When you receive the message "Your account wasn't approved. You need to fix some issues before you can use AdSense," it typically means your website doesn't meet Google's requirements. Here's a comprehensive guide to identify and fix common issues preventing your AdSense approval.
Common Reasons for Rejection
1. Insufficient Content
Google requires websites to have unique, high-quality content that provides value to visitors. Your site may be rejected if:
- You have fewer than 30 unique pages/posts
- Content is thin or lacks substance
- Pages contain mostly images with minimal text
- Content is duplicated from other websites
2. Website Age
New websites often face rejection because:
- Site is less than 6 months old
- Domain history shows frequent ownership changes
- Limited established traffic patterns
3. Navigation and Site Structure
Poor website structure can lead to rejection due to:
- Broken links or 404 errors
- Missing essential pages (About, Contact, Privacy Policy)
- Difficult-to-navigate menu structure
- Poor mobile responsiveness
4. Policy Violations
Your site must comply with Google's policies:
- No prohibited content (adult, gambling, drugs)
- No copyright violations
- No deceptive practices
- Clear distinction between content and advertisements
Step-by-Step Fix Guide
1. Audit Your Content
- Review all pages for quality and uniqueness
- Remove or improve thin content
- Add detailed, informative articles
- Ensure proper formatting and readability
- Include relevant images with alt text
2. Improve Site Structure
- Create a clear navigation menu
- Add essential pages
- Fix broken links
- Implement proper URL structure
- Ensure mobile responsiveness
3. Policy Compliance
- Review and update privacy policy
- Add terms of service
- Implement cookie consent
- Remove any prohibited content
- Verify copyright compliance
4. Technical Improvements
- Optimize site speed
- Implement SSL certificate
- Add XML sitemap
- Register with Google Search Console
- Improve meta descriptions and titles
After Making Changes
- Wait at least 2-3 weeks after implementing changes
- Submit for review through AdSense dashboard
- Monitor email for communication from Google
- Address any specific feedback provided
Prevention Tips
To maintain compliance and prevent future issues:
- Regularly audit content quality
- Monitor site performance
- Stay updated with AdSense policies
- Implement regular security checks
- Maintain consistent content publication
Additional Resources
- Review Google's AdSense Program Policies
- Use Google Search Console for site health monitoring
- Implement Google Analytics for traffic analysis
- Join AdSense forum communities for support
Remember that approval might take multiple attempts, and patience is key. Focus on building a quality website that provides value to users, and AdSense approval will follow naturally.
Final Checklist Before Reapplying
- Website is at least 6 months old
- Contains 30+ unique, quality articles
- Has all required legal pages
- Follows content guidelines
- Is mobile-responsive
- Has clean navigation
- Shows consistent traffic
- Contains no policy violations