Member Avatar for JeffHeaton

I was reading over google's TOS and noticed this paragraph. Does this mean that any page that I place google ad's on, that they must be the only ad on the page? Are Commission Junction or Amazon ads okay? Since they are kind of a different concept than google?

Jeff

Competitive Ads and Services
We do not permit Google ads or search boxes accessing Google search services to be published on web pages that also contain what could be considered competing ads or services. If you have elected to receive contextually-targeted Google ads, this would include all other contextually-targeted ads or links on the same page as Google ads. This would also include ads throughout the site that mimic Google ads or otherwise appear to be associated with Google on your site. Although you may sell ads directly on your site, it is your responsibility to ensure these ads do not mimic Google ads. If you have elected to receive Google search services, this would include other search services on the same site and non-Google query-targeted ads. We do allow affiliate or limited-text links.

  • 3 Contributors
  • 3 Replies
  • 129 Views
  • 2 Days Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by Dani

Dani AI

Generated

raised the core issue: Google has historically separated "contextual" or query‑targeted services from ordinary affiliates and static banners. 's answer correctly highlights that networks which scan page content and serve on‑the‑fly, contextually targeted ads are what Google treats as competitive. is also right to warn about creatives that visually mimic AdSense.

Practical clarification and safe steps:

  • Contextual networks (those that analyze page text to pick ads) are the primary concern. Affiliate programs such as Amazon Associates or Commission Junction commonly deliver static banners or simple referral links; those are usually treated differently than contextual ad systems.
  • Avoid third‑party ad code that parses or rewrites page content at runtime. If a network’s widget documents that it performs contextual analysis, treat it as potentially competitive.
  • Make non‑Google ads visually distinct and clearly labeled (for example, "sponsored" or "affiliate"). Do not copy Google’s styling, labels, or borders.
  • Remember historical site‑level restrictions: some policies were enforced across an entire site rather than page‑by‑page. That makes checking the current wording important before adding another ad network site‑wide.
  • Keep copies of partner documentation and monitor the AdSense account for policy notices. When in doubt, seek clarification from Google through the official channels.

Because policies evolve, consult the current AdSense program rules for definitive guidance: .

Recommended Answers

All 3 Replies

Member Avatar for pctechbytes

Banners and such are considered safe, but I wouldn't use ads contain text that resemble Google's layout.

Member Avatar for JeffHeaton

Thnaks, I was figuring it was okay, since I've seen many site mixing google ad's with other ad types.

Member Avatar for Dani

If you use Google AdSense, you cannot put other contextual based ads on the same page. A contextual based ad is any type of ad - banner, text, etc - that dynamically spiders the page content and displays relevant advertising on-the-fly like AdSense does. In addition, you cannot put other ads that mimic Google AdSense on the same entire website as Google AdSense. For example, you cannot use Yahoo's contextual ad network and Google's contextual network (AdSense) on the same site, even if the ads aren't on the same pages.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.