What Ads Are Not Allowed To Run On Google Ads Platform?

A robust online presence is essential for businesses seeking to reach their audience effectively through their website. With most consumers turning to the internet to find products and services, digital advertising platforms like Google Ads have become indispensable tools. However, while Google Ads is a cornerstone for many marketing campaigns, some industries are restricted from using it due to specific policies and regulations. Below, we explore seven industries that cannot run Google Ads and why these limitations exist.

Google Ad Restrictions: What’s Prohibited and Why It Matters

Google Ads has strict guidelines that govern what can and cannot be advertised. Understanding these restrictions is crucial for marketers to avoid penalties and ensure compliance. In this article, we’ll explore what Google prohibits in ads, why these rules matter, and how to align your campaigns with these guidelines for successful ad performance.

Financial Solicitation

Google prohibits advertisements aimed at soliciting funds from the public. Platforms like GoFundMe or Kickstarter cannot promote their campaigns through Google Ads. This restriction ensures that financial solicitations are carefully monitored to protect users from potential fraud.

Exemptions

• Charitable Organizations: Tax-exempt charities may advertise if they provide verifiable tax-exemption numbers prominently on their landing pages.
• Political Campaigns: Campaigns may advertise, provided they meet Google’s transparency requirements and comply with relevant documentation.

These exceptions demonstrate Google’s effort to balance accessibility with user protection.

Forwarding Services and Call Management

Companies offering services like call forwarding, call directories, or call recording cannot advertise on Google. These services often involve:

• Dialing one number to obtain another.
• Connecting to a business or mobile number via intermediaries.

Google restricts these advertisements to avoid misleading practices and ensure user trust in the platform’s ad ecosystem.

Ticket Sales for Live Events

Ticket sales for live events, especially those involving resale, face strict restrictions. Unauthorized or uncertified sellers cannot advertise, preventing:

• Fraudulent Sales: Fake tickets sold to unsuspecting buyers.
• Unverified Resellers: Links to uncertified resale platforms.

Certification Requirements

• Sellers must obtain certification from Google.
• Advertisements must meet specific destination requirements.

These measures protect consumers and enhance trust in online ticket transactions.

Assistance for Bail Bond 

Bail bond services, including those acting as surety for defendants, are prohibited from using Google Ads. This restriction applies to:

• Immigration bail services.
• Commercial bail bond agents.
• Bounty hunters and detention bail services.

Google’s strict policy helps mitigate potential exploitation and ensures advertisements align with ethical standards.

Advertisements for Housing, Jobs, and Credit

In October 2020, Google updated its personalized advertising policies to promote inclusivity and reduce societal bias. This policy prohibits targeting ads for housing, employment, or credit based on demographic factors such as:

• Gender.
• Age.
• Parental or marital status.
• Zip code.

Examples of Restricted Services

• Real estate listings.
• Job recruitment platforms.
• Credit products like credit cards, home loans, and short-term loans.

This change fosters a fairer advertising environment and ensures users are not excluded or targeted unfairly.

Outsourced Technical Assistance

Third-party technical support for online services and consumer technology products is generally prohibited. This includes:

• Virus removal services.
• Online account troubleshooting.
• General tech support provided by third parties.

Exceptions

• Ads promoting the sale of consumer technology are allowed if the landing page provides navigational features for self-service support.

This policy safeguards users from unverified technical support providers, reducing the risk of scams.

Selected Local Solutions

Certain local services face restrictions based on location and industry. For example:

• Locksmith Services: Restricted in the U.S. and Canada.
• Garage Door Repairs: Restricted in the U.S.

Verification Process

• Advertisers must complete advanced verification to run ads.
• In some regions, restrictions apply without exceptions, ensuring high service quality and reducing fraudulent activity.

Understanding Google’s Restrictions on These Industries

Google’s advertising policies are designed to protect users and maintain the integrity of its platform. Certain industries face stricter guidelines due to the potential risks associated with misleading information or unethical practices. Here’s a breakdown of what these restrictions are meant to accomplish:

Protect users from fraud and misleading practices

Google’s restrictions aim to safeguard users from deceptive ads that could harm their interests or mislead them into making poor decisions. This includes:

• Preventing scams that could financially harm users.
• Blocking ads promoting fake or non-existent products.
• Avoiding the display of unauthorized services or businesses that are not properly licensed.

Ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards

Some industries require specific licenses or certifications to operate legally. Google’s ad restrictions ensure that advertisers comply with relevant laws and ethical norms, particularly in sensitive fields like healthcare, financial services, and gambling. This includes:

• Verifying that advertisers in regulated industries hold the necessary certifications and licenses.
• Enforcing adherence to ethical standards to protect users from unethical practices.
• Ensuring that financial and healthcare services are legitimate and trustworthy.

Maintain trust in the platform’s advertising ecosystem

Maintaining a trustworthy environment is essential for both advertisers and users. By enforcing strict guidelines, Google ensures that ads shown on its platform reflect reputable, transparent, and honest practices, preserving its credibility as a trusted service. This includes:

• Blocking misleading ads that could damage the reputation of legitimate businesses.
• Upholding a standard of transparency in all advertisements.
• Ensuring that users have a safe experience while interacting with ads.

Google enforces these restrictions across various industries, including those related to healthcare, finance, and adult content. For businesses in these sectors, understanding and adhering to Google’s ad policies is critical to running effective and ethical campaigns.

How to Navigate Google Ads Policies

For businesses looking to advertise on Google, understanding the platform’s policies is crucial. Here are some tips:

• Review Google’s Ad Policies Regularly: Stay updated on changes that may affect your industry.
• Apply for Certification if Required: Industries like live event ticket sales can advertise if certified.
• Explore Alternative Marketing Channels: If your industry is restricted, consider other digital marketing platforms or organic SEO strategies.

