A week does not go by that I don't get an email from someone telling me that their AdSense account was closed. Most often, the email from the AdSense team starts with...
"It has come to our attention that invalid clicks have been generated on the Google ads on your site(s). We have therefore disabled your Google AdSense account. Please understand that this step was taken in an effort to protect the interest of the AdWords advertisers."
The notice goes on to state that an account can be closed for a variety of reason, including violations of terms of service. Frequently, the reason cited is "invalid clicks"
An email to Google usually solicits this response...
"As you know, Google treats instances of invalid clicks very seriously. By disabling your account, we feel that we have taken the necessary measures to ensure that invalid clicks will not continue to occur on your site. Due to the proprietary nature of our monitoring system, we're not able to disclose any specific details of these clicks."
So what is an AdSense publisher to do when their account is closed?
First of all, realize that very few succeed in getting their accounts reopened. But that doesn't mean it is impossible!
Start by evaluating your server logs. Is there an unusual amount of traffic coming from one IP? Could it be that you are a victim of a vigilante click attack?
If this is the case, be sure to save a copy of this data as you will need it to show to Google.
Next, write to Google and ask them to clarify their reason. BE POLITE! Realize that there is another human being reading your email and they are simply doing their job.
If you run up against a roadblock, write them again and plead your case. If you are certain that you did not violate TOS and that you are not responsible for any fraudulent clicks, you can say so with a clear conscience.
Note: If you share your computer with another person, make sure that person or persons is not responsible for clicking on your ads. They might have thought they were doing you a a favor!
Google is pretty good about responding, so wait and see what they say.
BE POLITE! Don't demand that your account be reopened. Don't get all flustered or vent anger through your email. This won't serve any purpose.
Explain everything that you have done in regards to AdSense.
If you don't here from Google, don't give up! If you know you are innocent, simply continue politely writing their team. Be sure to keep track of all correspondence and leave it attached to each email you send.
Occasionally... and I do mean ocassionally, Google will review the suspected fraudulent clicks and find that you have not done anything wrong. I know for a fact that accounts HAVE been reinstated.
There are no guarantees. But it never hurts to ask.
And did I mention...
When writing Google... BE POLITE!
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
May 23, 2006 10:26 AM
Hi Joel,
Actually this is more of a question than a cooment.
Yesterday I somehow landed on a website which basically had a statement saying "The future home of (the name of the web site).
So basically, this website is still under construction.
To my surprise, I find that there are 2 adsense ads at the top of the page.
Now, if I understand it correctly, you have to have a proper website with some content before applying for adsense ads or Google will not approve. Is this correct?
If the above is not correct, how does Google approve you for an adsense ad, is it an automated process or does the website get screened by a human and then approval is given.
And lastly, do I need to have my website (or blog) up and running before applying for an adsense account?