Google AdSense is one of the most popular ways for bloggers to earn money from their websites. But getting approved is not automatic. Google reviews every application, and many new blogs get rejected on the first try. The good news is that approval is very achievable if you prepare your blog properly before applying.
This complete checklist walks you through everything AdSense reviewers look for, step by step. If you are just starting out, read our step-by-step guide to starting a blog on Blogger first, then come back here when your blog is ready.
1. Understand What AdSense Reviewers Actually Check
When you apply, a reviewer (sometimes automated, sometimes human) looks at your site to answer one question: is this a real, useful website with original content? They check your content quality, your site structure, your essential pages, and whether your site follows the AdSense program policies.
There is no official minimum traffic requirement. A brand-new blog with zero visitors can get approved if the content and structure are solid. What matters is quality, not popularity.
2. Publish Enough Original Content
This is the most common reason for rejection: not enough content, or content that is thin and copied. Before applying, aim for:
- At least 15 to 20 published blog posts
- Each post should be genuinely useful and at least 700 to 800 words long
- Every post must be written in your own words — never copy from other websites
- Content should be organized with clear headings and cover one topic properly
Thin posts of 200 words, spun articles, or AI-generated text published without editing will almost always lead to a "low value content" rejection. Take time to write posts that actually help the reader. Our guide on how to write blog posts that rank on Google explains the process in detail.
3. Add the Essential Pages Every Blog Needs
AdSense reviewers expect a professional website, and professional websites have certain standard pages. Create all of these before applying:
- About page — who runs the blog and what it is about
- Contact page — a way for readers to reach you (a contact form or email address)
- Privacy Policy — required by AdSense; it must mention that you use cookies and Google advertising
- Terms of Service or Disclaimer — especially important if you give advice about money, health, or legal topics
Link these pages in your menu or footer so they are easy to find.
4. Make Your Navigation Clean and Professional
Your blog should be easy to explore. Add a clear menu with links to your homepage, main categories, and the essential pages above. Remove any broken links, "under construction" pages, or placeholder text like "Lorem ipsum." If a page is not ready, do not publish it yet.
Use categories or labels to organize your posts, and make sure your homepage shows your latest articles properly.
5. Follow the AdSense Content Policies
Google will reject any site that violates its publisher policies. Make sure your blog does not contain:
- Copied or plagiarized content from other sites
- Adult, gambling, or other prohibited content
- Misleading claims, fake download buttons, or deceptive layouts
- Encouragement to click ads — never ask visitors to click your ads, and never click them yourself
If your blog is in the online earning niche, be extra careful: avoid income guarantees and "get rich quick" promises. Honest, realistic content is what gets approved.
6. Complete the Technical Setup
A few technical details make your site look trustworthy:
- HTTPS enabled — in Blogger, turn on HTTPS in Settings so your URL starts with https://
- Mobile-friendly design — most visitors use phones; pick a responsive theme
- Fast loading — avoid heavy widgets and too many images
- Custom domain (optional) — a blogspot subdomain can absolutely get approved, but a custom domain looks more professional
- ads.txt — Blogger handles this automatically for blogspot subdomains once your AdSense account is linked
7. How to Apply Step by Step
Once everything above is done, applying from Blogger is simple:
- Go to your Blogger dashboard, then Settings and find the Earnings or Monetization section
- Click the option to sign up for AdSense and follow the steps with your Google account
- Paste the verification code into your theme's HTML where instructed, or let Blogger connect it automatically
- Submit your site for review and wait
Review usually takes a few days, but it can take two to four weeks. Do not make major changes to your site while waiting, and keep publishing new posts in the meantime.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does AdSense approval take?
Usually a few days to two weeks. In busy periods it can take up to four weeks. If you have not heard back after a month, check your email spam folder and your AdSense account dashboard.
Do I need traffic before applying?
No. Google does not require a minimum number of visitors. Reviewers judge content quality and policy compliance, not traffic. That said, having a few posts indexed in Google Search is a good sign your site is healthy.
Can I get approved with a free blogspot.com subdomain?
Yes. Many bloggers get approved on blogspot subdomains. A custom domain is nicer but not required for approval.
What should I do if my application is rejected?
Read the rejection email carefully, fix the issues mentioned, wait at least two to four weeks while improving your content, then reapply. We have a full guide on common AdSense rejection reasons and how to fix them.
Conclusion
AdSense approval comes down to one thing: a real website with real, original, useful content and a professional structure. Work through this checklist honestly — enough quality posts, essential pages, clean navigation, policy compliance, and proper technical setup — and your chances of approval on the first try are strong. Take your time, do it right once, and you will not need to keep reapplying.
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