Why Google Ads account suspended: 7 obvious reasons your ads manager doesn’t tell you

Do you find yourself asking, “Why Google Ads account suspended?” If yes, then you’re not alone. With over 4 million advertisers relying on Google’s platform for advertising, suspension of a Google Ads account can be a major setback for a marketing manager, CEO, or founder attempting to navigate the complicated world of Google Ads. For someone responsible for the marketing activities in a company, be it a start-up or a large corporation, it becomes imperative to know every policy violation that could result in an account suspension. In this blog, I’ll highlight the Top 7 reasons behind the question “Why Google Ads account suspended?” and how to bypass these issues.

Why Google Ads account suspended: Understanding Google Ads Policies

Google Ads is a very effective advertising platform that is responsible for about 29% of global digital ad spending. However, to keep the platform safe, relevant, and legally compliant, Google has certain strict regulations. If the policies are violated, then Google’s automated algorithm first gives warnings/disapprovals to the advertisers, and later on goes on to block or remove the ads if still not found compliant. Therefore, being aware and following the set policies is of utmost importance to avoid penalties and to ensure the undisturbed continuity of your campaigns.

Why Google Ads account suspended: Knowing the Impact of Account Suspensions

Ad account suspensions can be financially draining. When an account is suspended, all campaigns come to a halt, thus stopping the related ad metrics like impressions, clicks, visits, conversions, etc. This can act as a huge barrier, mostly for small businesses or start-ups that depend on Google Ads for lead generation or customer acquisition. On top of that, the entire process of getting back control of a suspended account is complex and time-consuming. Since it can take even a few weeks in some cases, your business may see a drop in visibility, which may further lead to a significant revenue drop.

You also run the possibility of a permanent ban if the suspension is the result of major violations like compromising Google’s systems. Such a permanent ban could tarnish your long-term advertising strategy. Hence, to make your lives simpler, I have compiled the top 7 Google Ads suspension reasons and how to tackle them tactfully to keep your brand communication and visibility intact.

7 obvious reasons behind “Why Google Ads account suspended”

1. Misleading ads and statements

If your ads have fraudulent claims, overstated benefits, or deceptive promises, you would be seen as violating Google’s Misrepresentation Policy, and your account will be at serious risk of suspension. This is one of the most common answers to the question, “Why Google Ads account suspended?”. For instance, a health and wellness brand may be reported for violating the law if they advertise that their product can cure hypertension in 30 days or do other amazing feats in very little time. According to a survey by the Better Business Bureau, 68% of consumers are doubtful of ads with unrealistic hopes and exaggerated claims. Hence, Google addresses these issues very seriously.

How to Avoid This:

• Avoid being too salesy or pushy in your ad copies. Try not to use too much spectacular language; instead, maintain simplicity.
• Align your ad copies as much as possible with the real benefits of your product or service.
• Remain updated and compliant with Google’s constantly evolving Misrepresentation Policy.

2. Getting around Google systems

Google has a policy of zero tolerance on any attempts to go around its security measures. This includes using cloaking tactics to hide the real purpose of your landing page, using several accounts to get around suspension, or using unapproved software to tamper with ad performance statistics. System circumvention attempts rank among the most frequent causes of quick account termination, according to Google’s data.

How to Avoid This:

• Never try to take advantage of security gaps or get around Google’s systems.
• Make sure your campaign strategies follow Google’s rules and are completely transparent.
• Utilize only approved tools and applications that conform to Google’s guidelines.

3. Inappropriate business practices

Another major reason behind the question, “Why Google Ads account suspended?” is unethical business activities. This includes a range of practices like using dishonest business tactics, endorsing dubious goods or services, or committing fraud. Google enforces this policy very strictly because of the Federal Trade Commission’s findings that internet scams cost consumers more than $1.9 billion a year.

