Google Search Ads work great at attracting new customers for most business types, however there are some types of businesses that Google either restricts, or requires verification for.
Below is a list of the most common restricted business types, as well as types of businesses Google requires verification for.
See full list of Google Ads policies here.
The following is not allowed:
Copyrighted content
- Sites or software that capture, copy, or provide access to copyrighted content
- Sites or apps that facilitate unauthorized offline distribution of copyrighted content
Counterfeit goods
- Products described as knock off, replica, imitation, clone, faux, fake, mirror image, or similar terms when referring to a brand name in an attempt to pass themselves off as genuine products of the brand owner
Dangerous goods
- Explosives
- Guns (only ads for gun parts and accessories that increase the safety of a gun are allowed)
- Weapons designed or promoted as products that can be used to injure an opponent in sport, self-defense, or combat
- Recreational drugs
- Tobacco
see a full list here
Financial products and services
- Credit repair services
- Personal loans with an APR over 36%
- Personal loans which require repayment in full in 60 days or less from the date the loan is issued
- Ad destinations that aggregate or compare issuers of cryptocurrencies or related products
see a full list here
Healthcare and medicines
- Pharmaceutical manufacturers may not promote prescription opioid painkillers
- Offering prescription drugs without a prescription
- Pharmaceutical manufacturers may promote prescription drugs in the following countries only: Canada, New Zealand, United States
- Unapproved pharmaceuticals and supplements
- Certain drugs related to weight-loss
- Ephedra
- Anabolic steroids
see a full list here
Inappropriate content
- Content that incites hatred against, promotes discrimination of, or disparages an individual or group on the basis of their race or ethnic origin, religion, disability, age, nationality, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or any other characteristic that is associated with systemic discrimination or marginalization
- Sexually explicit content
- Compensated sexual acts
- Animal cruelty
see a full list here
Below is a list of common verticals or situations where Google requires further verification:
- Locksmiths
- Garage Door services
- Online Gambling
- Election Ads
- Use of Trademarks
- Financial services (in the United Kingdom)