Google Advertisers Get a Grammar Lesson

Advertisers trying to profit from Google's AdWords program have more than their Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) to consider; there's an editorial style guide that is being increasingly enforced, and non-compliant advertisers could see their ads pulled until they are reworded.

The issue at hand is not censorship of unpopular speech, but one of restricting "popular" speech in order to ensure more relevance in the displayed search results, and their associated AdWords listings.

The use of the word "bling" is an example of a "popular" word that was once frowned upon by AdWords staffers as being an arcane slang word inappropriate for use in their listings.

While proponents of Google's policy point out that particularly in a global medium like the Internet, using proper grammar and punctuation enhances an individual's ability to communicate, critics, on the other hand, see the all-encompassing nature of the Internet as the perfect medium to express new forms of language, such as the increasing number of acronyms like "LOL" (Internet shorthand for "Laughs Out Loud") commonly in use today.

A recent New York Times article quoted Google's director for AdWords, David Fischer, as saying "We really focus on creating ads that at the most basic level have proper spelling and grammar so that they're clear to users. We really encourage clear, effective, to-the-point communication to searchers."

AdWords submissions are automatically pre-screened for unacceptable content and style guide violations such as multiple exclamation points, before being posted online, with the editorial staff manually reviewing listings for offensive material, and contacting advertisers with suggestions on how any problem areas may be remedied.

Google is not alone in policing their context-sensitive advertising content; Overture and other Pay Per Click (PPC) search engines also implement style guide driven policies to limit gratuitous advertising liberties such as upper case text and multiple exclamation points.

While submitted AdWords listings are compelled to comply with the style guide, search results, which are generated through website spidering and complex algorithms, are based upon the actual content listed on any particular page.

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

FSC Updates Complaint in Tennessee AV Case, AG Motions to Dismiss

The Free Speech Coalition this week filed an amended complaint in its lawsuit challenging the Protect Tennessee Minors Act as unconstitutional, in response to which the Tennessee attorney general motioned for dismissal of the case.

Cherie DeVille Joins Woodhull Freedom Foundation 'Free Speech' Panel

Multi-XMAs winner Cherie DeVille will join the upcoming Woodhull Freedom Foundation panel series "Fact Checked by Woodhull," addressing free speech on Feb. 26.

Wisconsin AV Bill Moves Ahead, Minus Anti-VPN Provisions

The Wisconsin state Senate on Wednesday advanced a bill that would require adult websites to verify the ages of users, but approved an amendment striking proposed language that would have required sites to block virtual private network traffic.

Pineapple Support Introduces 'Wellbeing by PS' Service

Pineapple Support has debuted its new Wellbeing by PS service, providing mental health support packages for companies and agencies.

MyMember.site Integrates Bluesky Functionality

MyMember.site has added Bluesky features to its website management platform.

GirlsDoPorn Defendants Ordered to Pay Victims $75.5 Million

A federal court has ordered former GirlsDoPorn owner Michael Pratt and his co-defendants in the GDP sex trafficking case to pay restitution totaling $75,568,283.47 to 106 victims.

SWR Data Publishes 'Clip Trend' Report

Adult industry market research firm SWR Data has published a report on clip platform performance and sales.

Another German Court Rejects Blocking Orders Against Pornhub, YouPorn

A German court has blocked the Rhineland-Palatinate Media Authority (MA RLP) from forcing telecom providers based within the court’s jurisdiction to cut off access to Aylo-owned adult sites Pornhub and YouPorn.

Ofcom Fines Kick Online Entertainment $1 Million for AV Noncompliance

U.K. media regulator Ofcom on Thursday fined Kick Online Entertainment 800,000 pounds (more than $1 million) for failing to implement age checks as required for compliance with the Online Safety Act.

FSC Details Legislative Outlook for 2026

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has laid out the legislative outlook for the industry in 2026.

Show More