Why Was Your Google AdSense Application Rejected?

Why Was Your Google AdSense Application Rejected? The Common Reasons & Simple Fixes

Hey, bloggers! So, you got an email.

That crushing message from Google saying your application for AdSense was rejected. It’s a terrible feeling and honestly, it happens to almost everyone! You work hard on your blog, you write great stuff and then Google says "No." It’s frustrating.

But don't worry, this is not a final shutdown! It’s just a signal that you need to fix a few things before you try again.

Trust me, I know that feeling firsthand. I got those rejection emails twice myself! I was so frustrated, I was honestly ready to quit blogging entirely. But I took a deep breath, thought, "Come on, I'll give this one last chance," and that decision is why we are here now.

Think of me as your helpful buddy who’s going to walk you through the broken parts of your blog. We are going to find the common reasons Google said no and then I’m going to show you exactly how to fix them so you can get approved on your next try!

Ready? Let’s turn that rejection into an approval!

Wait! Read This Before You Panic: The Generic Rejection Email

The worst part about the rejection is that Google’s email is usually super vague. It almost always says the same thing: “Your site does not meet our program criteria.”

This generic message tells you nothing specific!

It leaves you scratching your head, wondering if it's your pictures, your menu or your content. Because the email is generic, we have to become detectives. We need to check the most common trouble spots on your site.

We can put almost all AdSense rejections into four simple "Pillars." If you fix these four areas, you will be good to go!

Pillar 1: The Content Problem or Low-Value Content Fix

This is the biggest reason why new blogs get rejected. Google AdSense makes money when advertisers trust that your website is professional, helpful and valuable. If your content is thin or doesn't feel original, they will say no.

Rejection Reason 1: Insufficient Content or Not Enough Posts

You might have five fantastic posts, but Google looks at the overall size of your website. If your blog looks like it’s still "under construction," you will be rejected.

The Rule of Thumb: Aim for at least 20 to 30 high-quality, long-form articles before you apply. These posts should be long-we are talking 1,500 to 2,000 words each.

Tip: Don't apply until your site looks "full." When a user lands on your site, they should be able to click around and find lots of helpful information.

Rejection Reason 2: Low-Value or Copied Content or The Quality Issue

This is the killer. Getting rejected for "Low-Value Content" means your articles don't offer anything new or special compared to the thousands of other articles out there.

Google wants content that shows E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness). Simply put, you need to prove you know what you are talking about.

The Problem: Maybe you used an AI tool and didn't edit the text or you wrote a very short, generic list post that everyone else has.

The Fix: You need to pour your personal knowledge and experience into your posts. Show off what you know!

The Detailed Solution: We have a step-by-step guide to help you fix this specific issue! Go read: Stop AdSense Rejection! The Real Low Value Content Fix (This explains the E-E-A-T solution simply and clearly).

Rejection Reason 3: Prohibited Content or Policy Violation

AdSense has strict rules about what topics you can talk about if you want ads.

Examples: Your site will be rejected if it contains adult topics, hate speech, content about illegal downloads or anything that promotes violence, drug use or discriminatory content.

Fix: Review your content against the official AdSense Program Policies. If you have any pages that cross the line, you must delete them or edit them completely before reapplying.

Pillar 2: The Structure & Design Problem or Navigation & UX Fix

Google needs to know that your website is easy to use and trustworthy. If a user can’t find their way around or if your site looks broken, you will get rejected by google.

Rejection Reason 4: Missing Essential Pages or The Trust Builders

This is one of the easiest rejections to fix! These pages are not just important for users, they are mandatory legal requirements for AdSense.

Must-Have Pages:

• Privacy Policy: Tells visitors what data your website collects like cookies. This is non-negotiable.

• About Us: Tells Google and users who you are and why you are an expert boosting your E-E-A-T.

• Contact Us: Gives visitors a way to reach you.

• Terms & Conditions (Optional but helpful): Lays out the rules for using your site.

The Detailed Solution: Need help building these pages? We cover exactly what needs to be on them in: AdSense Poor Site Navigation Fix: 10-Point Essential Pages Checklist.

Rejection Reason 5: Poor Site Navigation & Mobile Issues

Think like a website visitor. Can they find your main blog categories? Do links lead to a dead end?

The Problem: Broken links (404 errors), confusing menus or a site that looks terrible on a phone.

The Fix: Make sure your menus are clear, your site loads quickly and you have zero broken links. Use the free Google Mobile-Friendly Test tool to check how your site looks on a phone.

Use Internal Linking to Fix Structure: Organizing your content with clear links helps Google understand your site structure. Read my guide: Internal Linking Strategy Explained: Topic Clusters for New Blog SEO.

Pillar 3: The Technical & Policy Problem (Hidden Reasons)

Sometimes the rejection is caused by a tricky technical mistake or a policy you didn't know about.

