Google AdSense is one of the most popular ways for bloggers and publishers to earn money from website traffic. Before ads can appear on your site, Google reviews it to ensure it meets AdSense program policies and provides a good experience for users and advertisers. Many new sites are initially rejected, often for reasons that are easy to fix.
This guide explains how to prepare your website for AdSense approval, common rejection reasons and how to stay compliant after approval.
Basic AdSense Requirements
| — | — |
|---|---|
| Original content | Unique, valuable content created for users |
| Site ownership | Access to edit your site’s HTML to add the AdSense code |
Google does not publish a fixed minimum number of posts or traffic level, but sites need enough substantial content to demonstrate value.
Step 1: Publish Quality, Original Content
- Write helpful articles that answer real questions
- Avoid copied, scraped or lightly rewritten content
- Add your own insights, examples and experience
- Cover your niche in enough depth to show expertise
- Keep content accurate and up to date
Thin pages, auto-generated text and pages with little value are common reasons for rejection.
Step 2: Make Navigation Clear
- A clear header menu with main categories
- A footer with important pages
- Working internal links and no broken pages
- A search function for content-heavy sites
- Logical categories and URLs
Step 3: Create Essential Pages
| — | — |
|---|---|
| Privacy Policy | Explains data collection, cookies and third-party ads |
Your privacy policy should mention that third-party vendors, including Google, use cookies to serve ads, and explain how users can opt out of personalised advertising.
Step 4: Follow AdSense Program Policies
Review Google Publisher Policies and AdSense program policies carefully. Content that commonly causes problems includes:
- Copyrighted material you do not have rights to use
- Adult or sexually explicit content
- Dangerous or derogatory content
- Content promoting illegal activities
- Misleading or deceptive content
- Content encouraging clicks on ads
Step 5: Improve Design and User Experience
- Use a clean, responsive theme
- Make text easy to read
- Avoid intrusive pop-ups
- Ensure pages load quickly on mobile
- Remove placeholder text, demo content and broken features
Step 6: Use Your Own Domain
Using a custom domain looks professional and allows you to manage ads.txt. Make sure the domain is fully set up and accessible.
Step 7: Apply and Add the Code
Sign up for AdSense, add your site and place the provided code in your site’s head section, or verify using the method Google provides. Many WordPress plugins and Site Kit can help with setup. Then wait for the review, which can take from days to a few weeks.
Step 8: Set Up Ads.txt
After approval, add an ads.txt file at the root of your domain listing your publisher ID. Make sure it contains only authorised sellers. Incorrect or unrelated entries can cause issues.
Common Rejection Reasons
| — | — |
|---|---|
| Low value content | Add depth, originality and usefulness to posts |
After Approval: Stay Compliant
- Never click your own ads or ask others to click
- Do not place ads in misleading positions
- Keep ads separate from navigation and content
- Monitor policy centre notifications
- Keep content quality high
- Avoid excessive ads that hurt the experience
Real-World Example
A new education blog was rejected for “low value content”. The site had short posts, missing About and Contact pages and a demo theme homepage. The owner expanded articles with detailed explanations and examples, removed thin posts, added essential pages, cleaned up navigation and wrote a proper privacy policy. After reapplying, the site was approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many posts do I need for AdSense?
There is no official number. Focus on enough substantial, original content to show your site’s value.
How long does AdSense approval take?
Reviews can take from a few days to several weeks.
Can I apply with a new domain?
Yes, as long as the site meets policies and has quality content.
Do I need traffic to get approved?
Google does not specify a traffic requirement, but quality content and good user experience matter.
Can AI-written content get approved?
Google focuses on content quality and helpfulness. Low-value mass-produced content is a common rejection reason.
What is ads.txt?
A file that declares authorised sellers of your ad inventory to prevent fraud.
Conclusion
AdSense approval depends on providing real value to users within Google’s policies. Publish original, helpful content, create a clear and professional site structure, add essential pages, follow program policies and keep the experience fast and user-friendly. Once approved, continue maintaining quality to protect your account and earnings.
