Ever wondered why your Adsterra sign up keeps getting delayed or rejected? Are you unsure if your site meets their requirements, or confused about what they’re actually looking for during the approval process? If you’ve tried to join Adsterra and didn’t get the green light right away, you’re not alone—and you’re probably making a mistake that’s easier to fix than you think.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most common errors that cause sign-up delays and rejections, so you can get approved faster and start monetizing without the guesswork. Let’s dive in and clear the path to a smoother Adsterra sign up.
1. Using Low-Quality or Incomplete Websites
This is one of the most common reasons new publishers get stuck during the Adsterra sign up process. If your website isn’t fully ready or lacks substance, the chances of getting approved drop significantly. Let’s take a closer look at what counts as low-quality and how you can fix it before applying.
Why Adsterra Rejects Thin or Placeholder Sites
Adsterra wants to protect its advertisers. When you apply to join their network, they’ll check if your site offers real value and isn’t just thrown together to make a quick buck.
If your site has little to no original content, it’s considered “thin.” A few short blog posts, empty categories, broken links, or “Coming Soon” pages are all red flags. These tell the Adsterra team that your site isn’t ready for real traffic—and definitely not ready to show ads.
Here’s what often gets sites rejected:
- A homepage with minimal or no content
- Repetitive or scraped content from other websites
- Pages under construction or filled with placeholder text like “Lorem Ipsum”
- Excessive pop-ups or redirecting scripts
- No clear navigation or internal linking
If any of that sounds familiar, it’s worth cleaning up first. Adsterra has thousands of publisher applications, and thin sites are easy to weed out.
Think of it this way: if you wouldn’t bookmark or read your own site, why would an ad network want to send users there?
What Qualifies as a “High-Quality” Website
Let me break it down for you—high-quality doesn’t mean your site has to be fancy or flashy. It just needs to be real, useful, and complete. Adsterra is looking for publishers who take their content seriously.
Here are some must-haves that make a difference:
- Original Content: Whether it’s blog posts, tutorials, reviews, or resources, content should be written by you (or someone you trust), not copy-pasted.
- Good Design and Layout: A clean, mobile-friendly theme with intuitive navigation tells Adsterra that you care about user experience.
- Functional Pages: Make sure all major pages—About, Contact, Privacy Policy, Terms—are present and working.
- Fast Load Times: A sluggish site with heavy images or bad hosting can signal poor maintenance.
- Relevant Niche: Your site should focus on a specific niche that’s allowed under Adsterra’s content guidelines. General “catch-all” blogs can work, but niche sites tend to perform better.
- Real Engagement: Comments, social shares, or signs that people are actually reading your content help build trust.
A high-quality website doesn’t just help you get approved—it also means better earnings once your ads start running.
How to Prepare Your Website Before Signing Up
If you’re serious about getting approved on the first try, some prep work goes a long way. Even a few hours of polish can be the difference between instant approval and total rejection.
Here’s how you can get your site ready:
1. Publish at Least 10 Solid Posts – Each should be a minimum of 500–800 words and provide useful, engaging content. Make sure they’re free of spelling errors and use your own voice or style.
2. Set Up Core Pages – Include:
- About Page: Share your story, your site’s purpose, or what readers can expect.
- Contact Page: Add a working contact form or email.
- Privacy Policy and Terms: Use an online generator or write your own to meet basic requirements.
3. Remove “Coming Soon” or Demo Pages – These instantly signal that your site isn’t finished. Delete or replace them with actual content.
4. Test Everything – Click through your navigation, fix broken links, check your mobile view, and make sure your homepage isn’t cluttered or confusing.
5. Use Monsterinsights or Similar Tracking – Even if your traffic is low, having a tracker in place helps demonstrate legitimacy.
6. Avoid Flooding with Ads or Plugins – If you already have too many popups, outdated plugins, or autoplaying media, clean it up. Too much clutter makes your site feel spammy.
7. Get a Custom Domain and Reliable Hosting – Free domains (like .tk or .ml) and poor hosting won’t help your case. Invest in a proper domain name and fast, secure hosting to build trust.
2. Skipping the Privacy Policy and Contact Page
This might seem like a small detail, but not having a privacy policy or contact page can delay or even ruin your Adsterra sign up. These pages show that your website is real, compliant, and accountable—which is exactly what ad networks look for.
Why These Pages Matter for Ad Network Trust
Ad networks like Adsterra need to know that publishers are legitimate. They want to make sure you’re not running a shady operation or trying to hide your identity. That’s where legal and communication pages come in.
