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Google Ads Sitelinks Disapproved: Why It Happens and How to Fix It

Last checked against Google's documentation. By Muhammed Abdul Kalam. Blocks some ads

Quick fix

Google Ads sitelinks disapproved usually means two sitelinks share the same link text, a sitelink points to a different domain from the ad, symbols or exclamation marks are used for attention, or the text doesn't describe the page. Hover over the asset status to see which, edit the sitelink and save.

  • Check no two sitelinks use the same link text.
  • Check every sitelink URL is on the ad's final URL domain.
  • Remove exclamation marks and decorative symbols.

Can't fix it yourself? Send me the details

What this error means

Sitelinks follow the standard ad policies plus a few rules of their own about repeated text, other domains and attention-grabbing symbols. A disapproved sitelink simply stops showing with your ads.

Google's sitelink requirements say link text should clearly and accurately indicate what is at the link's destination.

Why it happens

1Repeated link text

Two sitelinks can't share the same link text, even if each points somewhere different.

How to tell if this is you: Two sitelinks say the same thing.

2A link to another domain

Sitelinks must normally use the ad's final URL domain. Some third-party links, such as retailers or social profiles, are allowed if the text describes the destination and includes its full domain.

How to tell if this is you: A sitelink points to a marketplace or social profile.

3Symbols or punctuation for attention

Exclamation marks, punctuation at the start of the text and decorative symbols aren't allowed.

How to tell if this is you: Your link text starts with a symbol or ends with '!'.

4The text doesn't describe the page

Link text must clearly and accurately say what is at the destination.

How to tell if this is you: The sitelink says 'Offers' but links to the home page.

How to fix it

  1. Hover over the sitelink status to see the reason.
  2. Select Edit and give each sitelink unique, descriptive text without symbols.
  3. Point it at a page on the ad's domain, or include the full domain in the text for an allowed third-party link.
  4. Select Save.

How to appeal or request a review

Appeal once you've fixed the problem, or if you believe the review got it wrong.

  1. Open Policy manager.Tools then Troubleshooting then Policy manager
  2. On the Policy issues tab, select Appeal on the affected ad.
  3. Under Reason for appealing, choose Dispute decision or Made changes to comply with policy, then submit.

What to include

  • Pick the reason that matches what happened: you're disputing the decision, or you've made changes to comply.

What not to do

  • Don't keep resubmitting an appeal that failed or was marked as a duplicate. Make a small edit to the ad text or final URL and save it instead, which makes Google crawl the page again.
  • Don't appeal the same ads again within 24 hours. Appeals inside that window are marked as duplicates.
  • Don't waste attempts. After 3 unsuccessful appeals on one ad, you can't appeal it again until you contact Google Ads support.

Open Google's review page

How long it takes

Google reviews most ads within one business day, though some take longer. If an ad is still under review after more than 2 full business days, check its status; after more than a week, contact Google Ads support.

How to stop it happening again

  • Write unique, plain text for every sitelink.
  • Link sitelinks to pages that match their text.

From my desk

Problems with the destination are the usual cause, such as a broken link, a redirect, or a page that does not match the sitelink text. Repeated links and unclear text also cause trouble. I check each sitelink's landing page, then edit the text and URL.

Muhammed Abdul Kalam

When to get help

  • Many sitelinks across accounts are disapproved and need fixing in bulk.
  • A sitelink keeps being disapproved and the reason doesn't match.

Stuck on this? Send me the details.Tell me what the platform shows and what you've tried so far.

Send me the details

FAQs

Why are my sitelinks disapproved?

Common reasons: two sitelinks share the same text, a sitelink points to another domain, symbols are used for attention, or the text doesn't describe the page.

Can sitelinks link to Amazon or social media?

In limited cases. The link text must describe what is at the destination and include the full domain name.

Can two sitelinks have the same text if they go to different pages?

No. Reusing link text is not allowed even if each sitelink points somewhere different.

Can I use exclamation marks in sitelinks?

No. Punctuation and symbols that only draw attention, such as exclamation marks, aren't allowed.

Can sitelinks be removed for trademarks?

Yes. Ads or assets can be removed after a trademark owner complains to Google.

Related fixes

Glossary

Sources

Google