Millions of marketers lose huge revenue each year due to invalid traffic. Hence, AdMob aims at taking every measure to protect advertisers from click fraud and has stringent ways of identifying invalid clicks.
AdMob considers invalid traffic as any clicks or impressions that are artificially inflated and cost the advertiser.
Even though Google’s Ad Traffic Quality team monitors traffic across its ad network in an effort to prevent advertisers from paying for invalid traffic. Yet, on various levels, invalid traffic is generated on a regular basis.
Once found, Google suspends the AdMob account for 30 days and during the suspension period, the publisher cannot serve ads.
Nonetheless, the publishers are given a chance to check the sources of invalid traffic and rectify the same to reactivate their AdMob accounts.
How does Google detect Invalid Traffic?
Google does not divulge details about how they detect invalid clicks. But they do have an intensive monitoring team and algorithms that are equipped with high-end detection technology.
However, we at AppBroda have listed some generic ways through which google detects invalid traffic.
1. Clicks
- Manual clicks are intended to increase the publisher’s advertising revenue.
- Manual click did conduct testing by internal teams.
- Accidental clicks lead to an irregular CTR.
- Clicks by automated tools, robots, or other deceptive software.
- Clicks by repeated users or a selected country.
2. Ad Requests
- The number of ad requests publishers would send on a regular basis.
- The overlaps between ad units and app content.
3. Downloads
- A sudden spike in the number of downloads on the app.
- Verify the source through which the app is being downloaded.
4. Content Violations
- Age Gating – Publishers have to define the age they are targeting correctly. In case the target is below 13-years of age, then no data can be collected and if publishers have to collect data proper justification is required.
- Unnecessary data collection – Any other user data also has to be collected only if it adds value to the app. If the data is found useless, AdMob has the authority to suspend the account.
- Content within iFrame – Publishers are also held responsible for the content that is pulled from third-party sites that may lead to any adult content, pornographic or violent material. Hence, considering the iFrames is also crucial.
- Ad Experience – The overall ad experience also matters and users have to differentiate between app content and ads on the app. There are cases when AdMob accounts are suspended because a native ad format looked very similar to the app content or an interstitial ad was placed right at the opening of an app.
Also Read: What is Invalid Traffic in AdMob and How it can Suspend your AdMob Account?
What are the precautions publishers must take if their account is suspended?
- No Self-Clicking – Clicking voluntarily to increase revenue is also termed as fraud and leads to suspension of the AdMob account.
- Use Test Ads – Always use test ads to see if your ads are functioning, using live ads to test can swiftly suspend the account.
- Avoid Accidental Clicks – Check for overlay within the app and the placement of buttons that may cause accidental clicks.
- Limit Ad Per User – Do not overcrowd your app with ads! Remove and reduce the number of ads seen by each new or returning user.
- Limit Traffic Source – In case the app is advertised on Facebook or Google to generate traffic, it is best to reduce the budget and assess the type of traffic that is coming in through these ad campaigns.
- Speak to an AdMob expert – Let experts such as AppBroda find out why your AdMob account was suspended and help you get the best solutions to recommence your account. For more information chat with our experts now!