When a reviewer checks your site and doesn’t see a privacy policy or a way to get in touch, it raises red flags. It tells them the site might be incomplete, non-compliant, or even fake. Even if everything else on your site looks great, missing these two basic pages can make your whole application look suspicious.
Privacy policies are especially important if your site collects any kind of user data, including cookies from ads. Adsterra and other ad networks need to see that you’re at least making an effort to follow basic data protection guidelines.
Here’s why these two pages matter:
- They build trust with both the ad network and your visitors
- They demonstrate professionalism and site readiness
- They’re often part of the checklist ad reviewers use
- They help you stay compliant with data protection laws
You don’t need a legal team to write these pages—you just need to include the right information in a clear and honest way.
How to Quickly Add Legitimate Legal Pages
Creating legal pages might sound intimidating, but there are simple ways to get it done without hiring a lawyer or writing from scratch.
Here’s how you can get started right away:
Use a Privacy Policy Generator
There are plenty of free tools that let you create a basic privacy policy in minutes. A few reliable options include:
- Termly (termly.io): Easy to customize with checkboxes for the data you collect
- PrivacyPolicies.com: Offers free and premium templates, great for blogs and small businesses
- GetTerms.io: Clean layout and includes GDPR-style clauses if needed
When using these tools, you’ll usually just enter your site’s name, what kind of data you collect (like cookies, email signups, or analytics), and whether you use third-party tools (like Adsterra or Google Analytics). The tool will then generate a copy-and-paste legal page.
Don’t Forget the Terms and Conditions Page: While not required, a basic terms and conditions page can boost your site’s credibility even more. It explains how users are allowed to use your site, what they can’t do, and limits your liability.
Where to Place These Pages
- Create a standalone page for each (e.g., yoursite.com/privacy-policy)
- Add links to these pages in the footer so they’re accessible on every page
- Include a short disclaimer or cookie notice if your ad network or region requires it
You don’t need a complex setup—just make sure these pages are live, accessible, and clearly labeled.
What Information Should Be on Your Contact Page
A contact page doesn’t need to be fancy, but it does need to be functional and easy to find. This page gives ad networks a way to verify your legitimacy and get in touch if needed. It also reassures them that you’re not hiding behind anonymity.
Here’s what to include:
1. Your Name or Business Name – If you’re applying as an individual, use your real name. If you’re operating under a brand, list your business name.
2. A Working Email Address – Make sure the email address on your contact page matches the one you use to register with Adsterra, or is at least active and monitored. A custom domain email (like contact@yoursite.com) looks more professional than a free one (like yourname@gmail.com), but either one is fine as long as it works.
3. A Contact Form (Optional but Helpful) – Many websites use simple forms powered by plugins like WPForms or Makeforms (if you’re using WordPress). These let visitors—and ad networks—reach out without exposing your email to spam bots.
4. Links to Your Social Media (Optional) – If you have active social accounts linked to your site, add them here. It builds credibility and shows you’re a real person or team behind the project.
5. Clear Placement – Add the contact page to your main menu or footer. If a reviewer can’t find it within a few clicks, it might as well not exist.
Things to Avoid
- Broken forms or outdated contact details
- Hiding your contact info behind multiple layers or logins
- Listing fake details or random email addresses just to fill space
The goal is to show that you’re reachable, responsive, and operating a genuine website.
3. Applying with Restricted or Inappropriate Niches
One of the easiest ways to derail your Adsterra sign up is by applying with a site that falls into a restricted or questionable niche. Ad networks are selective about the type of content they allow because it directly affects their advertisers’ reputation and user experience.
Which Niches Are Automatically Rejected by Adsterra
Adsterra is fairly open to a wide range of content, but they do draw the line on certain topics—and once you cross it, there’s usually no way around a rejection. Even if the rest of your website checks all the boxes, your niche alone can disqualify your application.
Here are some of the niches that are typically rejected:
- Adult or Pornographic Content: Unless you’re applying for their separate adult network, this is almost always rejected.
- Hacking, Cracking, or Illegal Downloads: Sites offering pirated software, cracked apps, or “how-to-hack” guides are instantly flagged.
- Drugs or Drug Paraphernalia: Any content promoting or even lightly discussing the use or sale of drugs is considered high-risk.
- Gambling and Betting: Unless pre-approved or targeting specific geos with restrictions, gambling sites are often blocked.
