It’s the email that makes every blogger’s stomach drop.
Subject: “Your Google AdSense account has been disabled.”
You stare at the screen. You panic. Your income is gone in a second. It feels unfair. You think, "I didn't do anything wrong! This must be a mistake."
Here is the hard truth: It probably wasn't a mistake. Google's systems detected something that put their advertisers at risk, and they shut it down.
The good news is that you get one chance to appeal. The bad news is that 95% of people blow their chance because they react emotionally.
If you just got banned, stop. Do not reply immediately. Do not beg. Do not get angry.
Close your email client, take a deep breath, and read this guide. I am going to show you how to write a professional, data-driven appeal letter that actual human beings at Google might read.
Why You Got Banned (The Real Reason)
Google rarely bans people for "bad content." They ban people for messing with the money.
Almost all bans are for "Invalid Traffic" or "Policy Violations."
- Invalid Traffic: This means Google believes the clicks on your ads weren't from genuine, interested users. Maybe it was bots, maybe it was you clicking your own ads, or maybe it was accidental clicks caused by bad ad placement.
- Policy Violations: This typically means you placed ads on pages where they shouldn't be, such as those containing adult content or copyrighted material.
Before you write your appeal, you have to know why. Read the email they sent you carefully. It usually gives a vague reason. It is now your job to become a detective and find the specific cause on your site.
The Big Mistake: The "It Wasn't Me" Defense
Most people write appeals like this:
"Dear Google, Why did you ban me? I didn't do anything! I am an honest person. Please turn my account back on, I need the money."
This appeal goes straight into the digital trash can.
Google doesn't care if you are "honest." They care about data. Their system flagged you. Your appeal must demonstrate, with supporting data, that you understand why the system flagged you and that you have already addressed the issue.
The 4-Part Successful Appeal Template
Do not copy-paste this. Google knows when you use a template. Use this structure to write your own letter in your own words.
Your appeal must address four specific questions.
Part 1: What is the reason for the account closure?
Don't play dumb. Acknowledge the issue stated in their email.
- Example: "I understand my account was disabled due to invalid traffic activity detected on my website, [https://www.google.com/search?q=YourWebsite.com]."
Part 2: What was the root cause? (The investigation)
This is the hardest part. You have to admit fault, even if it wasn't intentional. Look at your Google Analytics. Did you notice a surge in traffic from an unusual country? Did you recently change your ad layout?
- Bad Example: "I don't know what happened."
- Good Example: "Upon investigating my server logs and Analytics from [Date of ban], I noticed an unusual spike in direct traffic coming from a specific IP range that resulted in a 50% CTR. I believe this was a bot attack targeting my site."
- Alternative Good Example: "I recently placed a large banner ad directly over the 'Next Page' button on my mobile site. I realize now this likely caused a high volume of accidental clicks from users trying to navigate the site."
Part 3: What changes have you implemented? (The Fix)
Google wants to know what you have done already to fix the problem. Not what you "will" do.
- Example: "I have immediately removed all ad code from my website. I have also installed the 'Wordfence' security plugin to block the suspicious IP ranges identified in my investigation. Furthermore, I have redesigned my mobile layout to ensure ads are not placed near navigation buttons."
Part 4: How will you prevent this in the future?
Give them confidence that you are now a wiser, safer publisher.
- Example: "Moving forward, I will monitor my traffic logs daily for suspicious activity. I have re-read the AdSense program policies, specifically the section on ad placement, to ensure full compliance. I am committed to providing safe, high-quality traffic for your advertisers."
The Waiting Game
Once you send the appeal, you wait. It might take a week; it might take a month.
If they say no, that is usually the end of the road for that domain. It’s harsh, but it’s their platform.
If you follow the structure above, you are already ahead of 95% of the people who appeal. You are showing them you are a professional business owner who made a mistake, fixed it, and is ready to move on. Good luck.