Rejection Reason 6: The Duplicate Account Trap

This happens more than you think!

The Explanation: You can only have one AdSense account ever. If you applied a long time ago and forgot about it or if you shared an account with a family member who also applied, Google will reject your new application.

The Fix: You need to find and close the old account first or use the original, approved account for your new blog.

Rejection Reason 7: Your Site Isn't Indexed (Google Can't See It!)

Imagine submitting a paper that the professor can’t open. If Google can’t crawl (read) or index (list) your website, they can’t review it.

The Problem: Your blog might have a tiny technical error in its settings, like accidentally blocking search engines.

The Fix: Check your Google Search Console. Make sure your important pages are indexed and check for any "No Index" tags or Robots.txt errors. If Google can't see the page, it's not going to approve it!

Rejection Reason 8: Bad Ad Placement (Post-Approval Risk)

While usually a post-approval issue, AdSense might flag you if you apply with non-AdSense ads already placed in tricky spots.

The Policy: You must not place ads too close to clickable buttons, forms, images or navigation links. This is called "Accidental Clicks" or "Traffic Policy" violation.

Tip: Clean up your site and remove any ads or placeholders before you reapply.

Pillar 4: The Traffic & Compliance Problem

Rejection Reason 9: Invalid or Fake Traffic

AdSense is designed for sites that get organic, real traffic from search engines like Google Search.

The Example: If you buy bot traffic, use "paid-to-click" programs or encourage friends and family to constantly refresh your page, this is called Invalid Traffic. Google catches this easily.

The Solution: You must stop any artificial traffic sources. Focus on building genuine, organic traffic. This is slow, but it's the only way to get and keep AdSense.

Rejection Reason 10: Unsupported Language or Region

This is simple: AdSense only works with certain languages and countries. If your primary language is not on their official list, your application will be rejected.

Tip: Check the official AdSense list of supported languages before you apply.

The Re-application Blueprint: How to Get Approved Now

Okay, you’ve done the diagnosis. Now comes the fixing! This part requires patience and a steady hand.

Step 1: Fix Everything, Then Wait (The Patience Rule)

Do not rush! Google will notice if you just change one sentence and reapply the next day.

Work Methodically: Go through the list above and fix every single thing that might be a problem.

Add More Content: Write at least 5-10 more high-quality posts to solve the Low-Value/Insufficient Content issue.

Wait 1 to 2 Weeks: Give Google time to re-crawl your site and see all the fantastic changes you've made before you hit the re-apply button.

Step 2: Need Income Now? Try These Google AdSense Alternatives

You might be thinking, "I need money now! I can't wait a month." That's okay!

While you are fixing your site to meet Google's high standards, there are lots of great alternatives to Google AdSense that have easier requirements and can help you start earning right away, even with low traffic. Some don't even have a minimum traffic requirement.

Action Plan: Focus on fixing the biggest problems content quality and essential pages but explore these other ad networks for a quick Plan B.

The Best Choices: Networks like Media.net, PropellerAds or Adsterra are popular for bloggers with lower traffic or who have been rejected by AdSense.

The Full List: Don't waste time researching! We already put together a list of the best choices for you, including networks that offer quick approval: 10 Best AdSense Alternatives for New Bloggers.

Step 3: Use the Ultimate AdSense Eligibility Checklist

Before you hit that button, you need to be 100% sure you haven't missed anything.

The Final Check: Use this comprehensive list to sign off on your site's readiness: The Ultimate AdSense Eligibility Checklist 2025: Requirements Guide.

Step 4: Reapply in Your AdSense Account

Once your site is perfect, go back to your AdSense account dashboard and find the "Request Review" or "Reapply" button. Wait patiently, it might take a few days to a few weeks, but this time, you have done the homework!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many blog posts do I need for AdSense approval?

There is no official number, but based on thousands of successful applications, the safe and recommended number is 20 to 30 high-quality, long-form articles about 1,500+ words. Quantity and quality matter.

How long should I wait to reapply after AdSense rejection?

You should wait until you have completely fixed the reasons for rejection. This usually means waiting at least 1 to 2 weeks to ensure Google has re-crawled and indexed all your new, high-quality content and fixed pages. Rushing often leads to a second rejection.

Can I get approved for AdSense with low traffic?

Yes, you absolutely can! AdSense cares more about the quality of your traffic than the quantity. If you have only 100 visitors a month, but they are all genuine users coming from Google search, you have a better chance than someone who has 10,000 visitors from bots or social media spam. Focus on organic traffic quality over volume.

Final Word: You Can Do This!

Getting rejected is just a bump in the road. You now know the common reasons and, more importantly, you have the solutions!

Take a deep breath, use the checklists and guides we talked about and start fixing those small problems today. Your approval is just one thorough site audit away!

Start by tackling your content first: read my guide on the E-E-A-T fix right now!