- Violent or Hate-Based Content: Sites promoting extremism, hate speech, or anything graphically violent won’t pass.
- Fake News or Misleading Claims: Health claims without backing, fake giveaways, or conspiracy-heavy content often gets flagged.
- Clickbait or Misleading Navigation: This includes sites with deceptive buttons, fake “download” links, or aggressive redirects.
If your site’s content falls into any of these areas, Adsterra is very likely to reject your application—even if you believe your traffic is legitimate.
What’s important here is understanding that this isn’t just about policy—it’s about maintaining advertiser trust. If your site makes an advertiser look bad or violates platform guidelines (like Google’s ad policies), it puts everyone at risk, so they simply won’t take the chance.
What to Do If Your Content Borders a Grey Area
Not every niche is clearly black or white. Sometimes your content straddles the line, and it’s hard to know whether it’s going to pass or not. If you’re in that middle zone, you’ll need to approach the Adsterra sign up more carefully.
Here are a few examples of “grey area” content and how to handle them:
1. Crypto, Forex, or Finance Tips – These niches can be fine—but if your content makes risky promises (“Make $1,000 a day!”), it could look spammy. Tone down aggressive claims and focus on education or analysis.
2. Relationship and Dating Advice – If your site focuses on pickup tips, adult themes, or pushes boundaries, you might get flagged. Keep the tone respectful and non-explicit to stay on the safe side.
3. Entertainment Sites with Edgy Content – Memes, viral videos, or pop culture news can sometimes include questionable jokes or borderline offensive humor. Make sure your content doesn’t promote hate or misinformation.
4. Health and Wellness – Health content is great, but it needs to avoid making unverified medical claims. Stick to general wellness or lifestyle advice, and always back up your tips with reputable sources.
If you’re unsure, you can always email Adsterra support and ask whether your niche is acceptable before applying. It’s better to clarify than to risk rejection and hurt your approval odds later.
You can also test the waters by creating a second, niche-safe site. Use it to get your foot in the door and then explore additional monetization paths once you’re approved.
Safer Niche Alternatives That Still Monetize Well
If your current niche is too risky, or you want to increase your chances of approval, switching or expanding into a safer space can help. There are plenty of niches that perform well with Adsterra and still leave room for creativity and solid traffic.
Here are a few evergreen, safer niches that work well for Adsterra publishers:
- Tech and Gadgets – Sites reviewing phones, software, or offering tech tips tend to attract advertisers easily. Traffic is generally high, and it’s a safe, popular space.
- How-To Guides and Tutorials – DIY, home improvement, creative tutorials, and general productivity content are great for attracting engaged users and stable ad revenue.
- Gaming (Non-Adult) – Gaming news, tips, reviews, or streaming content are allowed—just avoid game hacks or cracked download links.
- Lifestyle and Personal Development – Topics like productivity, habits, journaling, mental health, or minimalist living can generate strong engagement and draw valuable ad impressions.
- Travel and Local Discovery – If you’re able to post about destinations, tips for travel, or local guides, this niche is visually appealing and draws both readers and advertisers.
- Education and Study Resources – If you offer learning materials, language help, or student resources, that’s a safe and scalable niche.
- Online Tools and Resource Lists – Sites that curate tools, offer SaaS reviews, or help users find useful software are ad-friendly and easy to monetize with affiliate links, too.
If you’re passionate about a niche but aren’t sure it fits, try spinning it in a safer direction. For example, if you like edgy humor, pivot to family-safe memes. If you’re into crypto, focus on news and education rather than speculation or promotions.
4. Providing Inaccurate or Incomplete Personal Details
It’s surprisingly easy to slip up during the Adsterra sign up process by entering incomplete or incorrect personal information. These small errors can lead to frustrating delays—or worse, outright rejection.
Common Profile Info Mistakes That Delay Approval
Even if your website is ready, getting your personal info wrong can throw off the whole application. Adsterra’s approval team needs to verify that you’re a real person with a real business or personal website. When something looks off, it sends up red flags.
Here are the most common mistakes people make when signing up:
- Fake or Inconsistent Names: Using a nickname, brand name, or fake identity instead of your real full name can raise questions.
- Mismatched Email Addresses: If your email doesn’t match your domain or seems random, it may be flagged as suspicious.
- Missing or Vague Address Details: Leaving out your country, city, or postal code can make your profile look incomplete.
- Typos in Names or Contact Info: A simple typo can make it impossible for Adsterra to contact you or verify your details.
