In 2025, Google has become much stricter with Related Search for Content (RSoC) campaigns. Violations that once slipped through now get flagged fast. With the 3-strike RAF rule in place, too many mistakes can remove your access completely.
Knowing the violations in detail is the first step to staying safe. But just knowing is not enough. You also need to understand what each violation looks like in practice and how to fix it.
For the official list of what Google will not tolerate anymore, see this post:
RSoC Compliance in 2025: What Google Won’t Tolerate Anymore. In this article, we’ll expand on that list with clear examples and compliant alternatives.
1. Misrepresentation
Violation: Claiming results that don’t exist, like “Get approved instantly” when approval takes days.
Fix: Use clear and true language. Example: “Fast online application with results in 24 hours.”
2. Exaggerated earnings
Violation: “Earn $500 a day from home.”
Fix: Avoid numbers unless you can prove them. Safer angle: “Work from home opportunities available.”
3. Fake urgency
Violation: “Only 2 spots left today!” when that’s not true.
Fix: Use urgency based on fact. Example: “Limited-time signup bonus until Sunday.”
4. Clickbait headlines
Violation: “Doctors hate this trick” or “This one simple secret will change your life.”
Fix: Stay specific. Example: “5 tested ways to lower your car insurance costs.”
5. Unrealistic salary claims
Violation: “Get a $100k job with no experience.”
Fix: Keep it grounded. Example: “Entry-level roles available in tech and finance.”
6. Prohibited financial offers
Violation: Payday loans or misleading credit repair ads.
Fix: Stick with approved financial products and describe them honestly.
7. Health and weight loss promise
Violation: “Lose 20 pounds in one week.”
Fix: General wellness angles. Example: “Tips for healthier daily routines.”
8. Before-and-after images
Violation: Photos showing dramatic transformations for fitness or beauty.
Fix: Use lifestyle images that suggest a result without showing fake proof.
9. Misleading search terms
Violation: Stuffing keywords that don’t match the page, like “cheap flights” when the page sells insurance.
Fix: Only use keywords directly tied to your offer.
10. Thin content
Violation: Landing pages that are only ads with no real text or context.
Fix: Add useful content. Even short guides or comparisons make the page stronger and safer.
11. Manipulated news or logos
Violation: Using fake news articles or unauthorized brand logos to add credibility.
Fix: Stick with original copy and licensed visuals.
12. Sensitive or shocking content
Violation: Using violent or shocking images to get clicks.
Fix: Keep visuals clean and relevant to the offer.
13. Adult or restricted topics
Violation: Any adult content, sexual imagery, or products not allowed by policy.
Fix: Avoid these completely. No safe workarounds here.
Why Fixing These Violations Matters
Every violation increases the risk of a strike. Too many strikes, and you may lose your RSoC access permanently. For details on how the strike system works, read this guide:
Google’s 3-Strike RAF Rule Explained.
By rewriting ads and pages the right way, you keep your campaigns compliant and profitable. The key is not to water down your message but to stay honest, specific, and aligned with Google’s rules.
Final Thoughts
RSoC is still a strong channel in 2025, but only for those who respect the rules. Most violations happen because buyers push too far with copy or cut corners on landing pages.
If you treat this list as part of your daily workflow, you’ll avoid the mistakes that kill campaigns. Combine it with regular audits and automation, and you’ll be ahead of most media buyers still trying to push non-compliant ads through.