18 Facts to know before going for Google Adsense

Getting your AdSense account suspended is not the end of the world but it's obviously something to avoid if you can. So it was while I reviewed the AdSense Terms and Conditions of Use that I thought it might be worth highlighting some key areas to watch out for. Under no circumstances should this replace your reading the small print thoroughly yourself, which you can do at Google, but this summary may serve as a timely reminder of your key responsibilities:

1. Be aware that AdSense update their conditions fairly regularly and it is your responsibility to know about any changes.

2. Multiple accounts held by the same individual or entity, are subject to immediate termination unless expressly authorized in writing by Google.

3. Modifying javascript or other programming provided by Google is forbidden unless authorized in writing.

4. Each page on your site that displays an AdSense for Search Box must also contain content related to your site. A maximum of two Google AdSense for Search Boxes may be placed on a page.

5. No Google Ad may be placed on any non-content-based pages.

6. No Google Ad or Google Search Box may be displayed on any domain parking websites, pop-ups, pop-unders, or in any email.

7. Elements on a page must not obscure any portion of the ads, and the ad colors must be such that any ad elements, including text and URL, are visible.

8. A single link unit may be placed on each Web site page, in addition to the ad units and search boxes.

9. Each web page that contains a Referral Button must also contain other content related to your site. You can not promote or facilitate Referral Events in connection with your site. A single Referral Button per product may be placed on a page, in addition to the ad units, search boxes, and link units.

10. You may display up to three ad units on each Web site page, but it is forbidden to display any Ad Unit on a page that contains Ads associated with another Google AdSense customer (e.g Your Web hosting company), unless authorized to do so by Google.

11. You are not permitted to display on the same web page as any AdSense program element, advertisements that an end user would reasonably confuse with a Google advertisement. Further, you are not permitted to display on any web page that receives content based Google Ads, any non “Google content targeted advertisements. Although you may sell ads directly on your site, it is your responsibility to ensure these ads do not mimic Google ads. If you have elected to receive Google search services, this would include other search services on the same site and non-Google query-targeted ads. Affiliate or limited-text links are allowed.

12. If you have elected to receive Google search results on a site then you agree that Google will be the exclusive provider internet search services on that site.

13. You shall not authorize or encourage any third party to directly or indirectly generate queries, referral events or clicks on any Ad link, search result or referral button.

14. It is forbidden to display Ads, links or referral buttons on an error page, registration page, thank you page, in any email, or on any web page that contains any pornographic , hate related , violent or illegal content.

15. It is forbidden to disclose Google Confidential Information without Google’s prior written consent. Which includes:

a) all software, technology, programming, specifications, materials, guidelines and documentation relating to the program.

b) click through rates or other statistics. However, you may accurately disclose the amount of Google gross payments to you.

16. In order to avoid associations with copyright claims, website publishers may not display Google Ads on web pages with MP3, Video, News Groups, and Image Results.

17. Web pages may not include incentives of any kind for users to click on ads. This includes encouraging users to click on the ads or to visit the advertisers' sites as well as drawing any undue attention to the ads.

18. This goes without saying really but you should never click on your own Google Ads.

These points are merely a summary guide and should not be solely relied upon. Should you feel that there is any ambiguity in how you are utilising AdSense then it is always best to double check with Google support staff.