- Incomplete Business Fields: If you’re registering as a company but don’t include your company name or tax info, your application could be marked as suspicious.
These may sound like small oversights, but they affect trust—and trust is everything in the approval process.
How to Fill Out the Sign-Up Form Correctly
To get through the approval process quickly, it helps to approach the sign-up form like you’re introducing yourself to a potential business partner. Clear, accurate information builds credibility and gets you approved faster.
Here’s what to keep in mind when completing your application:
- Use Your Real Full Name: Even if you’re running a site under a brand name, the sign-up form should reflect your legal name or your business’s registered name.
- Enter a Valid Email Address: This should be active and checked regularly. Ideally, use a domain-based email (like name@yoursite.com), but a Gmail or Outlook address is okay if it’s professional.
- Provide Complete Address Details: Include your country, city, postal code, and street (if required). Avoid vague entries like “Earth” or “Unknown.”
- Double-Check for Typos: Go over each field before submitting. An error in your email or name can create problems down the line.
- If Registering a Company: Add your legal business name, tax ID (if applicable), and use your company email to increase legitimacy.
Taking five extra minutes to fill out the form with care can make a big difference in how quickly you’re approved.
What to Do If You Already Submitted Wrong Info
Mistakes happen. The good news is that Adsterra’s team is usually open to corrections—if you act quickly and communicate clearly.
Here’s what you can do if you realize you’ve submitted incorrect information:
1. Don’t Reapply Immediately – Submitting another application without addressing the original issue can confuse the system and delay things further. It’s better to update the existing one.
2. Contact Adsterra Support Directly – Use the official contact form or email address. Be polite, explain the mistake, and include your account email or site URL for reference. Something like:
“Hi, I realized I submitted the wrong email address on my application. I’d like to update it to [correct email]. Can you help me fix it?”
3. Update Your Account If You Have Access – If your account was created but not yet approved, log in and check if you can update the profile details directly. Some fields may be editable from your dashboard.
4. Be Transparent – Avoid making up stories or trying to cover up the mistake. The Adsterra team is more likely to help if you’re honest and clear.
5. Submitting a Site with No Organic or Real Traffic
Even if your website looks polished and your content is solid, Adsterra will hesitate to approve you if your traffic isn’t real—or worse, if there’s barely any traffic at all. Let’s look at why that matters, and how you can build enough momentum before applying.
Why Traffic Quality Matters More Than Volume
Adsterra isn’t just looking for high numbers—they’re looking for real, human visitors. That means your traffic should be organic, authentic, and measurable. If your site relies heavily on bots, paid clicks from questionable sources, or inflated numbers, it’s likely to be flagged.
Here’s what Adsterra looks for in traffic quality:
- Human Behavior: Are your visitors sticking around or bouncing after a second? Real users browse multiple pages and spend time reading.
- Consistent Patterns: Sudden spikes from a single source or country can look suspicious. Steady, organic growth feels more genuine.
- Reliable Sources: Organic search, social media, or direct traffic from known platforms are viewed more favorably than traffic from short links or click farms.
- Geo Diversity (When Relevant): If your content is in English, but 90% of your traffic comes from non-English-speaking countries, that can seem unusual.
It’s okay if your site isn’t pulling thousands of visitors per day. Even modest traffic is acceptable if it’s real and relevant. Think quality over quantity.
How to Generate Initial Traffic Before Applying
If your site is new or doesn’t have much traffic yet, that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. There are smart, simple ways to build a strong foundation of real visitors—even within a few weeks.
Here’s how to start growing quality traffic before your Adsterra sign up:
1. Write Content That Solves Problems – Create blog posts or articles that answer specific questions. Use tools like Answer the Public to find real questions people are asking.
2. Share on Forums and Communities – Find niche-specific Reddit threads, Facebook groups, or Quora topics where your content can help others. Don’t spam—join the conversation and offer value.
3. Use Pinterest or Twitter for Early Traffic – Visual platforms like Pinterest are great for lifestyle, travel, and how-to content. Twitter works well for tech, news, and niche communities.
4. Submit to Search Engines – Make sure your site is indexed by Google. Submit your sitemap to Google Search Console and use basic SEO to get your first organic clicks.
5. Offer Free Resources or Downloads – Give visitors a reason to stick around. Even a simple checklist or how-to guide can help boost engagement and repeat visits.
With just a bit of consistent effort, you can build a few hundred monthly visitors that are real—and that’s usually enough to get Adsterra’s attention.
