Google AdSense is one of the most popular ways for content creators and website owners to monetize their websites. It allows publishers to earn revenue by displaying targeted advertisements on their content. However, getting approved by AdSense can be challenging, especially for beginners. Google has stringent requirements to maintain the quality of its ad network, and many applications get rejected for not meeting their policies.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to increase your chances of getting Google AdSense approval — from setting up a quality website to adhering to Google’s policies.
1. What Is Google AdSense?
Google AdSense is an advertising program run by Google that allows website publishers to display ads on their websites and earn revenue when users view or click on those ads. It is a CPC (Cost Per Click) and CPM (Cost Per Mille) program, where you get paid either per click or per thousand ad impressions.
With a simple setup, AdSense automates the process of showing ads relevant to your content, and Google manages the billing, advertiser relationships, and payments.
2. Why Is AdSense Approval Important?
While there are many ad networks available, AdSense stands out due to its:
- Trustworthiness: It’s backed by Google, ensuring timely payments and reliable service.
- High CPC rates: AdSense often pays better than most alternatives.
- Easy integration: Simple code implementation on any page.
- Wide advertiser base: Access to a large number of advertisers due to Google’s vast network.
But to enjoy these benefits, getting approved is essential — and not always easy.
3. Key Requirements for AdSense Approval
Google does not provide an exhaustive checklist, but it emphasizes certain factors that influence approval:
- Original, valuable content
- Sufficient content volume (at least 15-30 high-quality articles)
- A top-level domain (e.g., .com, .net)
- Mobile-friendly and fast-loading site
- User-friendly design and navigation
- No policy violations (e.g., adult content, copyrighted material, etc.)
- Clear site ownership and privacy compliance
4. Step-by-Step Guide to Get AdSense Approval
Many bloggers keep trying to get AdSense approval but haven’t had any luck. Here, I will show you detailed steps to get AdSense approval on your first attempt.
Step 1: Choose a Niche That Complies with AdSense Policies
Not all content types are eligible for AdSense. Avoid niches like:
- Adult content
- Piracy/illegal downloads
- Hacking/cracking
- Drugs and weapons
Choose a niche that is:
- Advertiser-friendly
- Informative or entertaining
- Long-term sustainable (e.g., health, finance, education, tech, travel, etc.)
Step 2: Build a Professional Website or Blog
Google prefers sites that offer value and look professional. Whether you’re using WordPress, Blogger, or a custom CMS, make sure:
- The layout is clean and uncluttered
- The navigation is intuitive
- Ads (if any) don’t dominate the user experience
- All links work properly
Step 3: Publish High-Quality, Original Content
This is perhaps the most critical factor. Ensure your content:
- Is 100% original and not copied
- Solves problems or offers unique insights
- Is grammatically correct and well-formatted
- Has proper headings (H1, H2, H3, etc.)
- Includes media (images, videos, infographics, etc.)
Aim for articles that are at least 800–1500 words. Before applying, your site should have 15–30 quality posts.
Step 4: Create Essential Pages
Google checks if your site has the standard pages that establish credibility:
- About Page: Describe who you are and what your site is about.
- Contact Page: Offer a form or email to reach you.
- Privacy Policy: Inform users how you handle data (required by law and AdSense).
- Terms and Conditions/Disclaimer Page: Especially important if you provide advice (finance, health, etc.).
Step 5: Make Sure Your Website Has a Clean Design
Avoid flashy or confusing layouts. Stick with:
- A responsive (mobile-friendly) theme
- Good contrast between text and background
- Legible fonts
- Minimal pop-ups or intrusive elements
Remember, user experience is a ranking factor and an approval factor.
Step 6: Ensure Your Site is Indexed by Google
Use Google Search Console to:
- Submit your sitemap
- Track indexing status
- Identify and fix crawl errors
If your site isn’t indexed, Google won’t be able to review it for approval.
Step 7: Get Some Organic Traffic
Although Google doesn’t state a specific traffic requirement, having some organic traffic signals to Google that:
- Your content is discoverable
- People find it useful
- Your site is not spammy
Don’t rely only on social media or direct traffic. Focus on SEO best practices to drive search engine traffic.
Step 8: Use a Custom Domain and Reliable Hosting
Avoid subdomains like example.blogspot.com or example.wordpress.com Unless you’re using Blogger with a strong site.
Instead:
- Get a custom domain like
example.com - Use a reliable hosting provider to ensure uptime, speed, and security
Step 9: Check Eligibility Criteria
Some important things to check before applying:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Site age: For some regions like India, your site may need to be at least 6 months old.
- No policy violations: Content must comply with Google’s publisher policies.
- Supported language: Your site’s main language must be supported by AdSense.
Step 10: Apply for Google AdSense
Once your site meets all the above requirements:
- Go to https://www.google.com/adsense
- Sign in with a Google account.
- Enter your website URL and details.
- Connect AdSense code to your site (to verify ownership).
- Wait for approval (typically 2–14 days).
During this review period, keep publishing content and don’t make drastic changes.
5. Common Reasons for AdSense Rejection
Here are some frequent reasons applications get rejected:
- Insufficient content: Not enough articles or too short.
- Poor content quality: Copied, AI-generated, or low-value.
- Site not ready: Incomplete or under construction.
- Navigation issues: Hard to find content or broken links.
- Policy violations: Inappropriate or restricted content.
- Invalid traffic: Suspicious traffic patterns or bots.
Always read the rejection email carefully — Google usually mentions the specific issue.
6. Tips to Avoid AdSense Rejection
- Write unique, long-form content regularly.
- Avoid duplicate or scraped content.
- Don’t place download links for copyrighted material.
- Remove broken links or 404 pages.
- Don’t use copyrighted images without permission.
- Check your site on mobile — it must be responsive.
- Avoid using too many plugins that slow down your site.
Consistency and patience are key. Build your site with care — not just for AdSense, but to build trust with users.
7. After AdSense Approval – Best Practices
Getting approved is just the beginning. To ensure long-term success:
- Follow AdSense policies: Avoid clicking your own ads or encouraging others to do so.
- Keep content fresh: Continue publishing valuable content.
- Monitor performance: Use AdSense dashboard and Google Analytics.
- Experiment with ad placements: Try different positions but keep UX in mind.
- Avoid invalid traffic: Don’t buy fake traffic or engage in click fraud.
Google can disable your account permanently for violations — even after years of good standing.
8. Conclusion
Getting AdSense approval may seem daunting, but it’s absolutely achievable if you focus on quality and comply with guidelines. Think of your website as a business — you need to offer value, build trust, and follow ethical practices.
To recap:
- Start with a clear, clean niche
- Publish original, in-depth content
- Add necessary legal and contact pages
- Ensure fast, mobile-friendly design
- Get some organic visibility
- Apply when your site is truly ready
Remember, Google wants to work with publishers who care about their audience and provide genuine value. If you focus on that, AdSense approval will naturally follow.
