Google Shopping Ads: What You Can and Can’t Advertise
If you want to use Google Shopping Ads to promote your products, it’s important to know what you can and cannot advertise. Google has certain rules to keep things safe, fair, and friendly for everyone. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand these rules.
What Is Prohibited (Not Allowed) Content?
There are certain things that Google doesn’t allow in ads. This means you can’t use Google Shopping Ads to promote the following:
Fake Products (Counterfeit Goods):
If you're trying to sell products that look like famous brands but aren't the real thing, Google won't allow it. For example, if you’re selling fake Nike shoes that aren’t made by Nike, that’s not allowed.
2. Dangerous Products:
You can't sell anything that could harm people. This includes:
Weapons (like guns or knives)
Drugs (such as recreational drugs or harmful chemicals)
Explosives (things that can blow up)
3. Products for Dishonest Activities:
If a product helps people cheat or be dishonest, like hacking software or fake documents, it’s not allowed in Google Shopping Ads.
4. Inappropriate Content:
Google doesn’t want to show ads that promote hate, violence, or anything that is offensive. Ads that are rude, harmful, or that hurt people in any way will not be allowed.
5. Unsupported Content:
Some products just aren’t a good fit for Google Shopping Ads. For example, Google doesn’t allow certain content that could be harmful or misleading on their platform.
What Is Restricted Content?
Some products can be advertised, but with special rules. These are called restricted content. You can advertise these products, but there are extra rules to follow. Here are some examples:
Healthcare Products
If you want to advertise things like medicines, vitamins, or pregnancy tests, you must follow extra rules. You might need to get permission from Google before you can advertise them.
2. Gambling
If you want to advertise gambling products like lottery tickets or online gambling sites, Google has strict rules. You can’t promote these products in certain countries or to certain groups of people.
3. Alcohol
If you want to advertise alcoholic drinks like beer, wine, or whiskey, you must follow the laws of the country where you are advertising. You can’t target minors (people who are too young to drink or person under the age of 18), and you can’t say that drinking alcohol is good for your health or will make you more successful.
4. Adult Products
Google also has rules about adult products. This includes things like sex toys, adult magazines, or any content that is sexually explicit. These types of ads must follow specific laws and rules to make sure they are not seen by children or people who don’t want to see them.
5. Political Ads
If you’re promoting something political, like a candidate or a political issue, you need to make sure your ads follow the rules for elections. For example, there might be times when political ads are not allowed, like during “silence periods” before an election.
What About Trademarks?
Trademarks are brand names or logos, like Nike or Coca-Cola. Google allows you to use trademarks in your ads if the product is related to that brand. For example, if you’re selling a pair of Nike running shoes, you can use the word “Nike” in your ad. However, Google checks if using the trademark might confuse customers, so make sure your ad is clear.
What About Food and Drinks?
If you sell food or drinks, there are some rules about what you can advertise. Google doesn’t allow ads for junk food like chips, cookies, or sugary drinks if the ad targets children. If your food or drink is high in fat, sugar, or salt, you can still advertise it, but you must make sure not to target kids with your ad.
What Happens If I Break The Rules?
If your ad breaks one of these rules, Google will take action. This can include things like:
Disapproving your ad (meaning it won’t show up)
Limiting the number of people who see your ad
Suspending your account if you break the rules too many times.
If your ad gets disapproved, you can fix it and submit it again. If your account is suspended, you can appeal the decision.
Examples of Restricted Content in Ads
Here’s a quick summary of what you can’t advertise, or what you can only advertise with extra rules:
Counterfeit Goods
Allowed?: No
Extra Rules: Cannot advertise fake products
Dangerous Products
Allowed?: No
Extra Rules: Must be safe for customers
Dishonest Behavior Products
Allowed?: No
Extra Rules: No illegal or fake products
Inappropriate Content
Allowed?: No
Extra Rules: Must be respectful and safe
Healthcare Products
Allowed?: Yes
Extra Rules: May need permission from Google
Gambling
Allowed?: Yes
Extra Rules: Only in specific countries
Alcohol
Allowed?: Yes
Extra Rules: Must follow laws in your country
Adult-Oriented Content
Allowed?: Yes
Extra Rules: Only for adults and must follow laws
Political Content
Allowed?: Yes
Extra Rules: Must follow election laws
Google Shopping Ads are a great way to reach more customers and grow your business. However, it’s very important to follow the rules about what you can and can’t advertise. By staying within Google’s policies, you help keep the internet a safe place for everyone and ensure your business grows in a responsible way.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on Google’s Shopping Ads policies and is meant to guide you in creating ads that comply with their rules. Always check the latest Google policies and local laws to make sure your ads are compliant.