Adsterra-Friendly Traffic Sources You Can Use
To play it safe, you’ll want to focus on traffic sources that Adsterra sees as legitimate and sustainable. These don’t just help you get approved—they also help you earn more in the long run.
Here are a few trusted traffic sources that pair well with Adsterra:
- Search Engines (Organic SEO) – Still one of the best. Optimize your posts with relevant keywords and focus on long-tail content that’s easier to rank for.
- Social Media (Organic and Paid) – Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest offer solid traffic if you share content consistently. Paid ads can help, but use them wisely—Adsterra wants to see lasting results, not traffic spikes.
- Direct Traffic – Email newsletters, push notifications, or repeat visitors who type in your URL are strong indicators of real engagement.
- Referral Links from Other Sites – Guest blogging, interviews, or even comments on other blogs can drive traffic that feels natural and high quality.
- YouTube or Video-Based Platforms – If you create videos, even simple screen recordings, you can link back to your site. Video traffic tends to engage well and stick around longer.
Avoid traffic sources like click exchanges, paid-to-click services, or auto-refresh tools. These can harm your approval chances and even get your account suspended after approval.
6. Violating Adsterra’s Terms Without Knowing It
One of the most frustrating reasons people get rejected during their Adsterra sign up—or even suspended later—is unintentionally breaking the rules. Many of these violations are avoidable with just a bit of upfront knowledge.
Overlooked Rules That Get Newbies Rejected
When you’re new to ad networks, it’s easy to miss the fine print. But Adsterra, like most networks, takes its terms seriously. Even small violations can hurt your chances of approval or get your account banned after it’s been approved.
Here are some commonly overlooked mistakes:
- Copying or Scraping Content: If your site uses content copied from other sources without credit or originality, it’s considered low-value—even if it looks polished.
- Hosting Prohibited Content: Adult themes, gambling, violence, hate speech, or illegal downloads are all against Adsterra’s policies. Some people think they can “sneak through,” but reviewers are trained to spot these things fast.
- Traffic Manipulation: Sending fake or incentivized clicks, using traffic bots, or hiding referral sources through cloaking can lead to instant rejection or later account bans.
- Auto-redirects or Excessive Pop-ups: If your site redirects visitors without permission or overloads them with pop-ups, that’s a red flag for both user experience and advertiser trust.
- Misleading Links or Content: Titles or buttons that trick users into clicking are strictly against the rules. For example, labeling a download button that leads to an ad or unrelated page will likely get you flagged.
Many of these issues come from not realizing how closely your site is evaluated—not just at sign-up, but throughout your relationship with the network.
How to Review and Understand the Terms Before Signing Up
Reading terms and conditions isn’t fun, but it’s a step worth taking before you apply. It can save you from common pitfalls and make your site stronger overall.
Here’s how to make it manageable:
1. Focus on the Publisher Requirements Section – This is where Adsterra outlines what kind of websites they accept, what kind of traffic is allowed, and the basic quality standards.
2. Watch for Technical Requirements – Some networks have specific rules about where ads can be placed, how they load, or what scripts can run alongside them. Knowing these helps avoid future problems.
3. Look for Banned Content and Niches – Adsterra’s terms include a list of restricted niches. Even if you’re not running an adult or gambling site, some gray-area topics might fall under restricted categories.
4. Email Support if You’re Unsure – If any part of the terms seems unclear, don’t guess—reach out. Asking a simple question before signing up shows professionalism and can help you build trust.
You don’t have to memorize everything, but having a clear understanding of what they expect goes a long way in getting approved.
Safe Practices to Stay in Good Standing Post-Approval
Getting approved is just the beginning. Staying in good standing with Adsterra is just as important—especially if you’re planning to monetize for the long haul.
Here are some simple ways to stay on the safe side:
- Keep Your Content Fresh and Clean – Continue adding original content, update older posts, and avoid anything that could be seen as misleading or harmful.
- Monitor Your Traffic Sources – Avoid buying traffic from low-quality or questionable platforms. Use analytics tools to see where your visitors are coming from.
- Use Safe Ad Placements – Don’t overload your pages with ads. Make sure placements don’t interfere with navigation or user experience.
- Stay Transparent – If you plan to make major changes to your site or start another one under the same account, notify support. Being upfront prevents surprises on their end.
- Comply with Regional Laws – If you’re targeting users in Europe or California, make sure your site meets basic data privacy requirements like GDPR or CCPA.
