AdSense Approval Checklist 2026
The ultimate checklist to get your tech blog or portfolio approved for Google AdSense on the first try.
The Problem
You applied for Google AdSense but received a rejection email citing 'Low-Value Content' or 'Site Navigation Issues'.
Root Cause
AdSense algorithms are notoriously strict. They reject sites that lack mandatory legal pages, have insufficient text-to-code ratios, or provide content that already exists heavily on the internet.
Step-by-Step Fix
Create Mandatory Pages
You must have a Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, About Us, and Contact page. Put these in the main footer navigation.
Fix the Text-to-Code Ratio
If you run a developer blog, your posts cannot just be raw code blocks. You need at least 300 words of 'simple English' explanation describing what the code does.
Ensure Clear Navigation
Your top navigation bar must work. No broken links, no dropdowns that lead nowhere, and categories must have at least 3 posts in them.
Verification Checklist
- Privacy Policy and Contact pages exist
- At least 20 published, high-quality articles
- No copied content (check with Copyscape)
- Site is connected to Google Search Console
- No empty categories in the navigation menu
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need traffic to get approved?
No, AdSense does not strictly require traffic for approval. They care about content quality and policy compliance.