New Google Ads Policy: How to Avoid Costly Mistakes (and Bans) with Honest Pricing

Google’s been tightening its ad rules year after year. But 2025 feels different. This time, the focus isn’t just on what you advertise, but on how you do it.

The company wants to make sure every click leads to a safe, trustworthy experience. That means more scrutiny, especially for industries that deal with money, health, or data.

Revamped Policies Advertisers Must Know

Several changes rolled out quietly this year:

• Stricter ad approval: Ads are now reviewed using enhanced AI filters that flag even slightly misleading copy.
• Landing page checks: The content, design, and loading speed of your destination page matter more than ever.
• Identity verification: Some advertisers must now verify business registration and domain ownership before launching campaigns.

These updates can determine the approval or suspension of your campaign for brands in the finance, healthcare, and SaaS sectors.

Banned & Restricted Keywords in New Google Ads Policy 2025

The most common reason for ad rejections? Keywords.

In 2025, Google expanded its list of prohibited and restricted keywords, and even small variations can trigger a disapproval.

Before we go deeper, here’s a quick difference between the two:

• Prohibited keywords: You can’t use these at all. Ads containing them won’t run.
• Restricted keywords: These are allowed, but only under strict conditions or with pre-approval.

Google Ads Banned Keywords List

Here are a few examples that tend to cause trouble:

• Financial shortcuts: “Instant loan approval,” “guaranteed profit,” “get rich quick”
• Health-related claims: “Cure,” “miracle treatment,” “permanent weight loss”
• Adult or misleading content: Any phrase implying explicit, deceptive, or harmful material
• Impersonation: Using brand names you don’t own the rights to

Google updates this list often. You can find the latest version in the Google Ads Policy Hub.

Google Ads Keyword Restrictions

Even if your keyword isn’t banned, it might be restricted. Terms like “crypto,” “supplements,” or “trading” often trigger an additional review.

For example, an ad promoting “AI stock trading tools” might get flagged until you verify your business credentials.

Tip: Always check your keyword status in your campaign dashboard before hitting “Publish.”

Top Reasons Google Ads Get Disapproved in 2025

Ever seen that red alert saying, “Ad disapproved”? You’re not alone.

Even experienced advertisers make small mistakes that violate the latest rules.

Let’s break down the main Google Ads disapproved ads reasons this year.

Ad Copy Issues

Google wants your ad copy to be transparent and relevant. Avoid:

• Overpromising (“100% guaranteed results”)
• Misleading urgency (“Offer ends in 1 minute!” when it doesn’t)
• Capitalizing entire words (“FREE TRIAL!!!”)

Imagine a customer clicking your ad expecting one thing and landing on something else. That’s exactly what Google’s AI looks to prevent.

Non-Compliant Images or Videos

Visuals matter too. Blurry product images, suggestive thumbnails, or fake review screenshots can all trigger rejections.

If you’re promoting products, make sure every image is clear, accurate, and real.

Google Ads Landing Page Policy

Even if your ad passes the review, your landing page can ruin it.

Google checks every URL you link to. If it finds:

• Pop-ups that block content
• Confusing redirects
• Unsecured checkout forms
• Fake or hidden pricing

…your ad will likely get disapproved.

Think of it like this: if your page feels like a trap, Google will shut the door before users even walk in.

Keep your pricing honest, your layout clean, and your content consistent with your ad promise.

Avoiding Google Ads Account Suspension

Few things hurt more than logging in to find your entire ad account suspended.

In 2025, suspensions can happen instantly – especially if you repeatedly ignore policy warnings.

Let’s look at how to avoid Google Ads account suspension and protect your campaigns.

How to Avoid Google Ads Bans

Start with these habits:

• Review your account notifications weekly.
• Avoid copying ad templates or keywords from unknown sources.
• Keep your billing information accurate and updated.

Think of compliance like brushing your teeth – not fun, but skipping it leads to pain later.

Google Ads Penalty Prevention

Google rewards advertisers who stay transparent. To prevent penalties:

• Use clear disclaimers for sensitive topics (finance, health, legal).
• Avoid exaggerated performance claims.
• Use consistent branding and contact info.

If Google sees stability and transparency across your campaigns, your account builds “trust signals.” That means fewer manual reviews and smoother ad approvals.

Google Ads Account Reinstatement Tips

If you’ve already been suspended, don’t panic. It’s fixable.

