Facebook Ad Not Approved? What to Do + 10 Ways to Dodge It

Facebook ads are a powerful tool for businesses to reach targeted audiences and generate leads, but getting your ad approved can sometimes be a challenge. If you’ve ever had a Facebook ad disapproved, you know how frustrating it can be. Understanding Facebook’s ad policies and guidelines is crucial to avoid these setbacks and ensure your campaigns run smoothly.

In this article, we’ll explore what you can do when your Facebook ad isn’t approved, plus 10 effective ways to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Why Was My Facebook Ad Disapproved?

Facebook is strict about its ad policies to maintain a safe and positive experience for users. If your ad doesn’t align with these policies, it may be disapproved. Common reasons include:

• Violation of Advertising Policies: Facebook has rules regarding prohibited content, such as discriminatory practices, illegal products, or misinformation.
• Text and Image Violations: Facebook limits the amount of text allowed in ad images and prohibits certain types of content, like overly sexual images or graphic violence.
• Landing Page Issues: If the landing page linked to your ad contains misleading information, restricted content, or doesn’t match the offer in your ad, it could be flagged.

So, what do you do if your ad gets disapproved? Here’s a step-by-step guide.

What to Do When Your Ad is Disapproved

If your Facebook ad isn’t approved, don’t panic. Follow these steps to resolve the issue:

1. Review the Disapproval Notice: Facebook will provide a reason for disapproval. Read it carefully to understand which policy your ad violated.
2. Edit and Resubmit: Make necessary changes to your ad based on the disapproval notice. Double-check Facebook’s Ad Policies to ensure compliance before resubmitting.
3. Request a Review: If you believe your ad was disapproved by mistake, you can request a manual review. Go to Account Quality in your Ads Manager, find the disapproved ad, and click “Request Review.” A Facebook representative will then re-examine your ad.
4. Test Different Ad Variations: Sometimes, subtle changes to ad copy, images, or the CTA can make a difference. Testing different versions helps identify what Facebook might be flagging.
5. Contact Facebook Support: If your ad continues to be disapproved and you can’t identify the problem, reach out to Facebook’s support team. They can provide more detailed information and help resolve the issue.

10 Ways to Avoid Facebook Ad Disapproval

Preventing disapproval from the start is always the best approach. Here are 10 strategies to help ensure your Facebook ads get approved:

1. Follow Facebook’s Advertising Policies

This might sound basic, but reading and understanding Facebook’s Advertising Policies is crucial. These policies cover everything from prohibited content to acceptable ad formats. Familiarizing yourself with these guidelines will help you craft ads that comply from the outset.

2. Avoid Prohibited Content

Facebook bans certain types of content, including:

• Tobacco, drugs, or unsafe supplements.
• Adult products or services.
• Discriminatory practices or sensitive content.

Ensure your ads steer clear of these subjects to avoid immediate disapproval.

3. Mind the Text-to-Image Ratio

Facebook has a 20% rule where they prefer that ad images contain no more than 20% text. While ads with higher text ratios aren’t outright banned, they may see reduced delivery or engagement. Use Facebook’s Text Overlay Tool to check your image’s text ratio before submitting.

4. Avoid Misleading Claims

Be careful with the language you use in your ad copy. Claims that sound unrealistic, such as “Guaranteed weight loss in 7 days!” or “Make $1,000 a day effortlessly,” are likely to be flagged as misleading. Focus on clear, honest, and verifiable statements.

5. Ensure Landing Page Compliance

Facebook closely monitors the landing pages linked to ads. Make sure your landing page:

• Matches the offer mentioned in the ad.
• Does not contain restricted or misleading content.
• Is functional and provides a good user experience (avoid pop-ups that interrupt navigation).

Consistency between your ad and landing page is key to avoiding disapproval.

6. Use Appropriate Imagery

Facebook’s community guidelines are strict about the types of images allowed. Avoid images that depict:

• Nudity or sexually suggestive content.
• Graphic violence or disturbing visuals.
• Deceptive before-and-after comparisons (commonly flagged in health-related ads).

Opt for professional, engaging visuals that are relevant to your product or service.

7. Include a Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)

While a strong CTA is essential, it must also comply with Facebook’s guidelines. Avoid overly aggressive CTAs like “Click NOW!” Instead, opt for subtle, action-oriented phrases such as “Learn More” or “Sign Up Today.”

8. Use Targeting Options Wisely

Facebook allows precise audience targeting, but you need to be careful not to discriminate or violate privacy policies. Ads that suggest knowledge of personal characteristics like health conditions, ethnicity, or financial status are prohibited. Stick to generic but relevant audience segments to stay within Facebook’s rules.

9. Run A/B Tests

Running A/B tests can help identify potential issues before scaling your campaigns. Test variations in ad copy, visuals, and targeting to see which version performs best and complies with Facebook’s rules.

10. Stay Updated on Facebook Policy Changes

Facebook frequently updates its ad policies, so staying informed is crucial. Follow Facebook’s Business Help Center and subscribe to updates. This will ensure your team is always aware of any new requirements or changes that might affect your campaigns.

Conclusion

Facebook ads are a powerful way to grow your business, but understanding and complying with the platform’s rules is essential to avoid disapprovals. If your ad gets flagged, take it as a learning opportunity and refine your strategy. By following the 10 strategies outlined above, you can increase your chances of creating compliant, high-performing ads that reach your target audience without delay.

Struggling with Facebook ad disapprovals? At Socially Savvy Solutions, we specialize in crafting ads that get approved and drive results. Whether you need help designing compliant ad creatives or optimizing your campaign strategy, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s get your ads performing like never before!