Original, useful content
Why it matters: AdSense's #1 rejection reason is 'low value content.' Google wants writing that's yours, not AI-spun filler or copy-pasted articles.
Free tool
AdSense Readiness Checklist
An honest, self-scored checklist covering every reason Google approves — or rejects — an AdSense application. Answer each item, get a readiness score, and see exactly how to fix what's holding you back.
Your readiness score
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Content
Enough substantial pages (15+ recommended)
Why it matters: Sites with only 3–5 short pages almost always get rejected. AdSense wants to see a real site, not a placeholder.
No thin or duplicate pages
Why it matters: Duplicate or near-identical pages get flagged as low quality and can sink an entire application.
Policy & Legal
Privacy Policy page
Why it matters: Required by AdSense program policies. No privacy policy = automatic rejection.
Terms of Service
Why it matters: Not strictly required but shows Google you run a legitimate site — reduces manual review friction.
Cookie consent banner (GDPR/CCPA)
Why it matters: Google requires consent for personalized ads in the EU/UK/California. Without it, ads either won't serve or you're violating policy.
Working Contact page
Why it matters: Google needs a way to identify you as a real publisher. A contact form or email is a trust signal.
About page with author info
Why it matters: AdSense reviewers look for a real human/business behind the site. Anonymous sites get rejected more often.
Technical
ads.txt file with your Publisher ID
Why it matters: AdSense flags sites without ads.txt as 'earnings at risk.' It's the file that proves you authorized Google to sell your ad inventory.
HTTPS (SSL) enabled
Why it matters: AdSense won't approve HTTP-only sites. Modern browsers also block ads on insecure pages.
Mobile-friendly layout
Why it matters: Over 60% of ad impressions come from mobile. A broken mobile layout = no revenue and likely rejection.
Page speed under 3 seconds
Why it matters: Slow sites get lower ad fill rates and lower RPM. AdSense reviewers may also flag as poor user experience.
Clear site navigation
Why it matters: AdSense reviewers manually browse your site. Confusing nav = they can't find your content = rejection.
Sitemap.xml and robots.txt
Why it matters: Not strictly required but signals a real, indexed site to reviewers — and helps Google find every page.
Site is indexed in Google Search
Why it matters: If Google hasn't indexed you, AdSense won't approve you. Full stop.
Ad-Friendly Layout
Room in the layout for ad units
Why it matters: If there's no visible space for 728×90, 300×250, or responsive units, AdSense won't serve high-value ads.
No policy-violating content
Why it matters: Adult, violent, hateful, drug, gambling, hacking, or IP-infringing content = instant permanent ban.
Real visitors (not just you)
Why it matters: AdSense doesn't have a hard traffic minimum, but ~100+ organic visitors/day dramatically improves approval odds.
What to do next
- 1. Fix every red item. These are the hard rejections — don't apply with any unresolved.
- 2. Address the yellows. They won't always block approval, but they hurt your long-term earnings.
- 3. Run a full site audit. Use our free SEO Score Checker to confirm the technical basics.
- 4. Wait until you have real traffic. Approval odds jump massively above ~100 daily organic visitors.
- 5. Apply at adsense.google.com. Reviews typically take 1–14 days.
This tool is educational. GoogleSiteScore is not affiliated with Google or AdSense — passing this checklist doesn't guarantee approval, but failing it almost guarantees rejection.
AdSense readiness FAQ & troubleshooting
Quick answers to the questions small business owners ask us most.
AdSense reviewers look for original, useful pages that answer real questions. If your site has thin, duplicate, or AI-generated filler, it's the most common rejection reason. Add your own examples, screenshots, and voice, then wait a week or two before reapplying. See Google Publisher Policies.
Keep going — related pages
Website Speed Guide →Google Search Console Guide →WordPress SEO Checklist →Wix SEO Guide →Squarespace SEO Guide →Shopify SEO Guide →
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