AdWords Suspended? Here’s What to Do

It’s the digital marketing world’s equivalent of walking outside in the morning to drive to work – only to find that where your car used to be is now just an empty space, and perhaps a few shards of glass left behind by thieves who didn’t have “broom clean garage and driveway” on their car theft punch list.

Yes, we’re talking about getting your AdWords suspended. So much for Google’s mantra of “don’t be evil”, huh?

Well, before you craft a curse-laden email or hit the panic button, talk a few deep breaths. There’s a way you can get out of the AdWords suspended dog house relatively unscathed. Remember: as some of us gladly remember from our high school days, suspension doesn’t necessarily mean expulsion.

AdWords Suspended: How Did This Happen?

First, let’s look at some of the most common reasons why Google whacks an AdWords account with the suspension sticker:

The web page or website that you’re sending people to has been infected with malware or a virus.
Your website is violating any of Google’s AdWords policies.
Google doesn’t like your content and thinks that you aren’t providing a good user experience.
Google thinks that your ads are misleading – i.e. they’re saying one thing, but users are experiencing something else (i.e. you’re promising something free and folks are actually being charged).
You’re using more than one AdWords account for the same business (this can happen by accident – such as if you used an online marketing company in the past and they still have you on their roster).
There are potential trademark and copyright violations associated with your ads or website.
Google noticed that you’re sharing your account and isn’t happy about it.
Google can’t verify your billing address or details.
Someone has unsuccessfully tried to access your account a few times, and Google is shutting things down until this is sorted out.

There are other possible reasons, but the above cover the vast majority of AdWords suspended notifications.

AdWords Suspended: What to Do?

OK, so you’ve taken some deep breaths, perhaps made a nice pot of chamomile tea (not sure if this will help, but it can’t hurt), and now it’s time to bring back that AdWords lovin’ feelin’. Here’s what to do:

If the problem is with your website: Google will have already sent you instructions on how to fix it. Follow them to the letter. Google is meaner and firmer than Judge Judy. Negotiation is not an option, and yes, the beatings will continue until obedience is achieved.

If the problem is with your ads: carefully go through Google’s AdWords policies to see where you’re coloring outside the lines. Google has likely given you some specific instructions as well, in the hopes that you’ll fix things fast.

If you still aren’t sure what the heck is going on: Send Google a note and ask them for help. There’s a good chance that they’re going to send you a link to a page vs. give you a detailed response.

A Word of Warning

One thing NOT TO DO in response to an AdWords suspended situation is conduct a “trial and error” where you make a few tweaks, and submit your ads to Google for review in the hopes that you’ll get the all-clear. Google doesn’t like this. In fact, they hate it, and if you do it too many times they might banish you from the AdWords Empire. It’s very important that you make a concerted effort to fix any problems, and that you document everything as well. If there is some back and forth with Google, you want them to see that you’re taking this very seriously and trying to fix things.

We Can Help

At Leap Clixx, we build and manage AdWords campaigns for customers across the country. If you’re in the AdWords suspended doghouse – or you’re wisely afraid of ending up there and having your ads pulled out of rotation until Google is pacified – then contact us today. Your consultation is free, and we will help!

Since you are reading an article on AdWords, my best guess is that you have already added PPC into your marketing strategy, but is Google AdWords aligned with your inbound marketing goals and objectives? To learn more, download our FREE eBook “Why Google AdWords Should Be Part of Your Inbound Marketing Strategy” and make sure you have a cohesive strategy!