This is How to Avoid Google Ads Suspension | Adcore Blog

There is no bigger marketplace for online ad campaigns than Google, but suspensions can occur without warning, often due to strict and sometimes complex policies. Taking proactive steps is essential for maintaining a stable Google Ads account. In this section, we’ll cover the fundamental steps you can take to prevent suspension and ensure compliance with Google’s rules.

 

Create an MCC Account

For agencies or marketers managing multiple Google Ads accounts, a Google MCC (Manager) Account is a key tool to reduce the risk of suspension. An MCC account allows you to manage multiple ad accounts from a single dashboard. Here’s why it’s beneficial:

• Increased Organization: Manage all client accounts or business campaigns in one place, reducing the need for multiple logins.
• Improved Account Credibility: Google often recognizes MCC accounts as more reliable, especially for agencies managing various clients.
• Efficient Budget Control: MCC accounts simplify budget management and make it easy to adjust funds across campaigns.

Using an MCC account builds account credibility and supports compliance by ensuring all managed accounts adhere to Google’s policies.

 

Avoid Virtual Credit Cards

When setting up payment methods, avoid using virtual credit cards or prepaid debit cards. While virtual cards may seem convenient, they can often trigger red flags in Google’s system, leading to suspension due to “suspicious payment activity.” Google prefers ad accounts connected to real, verifiable payment methods, which is why genuine credit cards and bank-linked accounts are seen as more trustworthy.

Why Real Credit Cards Are Safer

• Fraud Protection: VCCs are commonly used in fraud, which leads Google to flag them.
• Credibility: Linking your account to a personal or business bank account signals authenticity.
• Consistency: Google checks the payment source’s history, so using a new, prepaid card may appear less legitimate.

Make sure to set up payment with a major bank account or trusted credit card to reduce the risk of triggering suspicious activity alerts.

 

Domain Vetting and Use of Reliable Domains

Another proactive step you should take is to vet your domain thoroughly before associating it with your Google Ads account. Google’s algorithm checks domain histories to ensure they haven’t been associated with harmful or spammy content in the past. Using a problematic domain, even unknowingly, can cause your account to be suspended.

Steps to Vet Your Domain:

1. Check the Domain’s History: Use the Wayback Machine to see previous versions of the domain and ensure it hasn’t hosted spam or harmful content.
2. Avoid Reused or Recycled Domains: Domains with a history of past suspensions can bring issues to new accounts, so use a fresh, reputable domain whenever possible.
3. Monitor Domain Settings: Ensure that your domain’s technical settings comply with Google’s guidelines (e.g., SSL certificates and proper redirects).

Taking time to research the domain’s history can save you from unexpected suspensions and ensure a smoother setup for your Google Ads account.

 

Understand Suspension Causes

Understanding why accounts get suspended can help you avoid common mistakes. Here are some of the most common reasons:

• Missing Policies: Failing to include essential policy information on your landing pages (like privacy policies) can lead to suspensions.
• Product Misrepresentation: Google strictly enforces transparency. Any misrepresentation between the product details on your website and Google Ads can trigger suspensions.
• Insufficient Content: Landing pages lacking essential business details, such as contact information or product descriptions, may lead to issues.

 

Policy Awareness for Sensitive Industries

Certain industries, such as health and finance are subject to strict scrutiny under Google’s advertising policies. These areas often face suspensions due to stricter regulations around claims and representations.

• Avoid Exaggerated Claims: Google actively flags ads in sensitive sectors that contain unverified claims or promises, especially in health and finance.
• Stay Updated: Google’s advertising policies are updated frequently. Regularly review Google’s policy updates to ensure ongoing compliance, particularly if your business operates in one of these sensitive industries.

Remaining aware of policies specific to your industry is a key component of avoiding account suspensions and successfully managing appeals.

 

Optimize Product Feeds

For businesses using Google’s Merchant Center, maintaining accurate and compliant product feeds is critical. An incomplete or poorly formatted product feed can lead to account or product-level suspensions. Here’s how to optimize your product feeds for Google compliance:

• Accurate Information: Ensure product titles, descriptions, and prices match the actual items on your website.
• Compliant Images: Use high-quality images without text overlays or branding that might violate Google’s guidelines.
• Updated Stock Information: Regularly update stock status to prevent showing out-of-stock items in ads.