7. Using Free Domains or Poor-Quality Hosting
First impressions matter. When Adsterra’s team checks your site and sees a free domain or slow-loading pages, it often signals low quality—even if your content is good. A few small upgrades here can significantly improve your approval chances.
Why Adsterra Prefers Paid Domains and Reliable Hosts
Adsterra works with advertisers who expect a certain standard. A free domain or unreliable hosting raises red flags about your site’s professionalism, credibility, and future stability.
Here’s why it matters:
- Free Domains Look Suspicious: Domains like yoursite.tk or yoursite.wordpress.com often get used by spammers or short-lived projects. Even if yours is legit, the association can hurt your credibility.
- Poor Hosting Leads to Downtime: If your site is slow or frequently offline, Adsterra may see it as inactive or unreliable. It also hurts user experience.
- SSL and Security Issues: Cheap or free hosting plans may not come with SSL (https), which is now considered a basic requirement. No SSL = trust issues.
- Harder to Track and Monitor: Poor hosting often lacks basic analytics or caching, making it difficult to measure performance and track traffic properly.
Even if your budget is tight, investing just a few dollars a month in hosting and a domain can make a noticeable difference.
Best Hosting Options for Faster Approval
Choosing the right host doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. The key is to go with a provider that’s known for uptime, speed, and support.
Here are some trusted hosting providers that work well for small publishers:
1. Hostinger – Affordable and beginner-friendly. Offers fast servers and free SSL. Great for simple WordPress or custom websites.
2. Bluehost – Officially recommended by WordPress. Reliable performance, 24/7 support, and comes with a free domain in the first year.
3. SiteGround – A bit more premium, but known for strong uptime, fast load times, and great customer service. Ideal for sites that plan to scale.
4. Namecheap (for Domains + Hosting) – Good pricing and support. Their shared hosting plans are a decent starting point, especially if you want to keep things simple.
When setting up, aim for:
- A custom domain (like yourname.com or brandsite.net)
- SSL certificate (many hosts offer this free)
- One-click WordPress installation (if you’re using WordPress)
- Easy DNS management and support
All of these improve your site’s appearance and performance—and help you meet Adsterra’s basic technical standards.
How to Upgrade Your Domain and Hosting Without Losing Content
If you’re already running your site on a free platform or cheap host, you don’t have to start from scratch. Migrating your content is easier than you might think.
Here’s how to upgrade without losing what you’ve built:
1. Buy a Domain Name – Use a registrar like Namecheap or GoDaddy to secure a domain. Keep it short, relevant, and easy to spell. Avoid hyphens or numbers if possible.
2. Choose a New Hosting Plan – Pick a hosting plan with enough bandwidth and storage for your current site. Make sure it includes cPanel or an easy dashboard.
3. Backup Your Existing Site – Use a plugin (like All-in-One WP Migration or UpdraftPlus if you’re on WordPress) to create a full backup of your content, themes, and settings.
4. Transfer to the New Host – Use your host’s migration tools or upload your backup manually. If you’re unsure, most hosts will migrate your site for free or offer support.
5. Point Your Domain to the New Host – Update your DNS settings so your domain name loads the new version of your site. This can take a few hours to propagate globally.
6. Test Everything – Click through your site, check your forms, and verify your analytics are working. Make sure everything is smooth before submitting to Adsterra.
8. Applying with Multiple Sites at Once
It might feel efficient to submit all your websites during the Adsterra sign up process, but sending in too many at once can actually slow you down. There’s a smarter, more strategic way to go about it if you want faster approval.
Why Submitting Multiple Sites Can Backfire
When you include multiple websites in a single application, you might think you’re saving time. But what actually happens is that the reviewer has to evaluate each site individually—and if even one of them doesn’t meet Adsterra’s standards, it can delay or sink your whole submission.
Here’s what could go wrong:
- One weak site can ruin the impression: If one of your sites has poor content, low traffic, or technical issues, it reflects on your overall application.
- Slower review process: Reviewing multiple URLs takes more time, and you could get stuck in a longer approval queue.
- More opportunities for mistakes: Including different domains increases the chances of errors—misspelled URLs, outdated content, or inconsistent site readiness.
- Lack of focus: When you apply with several properties, it may seem like you’re just trying to throw things at the wall to see what sticks, rather than presenting a well-developed project.
Instead of applying with all your sites at once, focus on getting one strong site approved first. Once you’re in, adding more is much easier.
