New Approval Process for AdSense for Search Sites

Google has introduced a new site-level approval process for publishers using AdSense for Search (AFS). This change, which began on March 4, 2024, aims to ensure the quality of the websites where AFS ads are displayed.

What's Changing

Before you can display AFS ads on a new website, you must:

1. Add the Site: Add your site to the "Sites" page within your AdSense account.
2. Verification: Google will verify your ownership of the site and check if it follows AdSense Program policies and Google Publisher policies.
3. Approval: Once approved, the site will be marked "Ready" for AFS ads.

Important for Existing AFS Sites

• Automatic Addition: Sites you currently use AFS on should appear automatically in your AdSense "Sites" page.
• Approval Deadline: You must submit these existing sites for approval before August 30, 2024. Ads can display in the meantime.
• Consequences: If you fail to submit your existing sites by the deadline, Google will stop serving AFS ads until your site receives approval.

Why the Change

This change is intended to maintain a high-quality network of websites for AFS, protecting both advertisers and web users.

What You Need to Do

1. Check Your Sites: Visit your AdSense account and review your "Sites" page.
2. Add New Sites: Add any new sites where you wish to display AFS ads and go through the approval process.
3. Submit Existing Sites: Make sure all existing AFS sites are submitted for approval by August 30, 2024.