The placement of certain words near ads is a common reason publishers are accused of encouraging clicks. For example, phrases like “click on our sponsors” or “support our site” are often used alongside ads. However, Google strictly permits only neutral terms such as “advertisements” or “sponsored links” and does not allow any additional language that could imply a call to action.
Writing statements like “all of our AdSense earnings go to charity,” even if true, is not permitted. Such messages can encourage users to click on ads for reasons unrelated to the ads themselves, which violates Google’s policies. If your website includes this type of messaging, you’re likely to receive an email from Google requesting its removal or modification.
Ads displayed in floating boxes that move with users as they scroll are prohibited. These ads can distract from the main content and may result in invalid clicks when users attempt to close them.
Another common reason publishers receive warning emails is the confusion caused by ads being placed too close to images on their site. For example, if your website displays a list of products with images, and ads are placed directly beneath those images, users may mistake the ads for part of the content. This can lead to accidental clicks, resulting in invalid click activity.
As explained earlier, publishers should avoid encouraging users to click on their ads. The primary reason is simple: Google prioritizes protecting its advertisers’ interests and ensures that clicks on ads are genuine, coming from users who are truly interested in the advertised content.