Best Practice: Start With Your Strongest Property
If you want to make a good impression and boost your odds of getting approved quickly, choose your best site for the initial application.
Here’s how to pick the strongest one:
- Consistent Traffic: Even a few hundred monthly visitors can work, as long as they’re real and coming from quality sources.
- Clean Design and Navigation: The layout should be user-friendly, mobile-optimized, and free from clutter.
- Complete Pages: Make sure you have a privacy policy, contact page, about page, and at least 10 well-written blog posts or articles.
- Fast Loading Speed: Use a reliable host and test your site’s speed. A slow website creates a poor user experience.
- Clear Niche: Stick with content that Adsterra allows. General interest is okay, but focused niches often convert better for ad networks.
Once your top site is approved, you’ll have an easier time adding others through your dashboard—plus, your account will already have credibility.
How to Add Additional Sites After Approval Safely
After you’ve been accepted as a publisher, Adsterra gives you the ability to add more sites from inside your account. Doing it this way is not only safer—it’s usually faster, too.
Here’s how to go about it:
1. Log Into Your Adsterra Account – Head to your publisher dashboard and look for the option to add a new website.
2. Submit One New Site at a Time – Even now, avoid adding multiple sites in one go. Submit each one individually to make sure each gets the attention it deserves.
3. Follow the Same Approval Standards – Each site should have unique, valuable content, a proper layout, and good user experience—just like the first one.
4. Use the Same Verification Process – Adsterra will ask you to verify ownership of each new domain. Follow the steps carefully (we’ll cover this more in the next section).
5. Track and Manage Each Site Separately – Once your new site is approved, you can set up separate ad units, monitor performance, and test different formats to see what works best.
Taking your time and adding one well-built site at a time is better for long-term success and a smoother working relationship with Adsterra.
9. Not Verifying Ownership of Your Website Properly
Verifying your site is a required step during the Adsterra sign up process, but it’s one that trips up a lot of people. If you skip this step or do it wrong, your application can’t move forward.
How to Correctly Place the Adsterra Verification Code
Once you submit your site, Adsterra gives you a small snippet of HTML code to place on your website. This helps them confirm that you actually control the domain you’re applying with.
Here’s how to get it right:
1. Copy the Verification Code from Your Dashboard – After submitting your site, you’ll receive a unique HTML code. It’s usually just a short meta tag or script.
2. Paste It in the Right Placen – You need to paste the code in the <head> section of your site’s homepage HTML. If you’re using WordPress, you can:
- Use a plugin like Code Snippets
- Or, paste it directly into your theme’s header.php file (just above the </head> tag)
3. Save and Publish Changes – Don’t forget to save your edits. Then refresh your site to make sure the code is there.
4. Return to Adsterra and Click “Verify” – Once the code is live, go back to your Adsterra account and complete the verification step. They’ll scan your site for the code to confirm everything.
5. Wait for Review – Once verified, your site enters the review queue. If everything looks good, you’ll get approved shortly after.
Missing this step is one of the most common reasons people think they’ve been ignored or rejected—it just means their site hasn’t been properly verified yet.
Tools to Double-Check That Your Site Is Verified
Even if you followed the steps, it’s worth checking to make sure the code is actually visible and correctly placed.
Here are a few tools that can help:
- View Page Source: Right-click on your homepage and choose “View Page Source.” Then search (Ctrl + F or Cmd + F) for part of the verification code.
- Inspect Tool: In Chrome or Firefox, right-click and choose “Inspect.” Look inside the <head> section to confirm the code is there.
- Meta Tag Analyzer Tools: Use a tool like seoreviewtools.com/meta-tag-checker to quickly scan your site for meta tags, including the Adsterra verification snippet.
If you don’t see the code where it should be, it might be placed in the wrong section or not saved properly.
What to Do If the Code Isn’t Being Recognized
Sometimes the code is added correctly, but Adsterra still says it can’t verify your site. It can be frustrating, but there are a few things you can do.
1. Double-Check the Code Location – Make sure it’s inside the <head> tag on the actual homepage. Placing it on a subpage or in a widget area won’t work.
2. Clear Cache – If you’re using a caching plugin or CDN like Cloudflare, clear the cache so Adsterra sees the updated version of your site.
3. Try a Different Browser – Sometimes browser settings or plugins block the verification from appearing when you test. Try checking from a different device or incognito mode.
4. Contact Support – If everything looks correct but it’s still not working, reach out to Adsterra’s support team. Let them know what you’ve tried—they may be able to help manually verify your site.
