Google Ad Exchange is one of the top real-time marketplaces for app publishers to sell advertising space. It is an open marketplace where advertisers bid in real-time. Google Ad Exchange allows publishers to display ads and offer ad spaces more competently than other app monetization platforms.
Nonetheless, if you are an app publisher, you are probably familiar with everything Google AdX offers and are looking for ways to comply with their policies.
This article looks at the various policies and restrictions app publishers need to adhere to, know the activities deemed as policy violations, and issues affecting ad serving.
We will also understand the difference between Google Publisher Policies and Google Publisher Restrictions, what happens to your AdX account if you violate a policy, and how to avoid and resolve them!
Let’s Start by Defining the Two Terms: Google Publisher Policies & Google Publisher Restrictions
App monetization strategies have to be as per the Google Publisher Policies. This means everything on your mobile application, from content you display to material generated by users or advertisers, must follow Google’s Publisher Policies. Any comment, ads, or third-party links to other sites or apps can violate the policy.
Likewise, Google Publisher Restrictions means app content that is restricted from monetization through ads. Although such content will not be deemed a policy violation, Google will restrict advertising on that content and will not allow publishers to monetize it. So, all advertisers will not be interested in bidding on such an inventory, and lesser to no ads will appear on the restricted section.
So, What is the Difference Between Google Publisher Policies & Google Publisher Restrictions?
Under Publisher Policies, Google will not monetize violated content through its products.
Here are the types of content that can never be monetized under Google Adx & are referred to as violations as per Google Publisher Policies:
- Intellectual Property Abuse
- Dangerous & Derogatory Material,
- Sexually Explicit
- Misrepresentation, Dishonesty & Cheating
- Child Abuse
- Mail Order Brides
On the other hand, Google Publisher Restrictions refers to content that is restricted and may not appeal to all advertisers.
Here are the types of content that are referred to as restricted content as per Google Publisher Policies:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Recreational Drugs, etc.
This content may not appeal to all advertisers, affecting or limiting the ad serving, ultimately impacting the revenue generated.
What Happens to Your Google AdX Account If You Violate Google’s Publisher Policies or Try to Monetize Restricted Content?
Trying to monetize content that violates Google’s publisher policies may disable ad serving and even suspend or terminate your Google AdX account. Also, according to the severity of a policy being violated – Google may notify and then create a page or account level enforcement.
As an app publisher, you will not be able to generate revenue until you resolve and comply with Google’s publisher policies.
Similarly, Google AdX publishers with restricted content will receive a notification stating that their ad serving has been restricted. Restricted ad serving means ads will continue to show.
However, fewer advertisers will bid, resulting in lesser revenue being generated. You have a choice to fix the restriction issues but are not obligated to do so. Google will only notify about the restricted content and take no further action, affecting revenue generation.
How To Resolve Google Publisher Policies & Google Publisher Restrictions?
Resolve Google Publisher Policy Violation: To resolve the policy, click the Policy Center section and review all the information on the issue. The “Must fix” column says YES if you have violated a policy. Under the “Must fix” column, issues will be listed stating if the app is not compliant with Program policies and the type of enforcement that has been taken.
You will have to check the mentioned app page or all the pages on the application to ensure policy compliance and then request a review. It usually takes 7-10 days for Google to review and reinstate your app.
Resolve Google Publisher Restrictions: Click the Policy Centre section to resolve the Google Publisher policy. Review and resolve issues with the ad serving and only request review after making the changes.
If you have added restricted content, the “Must fix” column says NO, stating the content will have a limitation on being monetized, will receive reduced advertising, and only a few ad sources will be able to bid.
It is ultimately your choice as a publisher to monetize restricted content. If you resolve it and request a review, Google will review it within 7-10 days.
How To Avoid Google Publisher Policies Violations & Restricted Content?
It is challenging to fix policy violations and remove ad serving limits. Violating Google’s policies does not only impact the Google Ad Exchange account but also hampers the process of revenue generation.
As a publisher, bringing your Google AdX account in order and optimizing your ads efficiently from starch can be tricky! The best way to go about it is to be cautious and avoid policy violations and restricted content.
Here are some of the best ways to Avoid Google Publisher Policy Violations & Restricted Content:
- Check your ad placements and ensure they do not lead to invalid clicks.
- Monitor ad content and creatives regularly and ensure that the content displayed does not violate a policy or falls under restricted content.
- Check and filter traffic sources regularly. Also, know where you are getting traffic and ascertain all third-party links.
- Partnerships can be an operative way to increase app users. However, ensure to collaborate with authentic and legit partners.
- Frequently visit the policy center to look for recommendations, implementation, and fixes. Make the suggested changes to increase efficiency and stay compliant.
Ensure Compliance with AppBroda:
Creating great apps and ensuring they stay compliant is too much work! Connect with AppBroda to ensure you continuously comply with Google’s Publisher Policies. Our team of AdOps experts has years of experience and has worked with some of the most successful publishers across the globe.
We understand that not all violations are intentional or malicious. So, we help you reinitiate your Google AdX account as quickly as possible. Moreover, being the official Google AdX Partner, we know what it takes to be under Google Publisher Policies.
Book a free consultation with our experts today!