How to Appeal a Google Ads Restriction

If your Google Ads account faces a restriction, it can be frustrating, especially when you depend on ads for business growth. However, understanding how to appeal the restriction can help you restore your ads and maintain your marketing efforts. Here’s how to navigate the appeal process:

Review the Policy Violation

To start, carefully review the email or notification from Google Ads explaining the restriction. Google typically outlines the reason, such as policy violations, payment issues, or ad content problems. Identifying the specific violation is key to understanding why the restriction was placed. Once you know the issue, you can proceed with the appeal process. Understanding the exact cause helps you address it effectively, increasing the chances of having the restriction lifted. Be sure to follow the appeal steps provided by Google Ads to ensure the best outcome.

Check Google Ads Policies

Familiarize yourself with Google’s advertising policies to ensure compliance. Common reasons for restrictions include inappropriate content, misleading ads, or website issues such as slow load times, security vulnerabilities, or broken links. Understanding these policies is essential to avoiding violations and preventing ads from being restricted. By aligning your ads with Google’s guidelines, you boost your chances of running successful campaigns. Regularly reviewing and updating both your ads and website helps maintain compliance, preventing future restrictions and ensuring smoother campaign performance.

Correct the Issue

Once you understand the reason for the restriction, address the underlying issue with strategy. This could involve updating your ad text to comply with Google’s policies, fixing landing page problems such as broken links or slow load times, or resolving payment issues by updating billing information or clearing outstanding balances. By tackling the root cause of the restriction, you increase the chances of your ads being approved and prevent further complications. Ensure every aspect of your campaign, from ad content to the website experience, meets Google’s requirements for a smoother advertising process.

Submit an Appeal

To appeal the restriction, go to your Google Ads account, select the notification, and provide details on corrective actions.

• Go to your Google Ads account and locate the notification about the restriction.
• Click on the notification to view more details.
• Select the option to appeal the restriction.
• Provide a detailed explanation of the corrective actions you’ve taken to resolve the issue, such as changes made to your ad content, website improvements, or payment fixes.
• Submit the appeal and wait for Google’s response.
  By clearly outlining the steps you’ve taken to comply with Google’s policies, you increase your chances of the restriction being lifted.

Wait for Google’s Response

After submitting your appeal, Google will review your case. This process may take a few days as they assess whether your account complies with their ad policies. During this time, it’s important to be patient and allow Google sufficient time to evaluate the changes you’ve made. Once the review is complete, you will receive an update on whether the restriction has been lifted or if further action is required.

Follow Up if Needed

If your appeal is denied, you can try again by making further adjustments. Review any additional issues Google points out and ensure you fully address them. This may involve making more changes to your ad content, landing pages, or payment settings. Once you’ve corrected any remaining issues, you can submit another appeal. It’s important to carefully follow Google’s guidelines and provide clear explanations of the actions taken to resolve the issues.

Conclusion

Understanding Google Ads restrictions is crucial for businesses looking to maintain a compliant and effective advertising campaign. By recognizing the prohibited industries and aligning your practices with Google’s guidelines, you can avoid penalties and ensure that your ads are transparent, ethical, and trustworthy. While certain industries face limitations, there are still ways to navigate these challenges, such as obtaining necessary certifications or exploring alternative marketing channels. Staying informed about Google’s policies and making necessary adjustments is essential for maintaining a strong, ethical presence on the platform.

FAQs

Why are some industries restricted from advertising on Google Ads?

Google restricts certain industries to protect users from fraud, misleading practices, and unethical services. These restrictions also ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.

Can political campaigns advertise on Google Ads?

Yes, political campaigns can advertise on Google Ads, but they must meet transparency requirements and comply with relevant documentation.

What types of services are restricted under the ‘Forwarding Services and Call Management’ category?

Services like call forwarding, call directories, or call recording are restricted to avoid misleading practices and ensure trust in the ad ecosystem.

How can I appeal a Google Ads restriction?

To appeal, review the restriction notice, identify the issue, correct it, and then submit a detailed appeal through your Google Ads account.

Are there exceptions for industries with restrictions?

Yes, certain industries, such as charitable organizations or certified ticket resellers, may be eligible for advertising if they meet Google’s verification requirements.

Users Also Say

*ik****l h*s**in

“Google Promotions (previously known as Google AdWords) has severe strategies in regards to what sorts of advertisements are excluded. Here are a few key classifications:

Unlawful Items and Administrations: Advertisements advancing unlawful labor and products are completely prohibited.

Hazardous Items or Administrations: This incorporates explosives, weapons, and whatever other things that could hurt.

Medical services and Drugs: Certain drugs and unconfirmed wellbeing claims are not allowed.

Monetary Administrations: Advertisements advancing high-risk monetary administrations, including specific sorts of credits and ventures, should comply with severe rules.

Deceiving Content: Promotions that utilize tricky practices, bogus data, or it are restricted to misdirect claims.

Deceitful Programming: This incorporates promotions for programming that might hurt client gadgets or security.

Questionable Substance: Promotions connected with touchy themes, like grievous occasions or politically charged subjects, are confined.

These are simply broad classifications; for a total rundown and subtleties, it’s ideal to allude to research’s true promoting strategies.”

r*b**t **c**e*

“Google has several banned categories of ads, including those promoting illegal products and services, scams or mirages, dangerous products, adult ads, and unapproved medications.

Moreover, google also bans ads promoting hatred, threats of violence and abuse, and sensitive topics of the day.”

at** **l*m ***ad*

“You can’t do Inappropriate content. We value diversity and respect for others, and we strive to avoid offending users, so we don’t allow ads or destinations that display shocking content or promote hatred, intolerance, discrimination, or violence.”