Follow these steps:

1. Please take a moment to review the specific policy violation detailed in your email or dashboard.
2. Fix the issue – even small tweaks help.
3. Submit an appeal with a short, factual explanation.

Avoid emotional rants like “This isn’t fair!” Instead, explain what you changed and show proof.

Sometimes, reinstatement takes a few days. Occasionally, it may take several weeks. The key is patience and clarity.

Budget Optimisation & Cost Control Strategies

Budget control and compliance are closely linked.

Think of it this way: non-compliant ads waste budget faster than incorrect targeting. Every disapproval or suspension means lost impressions and clicks.

So, how do you keep your campaigns efficient and compliant?

Google Ads Cost Control Strategies

Smart advertisers use automation wisely. Set:

• Rules to pause underperforming ads automatically
• Bid caps to limit spending on experimental campaigns
• Location filters to focus on profitable regions

Example: A small business running ads for “organic skincare” might restrict targeting to cities with higher purchase intent.

That’s not just smart – it’s policy-safe.

How to Optimise Google Ads Budget

Budget optimisation isn’t just about lowering cost-per-click. It’s about filtering out waste.

Try these:

• Use negative keywords to block irrelevant traffic
• Schedule ads during peak hours
• Avoid overlapping campaigns with similar audiences

A personal story: I once worked with a client whose budget vanished daily by noon. Why? He didn’t exclude irrelevant keywords like “DIY skincare.” After adding negatives, his cost per lead dropped 35%.

Common Google Ads Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned advertisers stumble.

Let’s go through the biggest Google Ads mistakes to avoid in 2025 – and how to fix them fast.

Google Ads Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using outdated copy: Google’s AI spots stale, generic ads instantly. Refresh your creativity often.
2. Ignoring policy notifications: Every alert matters. Dismissing one could snowball into suspension.
3. Auto-applying recommendations blindly: Google’s automation tools can help, but they aren’t always right for your goals.

Common Google Ads Errors

Some advertisers still overlook the basics:

• Forgetting negative keywords
• Ignoring mobile experience
• Using broad match without control

Picture this: You’re selling luxury furniture, but your ads show up for “cheap plastic chairs.” That’s what happens without proper match types or exclusions.

Best Practices for Keywords in Google Ads

Keywords are the foundation of every campaign. In 2025, Google rewards advertisers who plan smartly and ethically.

Best Google Ads Keyword Practices

• Use a phrase or an exact match when precision matters.
• Avoid clickbait terms like “best” or “instant results.”
• Organise your ads by intent by using SKAGs (Single Keyword Ad Groups) to ensure tighter relevance.

A good ad doesn’t chase everyone – it speaks clearly to the right audience.

Google Ads Negative Keywords Importance

Negative keywords are your silent budget protectors. They prevent your ads from showing for irrelevant searches.

Example: If you run a “paid webinar,” exclude “free webinar.” That one word could save you hundreds.

As a rule, review your search term report weekly. Please include any off-topic terms as negatives. Over time, your clicks will cost less and convert more.

Compliance Checklist for Advertisers in 2025

Before publishing any campaign, walk through this quick checklist. It’s simple but powerful:

Ad Copy:

• Is your message clear, honest, and relevant?
• No exaggerated or unverifiable claims?

Headline & Description:

• Match search intent and landing page offer.

Landing Page:

• Loads fast, works on mobile, and uses HTTPS.
• Transparent pricing and visible contact info.

Destination URL:

• No redirects or pop-ups block content.

Testing:

• Review from a user’s perspective.
• Check ad previews on desktop and mobile.

Conclusion: Stay Smart, Stay Compliant

Here’s the truth: Google Ads isn’t getting easier. But smart advertisers adapt.

Think of compliance as part of your strategy – not a hurdle. Every time you follow the rules, you earn more trust with Google’s systems. That means smoother approvals, cheaper clicks, and better reach.

Check your policies regularly. Audit your campaigns monthly. And keep learning – because what works today may change tomorrow.

If you want to go further:

• Download the free Google Ads Compliance Checklist (PDF)
• Talk to a PPC specialist or contact us if your ads keep getting disapproved
• Read our next guide: Advanced Google Ads Strategies for 2025

Stay informed. Stay compliant. And most importantly, keep your ads running where they belong – live and profitable.

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