So you’ve built a blog, published a few posts, and now you’re ready to make money with Google AdSense. But wait—before you hit "Apply," there's something you need to know.
Most new bloggers get rejected on their first attempt, and it’s usually because of small mistakes that are 100% avoidable.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the 7 most common mistakes people make before applying for AdSense—and how to fix them before you apply. Follow this checklist to increase your chances of approval and start earning faster.
Mistake #1: Applying with Thin or Low-Value Content
This is the #1 reason for AdSense rejection.
Google wants to display ads on useful, informative, and original content. If your blog posts are short, repetitive, or copied, AdSense will see your site as low quality.
What to Do Instead:
Write at least 15–20 high-quality blog posts
Each post should be 800–1500 words
Use headings (H2, H3), bullet points, and images
Focus on solving real problems or answering questions
Avoid AI-only or spun content—write like a human
Mistake #2: Having No Clear Niche or Topic
Many bloggers publish random content—one day it’s about fitness, the next day about tech, then personal stories. Google can’t figure out what your blog is about—and neither can your audience.
What to Do Instead:
Pick one niche and stick to it (at least until you’re approved). Good AdSense-friendly niches include:
Blogging & SEO
Tech How-Tos
Health & Wellness
Personal Finance
Education & Study Tips
Having a clear topic builds authority and trust.
Mistake #3: Missing Essential Pages (About, Contact, Privacy)
AdSense reviewers manually check your site for legitimacy. If you don’t have basic pages like "About" or "Privacy Policy," they may think your blog isn’t serious.
What to Do Instead:
Before applying, create and publish:
About Us—who you are and what your blog offers
Contact Us—include a form or working email
Privacy Policy—mention cookies and AdSense use
Disclaimer/Terms & Conditions (optional but helpful)
Link these in your header or footer so they’re easy to find.
Mistake #4: Using a Poor Blog Design or Theme
Your content may be great, but if your blog looks unprofessional, it affects user experience—and AdSense knows it.
Cluttered layouts, unreadable fonts, broken menus, and too many flashy widgets can all hurt your chances.
What to Do Instead:
Use a clean, mobile-responsive theme (especially on Blogger or WordPress)
Make sure your navigation menu works properly
Use readable fonts, enough white space, and a simple color scheme
Test your site on mobile and tablet devices
First impressions matter. Your blog should look like it’s ready for real traffic.
Mistake #5: Ignoring SEO Basics
AdSense may not directly rely on SEO to approve your blog, but if your posts aren’t well-structured, Google’s crawlers will struggle to understand your site.
That can delay indexing, reduce trust, and even lead to rejection.
What to Do Instead:
Use proper H1, H2, H3 headings in your posts
Write SEO-friendly titles like “How to Fix [Problem] in 2025.”
Add internal links to other posts/pages
Add a meta description using Blogger or WordPress SEO tools
Submit your site to Google Search Console
Even basic SEO makes your blog more accessible and professional.
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Mistake #6: Not Adding Original Images or Media
Using only text—or worse, stealing images from Google—lowers your content’s quality and risks copyright violations.
AdSense prefers blogs that offer original value, including visuals.
What to Do Instead:
Add custom screenshots, charts, or graphics
Use free image sites like Unsplash, Pixabay, or Pexels
Add alt text to every image (for SEO and accessibility)
Avoid copyrighted images or stock photos without permission
Visuals break up long posts and improve user engagement—which leads to better ad performance later.
Mistake #7: Applying Too Soon
Many bloggers apply right after publishing 3–5 posts—big mistake. Google can tell if your blog is still under development or just getting started.
What to Do Instead:
Wait until your blog:
Has 15–25 published posts
Is at least 30–60 days old
Is indexed in Google Search Console
Has regular traffic (even if small)
It is clean, fast, and mobile-optimized
The more stable and established your blog looks, the higher your chances of approval.
Bonus: Quick Pre-Approval Checklist
Before you apply for AdSense, make sure you’ve checked all these:
✔ 15+ high-quality posts (800+ words)
✔ All essential pages (About, Contact, Privacy)
✔ Fast, mobile-friendly blog design
✔ One niche/topic across blog
✔ Custom domain or Blogspot subdomain
✔ Site submitted to Search Console
✔ No copyrighted or duplicate content
✔ Internal linking and SEO formatting
Final Thoughts
Google AdSense can be a great way to monetize your blog—but only if you meet the quality standards.
These 7 mistakes are the main reasons most new bloggers get rejected. Avoid them, take the time to build a solid foundation, and your approval will come faster—with better results.
Remember: it’s not just about getting approved. It’s about building a blog that adds real value, earns more in the long run, and is ready for growth.
Related Posts You Might Like:
[How to Add ads.txt to Blogger (Step-by-Step)]
[How to Solve “Low Value Content” Rejection]
Have questions? Drop a comment below or contact us—we’re here to help you get approved and grow faster.