Why Your AdSense Application Got Rejected (And How To Fix It)

So, you’ve applied for Google AdSense to monetize your WordPress blog, but unfortunately, your application got rejected. That’s frustrating, I know — I’ve been there myself. But don’t worry. Today, I’ll walk you through exactly why your AdSense application got rejected and, more importantly, how you can fix it to get approved next time.

Google AdSense is one of the most popular and trusted ways to earn money from your blog. But their approval process is strict to maintain quality and protect advertisers. This article will help you understand their requirements, common reasons for rejection, and actionable steps to fix issues so your blog can meet their standards.

Ready to turn that rejection into approval? Let’s get started!

Understanding Google AdSense Approval Criteria
Common Reasons Your AdSense Application Was Rejected
How to Fix Each Rejection Issue
Preparing Your WordPress Blog for AdSense Approval
Tips for a Successful Re-application
Things to Avoid to Prevent Rejection
How Long Does It Take to Get Approved?
What to Do If You Keep Getting Rejected
Conclusion
FAQs

1. Understanding Google AdSense Approval Criteria

First, let’s talk about what Google looks for when approving AdSense applications. Google is very particular about the quality of sites they approve because their advertisers want to be sure their ads appear on trustworthy and useful websites.

Here are some key factors:

Unique and valuable content: Your blog should have original, well-written content that provides value.
Website age and content quantity: Usually, blogs should have at least 20-30 posts and be a few months old.
Compliance with policies: Your blog must comply with AdSense program policies including no adult, violent, or copyright-infringing content.
Easy navigation and user experience: Your site should be easy to navigate, with clear menus and no broken links.
Clear privacy policy and contact page: Google wants to see transparency and trustworthiness.
Sufficient traffic: While there’s no official traffic threshold, having consistent visitors improves chances.
Domain ownership: You should own your domain (preferably a custom domain, not free hosting).

Keep these in mind as they are the foundation for AdSense approval.

2. Common Reasons Your AdSense Application Was Rejected

Here are the most frequent reasons why Google rejects applications — and believe me, these cover 90% of rejections:

a) Insufficient Content or Low-Quality Content

If your blog doesn’t have enough posts or your content is thin, copied, or not useful, Google will reject you.

b) Site Does Not Comply with AdSense Policies

If your content contains restricted topics (adult, violence, copyrighted, hateful), you won’t get approval.

c) Poor Website Design or Navigation

A cluttered or confusing website with broken links, missing menus, or hard-to-read fonts can cause rejection.

d) No Privacy Policy, About Us, or Contact Pages

Google requires these pages to verify that you’re running a legitimate site.

e) Website Is Too New

Very new blogs with little content and no traffic often get rejected. Google wants to see some track record.

f) Domain Issues

Using a free subdomain or a domain with a bad history can hurt your chances.

g) Invalid Traffic or Previous Policy Violations

If Google suspects fraudulent traffic or if you had AdSense before and were banned, this affects approval.

3. How to Fix Each Rejection Issue

Here’s exactly what to do for each of the problems above:

a) Add More Quality Content

Write at least 20-30 original, in-depth blog posts (800+ words each). Focus on providing real value to your readers. Avoid duplicate content.

b) Remove Policy-Violating Content

Review your posts. Delete or rewrite any content that might be considered adult, violent, hateful, or copyrighted. Stay on the safe side.

c) Improve Website Design

Choose a clean, responsive WordPress theme. Fix broken links, simplify navigation, and use readable fonts and colors.

d) Create Essential Pages

Add Privacy Policy, About Us, and Contact pages. Use online generators for Privacy Policy and customize your About page to explain who you are.

e) Wait and Grow Your Site

If your blog is brand new, work on growing your content and traffic for at least 3-6 months before reapplying.

f) Use a Custom Domain

If you’re on a free subdomain (like yourblog.wordpress.com), consider upgrading to a custom domain (yourblog.com). This looks more professional.

g) Ensure Legitimate Traffic

Avoid buying traffic or using bots. Focus on organic growth through SEO, social media, and guest posting.

4. Preparing Your WordPress Blog for AdSense Approval

To give your WordPress blog the best chance of approval, follow this checklist:

Have at least 20-30 unique, quality posts
Use a professional, responsive theme (like Astra, GeneratePress)
Add Privacy Policy, About Us, Contact pages
Make sure site loads fast and is mobile-friendly
No broken links or errors
Clear navigation menu and categories
Avoid ads from other networks during the review process
Use Google Search Console and Analytics to track performance

By ticking all these boxes, you’ll build a strong case for approval.

5. Tips for a Successful Re-application

When you’re ready to reapply:

Double-check your content for quality and originality
Remove any restricted content
Make sure your site looks professional and trustworthy
Use the Google Site Kit plugin to connect your site to Google AdSense, Search Console, and Analytics
Submit your application via your AdSense account and patiently wait (usually 1-2 weeks)

6. Things to Avoid to Prevent Rejection

Don’t use copyrighted images without permission
Avoid duplicate or spun content
Never buy traffic or clicks
Don’t add ads too early, before approval
Avoid misleading content or clickbait
Don’t hide your identity or contact info

Google values authenticity and quality above all.

7. How Long Does It Take to Get Approved?

After applying, Google usually takes anywhere from a few days up to two weeks to review your site. Sometimes it takes longer if they require manual review.

Use this time to keep improving your site and content.

8. What to Do If You Keep Getting Rejected

If your application is rejected multiple times:

Reassess your content quality and site structure
Ask for feedback in forums like Google AdSense Help Community or Reddit
Consider consulting with a professional blogger or SEO expert
Focus on building traffic and engagement first, then reapply after 2-3 months

Don’t give up — many bloggers get rejected at first but succeed after improving.

9. Conclusion

Getting your AdSense application rejected stings, but it’s not the end of the road. With patience, quality content, and a professional WordPress setup, you can overcome the hurdles.

Focus on providing value, complying with Google’s policies, and building trust with your visitors. When you fix these issues, your next application stands a much better chance of approval.

Stick with it — your WordPress blog will be monetized with AdSense soon!