Facebook ads have completely changed the advertising game. They make it easier for small and large businesses alike to reach their targeted audiences in innovative and effective ways. The possibilities are endless. Unless, of course, you have a disabled ad account. If this has happened to you, not to worry! You’re not alone. We know firsthand how awful this experience can be.

Facebook security team is massively deactivating its advertisers ad accounts due to the bigger number of fraudulent advertisers. Are you impacted by this? Learn how to fix one of the most used online marketing platforms from the information in this article.

Why was your account deactivated?

Unfortunately, Facebook doesn’t always say exactly why you have a disabled ad account. If you get a message like the one below, you will need to review their Advertising Policies.

The worst part about a disabled ad account is that it happens without warnings. If you put all eggs in one basket and Facebook is the only platform you’ve been relying on, the consequences might be daunting.

In this post, we will explain the most common reasons for Disabled Ad Account. 

Most Common Reasons for Disabled Ad Account

If you have attempted to log in to your ad account only to be met with a login failure screen, it may be that your account is blocked, deleted or disabled for violating Facebook’s terms of use or advertising guidelines.

The only way to recover your account if this happens is to get in touch with Facebook. If you have any questions about a blocked, deleted or disabled Facebook account, you can use Facebook’s online contact form to ask any question you want.

The most common reasons for Disabled Ad Account include: 

Unsettled or Pending settlement 

You may not have violated any of Facebook’s community guidelines or terms of use. If this is the case, log in and check your account to see if all payments have been settled. Consider yourself lucky, because this is an easy fix. 

Make sure that your payment and billing information is up to date. For example, perhaps you received a new card from your bank. Make sure that the new card information has been updated on your account. Once the payment is settled, it shouldn’t take long before your ads are up and running again.

Branded Content 

Facebook defines branded content as “any post—including text, photos, videos, Instant Articles, links, 360 videos and Live videos—from media companies, celebrities or other influencers that features a third party product, brand or sponsor.” For example, a makeup brand may collaborate with a beauty influencer to promote a new eyeshadow palette. 

Facebook updated its branded content policy in 2016. It requires influencers and publishers to tag the company they are collaborating with on paid partnership and sponsorship posts. Make sure that, both, ads and organic posts tag the business partner. 

Since the policy update, Facebook has created a tool for branded content. This feature allows publishers and influencers to officially tag a business partner. It also gives both parties access to insightful information, such as engagement, reach metrics, total spend, and CPM.

Personal Attributes 

Facebook’s policy regarding personal attributes states: 

“Ads must not contain content that asserts or implies personal attributes. This includes direct or indirect assertions or implications about a person’s race, ethnic origin, religion, beliefs, age, sexual orientation or practices, gender identity, disability, medical condition (including physical or mental health), financial status, membership in a trade union, criminal record, or name.”

It’s so important to remain mindful of the way we word advertisements so that they will not offend others. Focus on your unique selling proposition, and try to avoid questions that ask the viewer identifying questions. 

Sexually Suggestive Content

Facebook describes this topic as a “common point of confusion.” Other platforms may give more leeway in this area, but Facebook has strict guidelines on what it deems acceptable in regards to explicit material or images. 

Adult content is never permitted in Facebook advertisements. This includes, “nudity, depictions of people in explicit or suggestive positions, or activities that are overly suggestive or sexually provocative.” But perhaps you are in the business of selling undergarments, body wash, or art. You must still tread lightly. 

For example, images that focus on specific body parts, even if not “explicitly sexual in nature,” are not permitted. However, images of art, such as greek statues, are generally deemed acceptable.

Facebook Brand Usage 

Facebook states, ads that link to Facebook or Instagram content (such as pages, groups, events, or sites that use Facebook Login), “may make limited reference to ‘Facebook’ or ‘Instagram’ in ad text for the purpose of clarifying the destination of the ad.” 

However, Facebook branding cannot be the most “distinctive or prominent part of the creative.” You may be thinking, “I’ll use the Facebook logo in my ad to grab the attention of viewers.” Perhaps it would make the ad seem more “official.” Sorry to burst your bubble, but using the Facebook logo in any way, shape, or form is strictly prohibited.

