If you've faced the frustration of having a Google Ads account suspended due to "circumventing systems," you’re not alone. It’s a vague policy, and trying to figure out what went wrong can feel like untangling a web of mysteries. To help navigate this, here’s a practical list of 11 things to check if you find yourself in this situation, plus a look at how Google’s help documentation can assist in guiding you toward resolution.

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Check into these 11 things to help solve Google's Abusing the Ad Network Policy

1. Have We Requested a Manual Review from Ads or GMC Support?

Before digging into every aspect of your account, start with the basics: request a manual review. Sometimes, issues get flagged by automated systems and a review can clarify the situation or offer insights that automated notifications may not provide.

2. When Did the Suspended Account Stop Running Ads?

Pinpointing the exact time your ads stopped running can give you a trail to follow. This is helpful for cross-referencing changes made around that time and identifying patterns or recent modifications that may have triggered the Google Ads suspension.

3. Are You Aware of Any Old Websites/Domains/Landing Pages?

Old websites, outdated domains, or unused landing pages associated with your account can all signal red flags. Make sure these don’t inadvertently appear in your tracking URLs, sitelinks, or any part of your current account structure.

4. Check Change History

The Change History section is where you can see a log of all actions taken within the account. This can be your smoking gun for finding recent adjustments that might coincide with the policy suspension. Pay special attention to URL or tracking changes, ad copy tweaks, and budget adjustments.

5. Check Admin > Account Settings and Admin > Preferences

Under your admin settings, make sure all preferences align with current policies. Double-check any discrepancies in business information, contact details, or notification preferences to ensure they don’t conflict with the details provided in other sections of your account.

6. Check Billing Info and Pages

Accurate and consistent billing information is crucial. Any discrepancies, even minor ones in billing address or contact names, could give Google reason to flag the account. Review your payment method, billing address, and associated contacts.

7. Check Address, Phone Number, and Verification Information

Your address and phone number should be up-to-date, match other account records, and be consistent across all linked platforms. Verify the details on any verification documents provided to Google to ensure there’s no confusion.

8. Check URL Tracking

URL tracking can be tricky, especially if parameters inadvertently redirect users to unintended pages. Make sure tracking parameters align with your intended landing pages and that you’re not using redirects or tracking setups that might look suspicious.

9. Check the Landing Page Report (Filter for Non-YourSite.com Domains)

This is a big one: any third-party URLs or non-YourSite.com domains can send red flags to Google. Use the Landing Page report to make sure that all links are only pointing to your approved domains, and confirm there are no surprises in the list.

10. Check Sitelinks URLs and Other Extensions with URLs (e.g., Price, Promotion)

Sitelinks and other ad extensions can contain older or unverified URLs, which could inadvertently point to old domains or incorrect pages. Verify that every URL in your ad extensions is current and approved, with no accidental redirects.

11. Do You Work with Any Affiliates?

If affiliates are involved in promoting your business, make sure their methods align with Google’s policies. Unsanctioned affiliate activity can reflect poorly on your own account and lead to unwanted suspensions.

Reference Google’s Help Documentation

Google’s Circumventing Systems Policy Documentation can offer additional insights into common pitfalls and ways to avoid them. Reviewing this guide can help you better understand which practices to avoid, like bypassing Google’s review systems or using dynamic URLs that lead to unapproved sites. Adhere to the spirit of this policy by ensuring transparency and consistency across all account details, from ad extensions to tracking URLs.

Navigating a Google Ads suspension can feel like detective work, but thoroughness is your best friend here. By systematically checking these areas, you’ll be able to either identify the issue or provide Google with the information they need to reinstate your account. And, of course, don’t forget the value of a respectful, clear appeal if you’re confident that you haven’t intentionally violated any policies.

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