s policies. Faulty or misleading dynamic content can lead to ad disapproval.

Once you address these technical aspects, resubmit your ad for review. Going forward, it’s crucial to regularly review and update your ads to ensure they remain compliant with Google’s evolving technical standards. By proactively managing the technical health of your ads, you can prevent future disapprovals and maintain a seamless advertising experience.

In some cases, resolving ad disapproval issues can be challenging, especially when the reasons are unclear or multiple revisions haven’t led to approval. In such situations, leveraging Google Ads support and resources can be immensely beneficial.

Google Ads offers a range of support options, including detailed help articles, community forums, and direct support channels. These resources can provide deeper insights into the platform’s policies and offer solutions for specific issues you might face with your ads.

For personalized assistance, consider reaching out to Google Ads support directly. Depending on your account’s support level, you can contact them via email, phone, or live chat. When reaching out, be prepared with specific details about your disapproved ad, including the ad ID, the disapproval reason given, and any changes you’ve already made. This information will help the support team understand your issue better and provide more targeted advice.

Additionally, Google Ads periodically updates its policies and introduces new features. Keeping up to date with these changes is crucial. Subscribe to Google Ads newsletters, follow their blog, or participate in community forums to stay informed. This proactive approach can help you avoid common pitfalls and keep your ads compliant with the latest standards.

Google Ads is a dynamic platform, and staying engaged with its community and resources can provide valuable insights and support to navigate its complexities effectively.

Navigating the complexities of Google Ads and resolving ad disapprovals can be challenging. Still, you can manage these challenges with a thorough understanding of Google’s policies and a strategic approach to ad creation.

Remember, the key to successful advertising on Google Ads lies in crafting compelling ad content and ensuring that this content aligns with Google’s advertising guidelines. Staying informed about policy updates, using Google’s support resources, and implementing preventive measures will help you create compliant and effective ads to reach your marketing goals.

If you’re interested in learning more about improving your Google Ads and achieving hypergrowth in your business, contact the digital marketing experts at TNT Growth. We guarantee a 20% bump in conversions in just 90 days. You can schedule a free consultation today!