10. Ignoring the Follow-Up After Initial Submission
After completing your Adsterra sign up, it’s tempting to sit back and wait—but that can sometimes be a mistake. A thoughtful follow-up can help move things along, especially if something went wrong with your application that you didn’t catch.
When and How to Follow Up Without Being Pushy
Following up is part of the process, especially with networks that get thousands of applications. The trick is to do it in a way that’s professional and respectful, rather than impatient or demanding.
Here’s when it makes sense to follow up:
- After 3–5 Business Days: If you haven’t heard anything back within this window, it’s okay to check in. Avoid sending messages within 24 hours—it’s likely still being reviewed.
- When Your Site Was Recently Updated: If you’ve improved your site since applying (fixed broken links, added new content, etc.), you can mention that in your message.
- If You Didn’t Receive a Verification Email: Sometimes technical issues happen, and your sign-up might not have gone through. A follow-up helps clarify.
Now let’s talk about how to reach out:
- Keep It Brief: Just a few sentences explaining your request and including relevant details is enough.
- Be Polite: Use a friendly, understanding tone. Remember, there’s a real person reading your message.
- Use the Correct Contact Method: You can reach out through their official support email or use the contact form on their website. Always reference your account email and website URL so they can locate your application.
Following up shows you’re serious, and it can sometimes be the nudge your application needs to get moving.
How Long Adsterra Usually Takes to Approve Accounts
Adsterra doesn’t provide an exact approval timeline, but based on most experiences, here’s what you can expect:
- 1–3 Business Days: This is the average for most complete and compliant applications. If everything checks out, approval is usually fast.
- 4–7 Days: If your site is borderline or being manually reviewed, it may take a little longer. This happens more often with new sites or unusual niches.
- More Than a Week: If it’s been longer than seven days with no response, it’s a good idea to send a friendly follow-up. You might also want to double-check your verification code or the quality of your content in the meantime.
Delays don’t always mean rejection. Sometimes your application is just waiting for the right person to review it. Staying patient while keeping the door open for communication helps balance things out.
What to Include in Your Follow-Up Email for Faster Results
If you decide to follow up, your message should be clear, respectful, and informative. The goal is to remind the support team of your application and offer any helpful updates without sounding pushy.
Here’s a simple structure to follow:
Subject Line:
Follow-Up on Website Application – [Your Domain Name]
Body:
Hi Adsterra Team,
I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to follow up on my application submitted on [submission date] for my website [your domain]. I’m really looking forward to working with your network and wanted to check if any additional information is needed from my end.
If the site is still under review, no worries—I just wanted to ensure everything went through smoothly.
Thanks again for your time, and I appreciate your support.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Email Address linked to your Adsterra account]
You can also include a note if you made any recent updates that improve your site’s readiness.
Tips for Your Follow-Up Email:
- Avoid using aggressive language like “Why haven’t I been approved?”
- Don’t send multiple follow-ups within a short window
- If they respond, reply kindly—even if the answer isn’t what you were hoping for
A little courtesy can go a long way in helping your case and building a good relationship with the Adsterra team.
Conclusion: Fix These Mistakes and Get Approved Faster
The Adsterra sign up process isn’t just about filling out a form—it’s about showing that your website is ready, trustworthy, and worth monetizing. From small technical details to larger issues like niche choice or traffic quality, every part of your application sends a signal.
If you’ve been rejected before or you’re preparing to apply, take a few moments to review the key points we’ve covered:
- Avoid using incomplete or low-quality websites
- Add a clear privacy policy and contact page
- Make sure your niche fits within Adsterra’s allowed categories
- Double-check that your personal details are accurate
- Build up real, organic traffic before applying
- Follow Adsterra’s terms—even the less obvious ones
- Invest in a custom domain and reliable hosting
- Start with one strong site, and add others later
- Place the verification code correctly and confirm it’s working
- Follow up thoughtfully if you haven’t heard back
None of this has to be overwhelming. Each step is manageable on its own, and when put together, they form a strong foundation that improves your chances of approval—and your long-term success as a publisher.
If your goal is to build real income through display ads, getting started the right way makes all the difference. And if you’re ever unsure, it’s okay to ask for help or clarification. You’re not expected to know everything on day one.
Just keep moving forward, stay honest about your site’s progress, and be willing to learn. That’s how real growth happens—and networks like Adsterra notice when you’re playing the long game.
