biggest mistakes bloggers make when applying adsense
Why So Many Bloggers Fail At AdSense Approval
Applying for AdSense can feel like trying to win a secret lottery. I’ve been through it, and trust me, it’s super frustrating getting that "We are unable to approve your application at this time" email. The truth is, most bloggers fail because of avoidable mistakes.
Publishing Thin Low Quality Content
Content is king, queen, and entire royal family when it comes to AdSense. When I got rejected the first time, it was because I rushed out short, boring articles just to fill space.
What Counts As Thin Content
Articles under 500 words
Posts with no real value or unique angle
Copy-pasted or heavily rewritten content
I learned that Google wants detailed, helpful, original content that solves real problems — not keyword-stuffed filler.
Skipping Important Pages Like Privacy Policy
It sounds silly, but missing pages like Privacy Policy or Contact can instantly kill your AdSense dreams. Google needs to see that you respect user privacy and are reachable if needed.
Essential Pages Checklist
About Page
Contact Page
Privacy Policy Page
Terms and Conditions Page (optional but helpful)
Without these, your site looks incomplete and untrustworthy — two things Google hates.
Choosing The Wrong Blog Niche
I once started a blog in a super competitive, low-quality niche just because I thought it would be easy money. Bad idea. Google rejected it in record time.
High Risk Niche Examples
Free download or piracy sites
Adult content or grey areas
Too much health or medical advice without authority
Sticking to safe, helpful niches like tech tips, personal finance, DIY projects, or travel made approval way easier for me later on.
Applying Too Soon Without Enough Posts
Patience is painful, but critical. I applied once with just 8 posts, and surprise — instant rejection.
Safe Minimum Before Applying
At least 15 to 20 high-quality posts
Each post over 1000 words
Consistent posting over a few weeks
It’s better to wait a bit and apply once your blog looks like a real site, not a weekend project.
Ignoring Mobile Friendliness And Site Speed
Google lives in the mobile-first world. If your site looks like a broken jigsaw puzzle on smartphones, your chances tank.
How To Fix This Easily
Use responsive themes (like Astra or GeneratePress)
Test your site on Google Mobile-Friendly Test
Use caching plugins to speed up your site
A fast, mobile-friendly blog shows professionalism and care — exactly what AdSense wants to see.
Using Copyrighted Images Without Permission
This mistake nearly cost me my second blog. I was using random Google images without realizing the risk.
Best Practice For Images
Use royalty-free image sites (like Unsplash or Pexels)
Or create your own graphics
Always credit if required
Google scans everything. Using copyrighted material can lead to instant disqualification or even legal problems down the line.
Final Thoughts Learn From My Painful Mistakes
AdSense approval isn’t about luck. It’s about building a trustworthy, user-friendly site with helpful content. By avoiding these common mistakes, you save yourself months of frustration and wasted effort.
Take your time, focus on quality over quantity, and build a real blog you’re proud of. AdSense approval will naturally follow — and when it does, it feels incredible!