How to Avoid This:

• Conduct regular audits to ensure that your company procedures are compliant with the latest Google standards.
• Make sure to have a legal and moral business model in place, which must provide a defined benefit(s) to the customers.
• Remain open and honest about all costs and expenses related to your products/services.

4. Malicious and unwanted software

The advertising of undesirable or malicious software is yet another important answer to the question, “Why Google Ads account suspended?”. If your ads or landing pages spread adware, malware, or any other software that gathers user data without permission, Google will suspend your account. It is important to follow this guideline since, according to Google’s Safe Browsing Report, over 1.8 million websites were flagged as dangerous in 2023 because they contained malware or other undesired software.

How to Avoid This:

• Use trustworthy plugins and tools to keep your website safe and compliant with the policies.
• Make sure that no unwanted or malicious software is present on your landing pages or websites.
• Keep updating your software and conduct regular security audits to safeguard against risks.

5. Sensitive content

Strict policies are laid down by Google for advertising sensitive topics, like gambling, alcohol, adult content, healthcare, and political content. For instance, if you’re a healthcare brand promoting a product with unsupported medical claims or an alcohol brand targeting an underage audience, Google will make sure to take your ad down. Such sensitive topics are closely monitored by Google’s algorithm to safeguard consumers and to meet moral and regulatory requirements.

How to Avoid This:

• Do not make unsupported claims or promote content that violates local laws or Google’s policies.
• If your ads fall in the sensitive category, then make sure to read and understand Google’s policies related to the same.
• Target your audience with extra care in such categories to ensure that restricted audiences are not reached.

6. Payment Issues

Use of dubious payment methods, not keeping the account funded, or giving wrong billing information are significant additional responses to the query: “Why Google Ads account suspended?”. According to an Experian survey, 27% of firms had payment issues. This can result in disruptions to advertising campaigns and result in suspensions.

How to Avoid This:

• Verify your billing information regularly to ensure continued payment processing. Fix any issues as and when they come up on your dashboard.
• Use accepted payment methods like debit cards, credit cards, net banking, etc. to avoid failures.

7. Repeated Policy Violations

Small but repetitive Google Ads policy violations can result in suspension. For certain policies, Google follows a 3-strike system, which essentially means even if the violation is very minor, for example, the use of excessive capitalization in your ad headlines and descriptions, and if the business appeals without making the necessary changes to the ad despite multiple warnings, then Google is bound to suspend your account.

How to Avoid This:

• Regularly check out for any disapproval notification (on email or dashboard) and take the necessary action as soon as possible.
• If you’ve made the mistakes in the ad copy, then correct them promptly as per the guidelines before submitting another appeal.
• Overall, make sure to be aware of Google’s ad policies to remain compliant.

Conclusion

On a concluding note, it can be said that restarting your campaigns requires a detailed understanding of the answer to the question, “Why Google Ads account suspended?”. You may reduce the chance of suspension and make sure that your ads continue to reach your target audience by abiding by Google’s policies for the above-mentioned reasons.

If you get a Google Ads banned account, you must not panic. Instead, first read the notice from Google and try to understand the factor(s) causing the issue. Next, take the required course of action, like editing ads, landing page content, or correcting any payment issues. Once done with corrective measures from your side, submit an appeal as per the Google Ads appeal process. Describe the course of detailed corrective action you’ve taken, and try to be transparent here. Finally, Google takes some time to review the appeal and give the result. Even after all this, if the account is still suspended, then consider taking the help of a freelancer or agency providing Google Ads management services.

Have you ever faced any policy violations or account suspensions while managing your Google ads? If yes, worry no further. ADictive is here to help you take care of your unfortunate account suspension. Please feel free to connect with me to get your suspension issues sorted and get seamless, continued campaign management services. You may request a free quote to share your business’ Google Ads requirements and chalk out a customized plan for the same. To remain updated about PPC advertising and digital marketing in general, kindly follow my social media handles: Instagram – ADictive, and Facebook – ADictive.