What Happens If a Google Ads Ad Is Disapproved?
Running a successful Google Ads campaign requires adherence to the platform’s policies. When an ad is disapproved, it can disrupt your marketing efforts, leading to delays, lost revenue, and frustration. But what does it actually mean when your ad is disapproved, and how can you fix the issue? Learn what happens if a Google Ads ad is disapproved, why it occurs, and how to resolve issues to get your campaigns back on track.
Understanding a Google Ads Disapproval
When Google disapproves an ad, it means the ad violates one or more of its advertising policies. The disapproval prevents the ad from running until the issue is resolved.
Common Reasons for Disapproval
- Policy Violations: Ads that fail to meet Google’s guidelines, such as promoting restricted or prohibited content, will be flagged.
- Editorial Standards: Spelling errors, excessive punctuation, or inappropriate language can lead to disapproval.
- Landing Page Issues: Non-functional links, slow load times, or misleading content on your landing page can trigger a disapproval.
- Inappropriate Content: Ads containing graphic, offensive, or misleading imagery or text are often rejected.
What Happens When Google Ads ad is disapproved?
Immediate Impact
- No Impressions or Clicks: The disapproved ad stops running immediately, halting traffic to your website or landing page.
- Delayed Campaign Goals: If the ad is part of a larger campaign, the delay can disrupt your overall strategy and timeline.
Account Health
Repeated disapprovals can harm your account’s standing with Google. In severe cases, persistent violations may lead to account suspension.
Wasted Resources
Disapproved ads mean wasted time, effort, and potentially money if you’re relying on the ad to drive business during a critical period.
How to Fix a Disapproved Ad
1. Identify the Issue
Google provides a reason for the disapproval, which you can find in your account under the “Status” column of the affected ad.
2. Review Google Ads Policies
Understand the specific policy that your ad violated. Google’s policy center offers detailed explanations and examples for each rule.
3. Edit Your Ad
Make necessary changes to comply with Google’s guidelines. This may involve:
- Revising ad copy to remove prohibited language or claims.
- Fixing issues with the landing page, such as broken links or misleading content.
- Replacing images that fail to meet editorial standards.
4. Resubmit for Review
Once changes are made, resubmit your ad for review. Most reviews are completed within 24 hours, although some may take longer.
5. Contact Support if Needed
Provide a detailed explanation and evidence to support your claim.
How to Avoid Disapproved Ads
Proactively preventing disapprovals saves time and ensures your campaigns run smoothly:
Adhere to Google’s Guidelines
Familiarize yourself with Google’s advertising policies, including restricted industries, prohibited content, and editorial standards.
Use the Ad Preview Tool
Google’s ad preview tool can help identify potential issues before submission, reducing the likelihood of disapproval.
Test Your Landing Page
Ensure your landing page is functional, relevant, and compliant with Google’s standards, including user experience and transparency requirements.
Partner with Experts
Working with digital marketing professionals can help you craft compliant, high-performing ads. Experts understand the nuances of Google’s rules and can save you from costly mistakes.
Why Resolving Ad Disapprovals Matters
Disapproved ads don’t just pause your campaigns—they can impact your business’s momentum, visibility, and reputation. By addressing issues promptly and ensuring future compliance, you can maintain a healthy Google Ads account and achieve your advertising goals.
Ad disapprovals on Google Ads can disrupt your campaigns, but with a clear understanding of the policies and a proactive approach, you can resolve issues quickly and avoid future setbacks. Whether it’s ensuring compliance or crafting ads that perform, having the right strategies in place is essential for success.
Need help navigating Google Ads policies? Contact us today, and let’s ensure your campaigns are always running smoothly!