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

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches for March, April

AEBN has published the top search terms for March and April from its straight and gay theaters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Tubes Booster Debuts New 'One-Click Update' Web Hosting Solution

Content management platform Tubes Booster has launched its new One-Click Update web hosting solution.

Ofcom Investigates Two Sites Over Possible AV Violations

U.K. media regulator Ofcom on Wednesday launched investigations into two adult sites as part of its age assurance enforcement program under the Online Safety Act (OSA).

Brazzers Launches Model Management Division 'Brazzers Creator'

Brazzers has launched its new full-service model management division, Brazzers Creator, offering content management services across multiple platforms.

FTC Promises 'Vigorous' TAKE IT DOWN Act Enforcement

The Federal Trade Commission is warning platforms that the agency will strongly enforce the notice-and-removal requirements of the TAKE IT DOWN Act, which go into effect next week on May 19.

STD Hero Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Better Life Science brand STD Hero has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

2026 XBIZ Miami Speaker, Open-Floor Conversation Guide Lineup Announced

XBIZ is pleased to announce the release of the full speaker lineup for XBIZ Miami, the latest edition of the adult industry’s premier summer conference, set to take place May 11-14 at the Goodtime Hotel in Miami Beach.

2026 XBIZ Miami Conference Schedule Announced

XBIZ is pleased to announce the release of the full show schedule for XBIZ Miami, set to take place May 11-14 at the Goodtime Hotel in South Beach.

UPDATED: Utah VPN Rule Enforcement Paused in Aylo Lawsuit

Provisions of a new Utah law making adult websites liable if minors in the state circumvent geolocation efforts to bypass age verification, which were set to come into force on Wednesday, have been put on hold until Sept. 3 in the case of Aylo, which filed suit in the matter.

JustFor.fans Launches 'JFF Create' iPhone App

JustFor.fans (JFF) has launched its new iPhone creator management app, JFF Create.

Show More