Many web site owners are getting their Google Adsense account terminated when they have done nothing wrong to deserve the punishment. Considering the money that they are getting from Adsense, they would certainly want to get back into it. However, with the rise of click fraud, it is becoming increasingly difficult for website owners to maintain their Adsense accounts.
Click fraud is the act of clicking on ads for the purpose of costing the advertiser money. It is simply the same as paying out cash for false leads. Many website owners are aware of this fraud and are sharing the same sentiment that this is the one big problem that Adsense is facing. As a website owner, how do you prevent being involved in this fraud?
Preventing click fraud is essential for website owners who want to maintain their Adsense accounts. There are several steps you can take to prevent click fraud.
Utilize Access Logs and Click Monitoring Software
The majority of web hosts are offering access logs. Once this is offered to you, it is necessary that you hand it over to Google as well. This allows them to look for any suspicious activity on your site. It can also help if you have a click monitoring software. If you do not have one yet, you should try and get one. There is absolutely no major factor preventing you from having one because most of this software is free. As usual, all the information you have received should be turned over to Google. This is showing Google that you too are fighting against click frauds and is in no way a part of it.
Study Your Server Logs and Watch for Suspicious Activity
It is important to study your server logs and watch for any activity that seems suspicious. Report anything that you may find odd, may it big or small thing. By doing this, you are helping Google identify click fraud and take action against it.
Disable Ads for Your Own IP Address and Local Geographic Area
You may want to consider disabling ads for your own IP address and local geographic area. This will certainly prevent accidents and will not make Google mistake another user as you. You can do through a htaccess file. This will avoid Google mistaking as clicking on your own ads and be kicked out because of it.
Keep Your Adsense off on Pop Ups and Pop Unders
Keep your Adsense off on pop ups and pop unders. Your ads should not be displayed on content sites that promote illegal activity or tampering of the legal rights of other people or business. Included in this are the content that is considered adult and gambling ones. If you think that you may be breaking this rule, immediately remove your content or Adsense from the web page.
Confess to Google
Be truthful and confess up to Google about times when you might have clicked on your own ads, whether accidentally or intentionally. Or the times when you have done something that is against the Terms of Service that they are implementing. Be honest about anything that you may have done that is wrong. Confessing is way better than Google learning about it eventually. It would mean eventual termination and no getting back what you have worked so hard for.
Do Not Tell Your Family or Friends About Adsense on Your Website
Do not tell your family or friends about Adsense on your website. Chances are they may start clicking on them to help you make money without you knowing it. They may be doing more harm to you than help by trying it in the first place. If ever someone you know chanced upon your Adsense, make sure they understand that they cannot click on your ads under any circumstances. It would be wise to brief them on important things about Adsense and what not to do with them.
Conclusion
It is important to understand that click fraud not only hurts the advertisers but also the legitimate website owners who rely on Adsense as a source of income. If click fraud continues to go unchecked, it could lead to a decline in trust and credibility for Adsense, which would ultimately result in a decrease in revenue for everyone involved. This is why it is crucial for website owners to take proactive steps to prevent click fraud and ensure the long-term success of Adsense.
In addition to the tips mentioned above, it is also a good idea to stay informed about the latest developments in click fraud prevention. Google regularly updates its algorithms and implements new measures to combat click fraud, so staying up-to-date with these changes can help you stay ahead of the game. You can also join online communities and forums where website owners share their experiences and strategies for avoiding click fraud.
Lastly, it is important to remember that Adsense is just one of many ways to monetize your website. If you find that click fraud is becoming a significant issue for you, it may be worth exploring alternative advertising networks or revenue streams. Diversifying your income sources can not only help you avoid the risks of click fraud but also ensure a more stable and sustainable income for your website.
In conclusion, click fraud is a serious problem that all website owners who use Adsense should be aware of. By taking proactive steps to prevent it, you can protect your website, your advertisers, and the integrity of the Adsense program as a whole. With a little bit of vigilance and the right tools at your disposal, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of Adsense without falling victim to click fraud.