What Can You Do?

Submit an appeal

So, you’ve reviewed all the guidelines above, fortunately, you have the option to submit an appeal.

First, you must log in to your Facebook account. You will be prompted to enter your advertiser account identification number. Then, you will have the opportunity to state the issues you are experiencing and describe your recent account activity. Take the time to write an email that is honest, descriptive, and appreciative. 

Also, don’t forget to cite the exact Facebook policy or policies you think your ad(s) may have broken. Make sure to mention that you’ll fix the errors and do better in the future.

If your appeal is denied, there are still some things you can do. One of the most important things to keep in mind is to keep trying. Even if you receive a denial from Facebook, try again, and again. 

Remember that your appeal may have been read by AI (artificial intelligence)/ a robot, which often produces a canned response. Even if the response is “final,” you can still keep asking. Obviously, there’s a limit. If you’ve received 10, 20 or 50 denials, it’s safe to assume that it’s a hard no.

Speak with a Facebook Marketing Expert 

If filing an appeal leads to a dead end, try contacting a Facebook Marketing Expert. Facebook Marketing Experts are Facebook employees who provide free consultations and make recommendations for ad optimization. 

First, you’ll need to find out if you are eligible for a consultation. Then you can schedule an appointment. 

Since appeals are most likely processed by AI, contacting a Facebook Marketing Expert will give you the opportunity to speak with a real person. During the call, you can ask for advice on future ad campaigns. Explain that your ad account has been deactivated and you’re seeking advice to avoid policy violations in the future. 

Ask for his/her opinion on why your account was disabled. There’s a chance they will not be able to give you a definitive answer. But, there is a chance they will be able to view details on the back end, to give you an informed opinion. 

How long will it take? 

The appeal process could take anywhere between several hours to a couple of weeks. To avoid this inconvenience, it’s best to prevent this predicament altogether. Read below to see how you can prevent the deactivation of your ad account.

How can you AVOID this?

If your account has not been disabled and you would like to avoid the horror stories you’ve heard there are ways you can protect yourself.

1. Review Facebook’s terms and policies thoroughly beforehand. 
2. Set up one ad and get it approved before duplicating it and running multiple at one time. This way, your ad money doesn’t go down the drain if your account is temporarily disabled for a minor infraction. 
3. Have multiple administrators for each back-up account. If one administrator is disabled, another may take his or her place. 
4. Only set up accounts with payment information when you are ready to use them and do not put payment information into accounts that you are not actively using. 
5. Use Facebook Business Manager, not your personal ad account. This way, you can have separate ad accounts for each client or business. If something were to go wrong, all accounts would not be in jeopardy. 
6. Keep a close eye on the comments. Not all negative comments come from “internet trolls.”  Negative comments can be indicators of a community guideline violation. This should be addressed promptly.
7. Do not schedule ads too frequently. We understand you want to repeat exposure to your ad. However, ads that are seen too frequently often get flagged. 
8. Do a final review of the ad copy, ad creative, and landing page prior to getting approved. 
9. Run ads that comply with Facebook’s advertising policies.
10. Don’t launch your campaigns immediately.
11. Use a credit card that is different from the one connected to a disabled ad account.
12. Don’t create too many ads in your first campaign.
13. Start with promoting very safe content.
14. Avoid changing your funding source.
15. Keep your credit card valid with available credit
16. Create ads from locations where you normally use Facebook.
17. Don’t promote poorly optimized landing pages.

Conclusion:

If your ad account was deactivated, hopefully, you now feel equipped with the information you need to reactivate the account again. We know, deactivation is scary and upsetting but with the tools listed above, there’s a chance this nightmare is soon to be over. 

Share this post with a friend, peer, or colleague and help them avoid this terror of ad account deactivation. We hope your story has a happy ending! 

Looking for someone to manage your campaigns? Check out our ad campaign services. We’ll build campaigns that reach your business goals and scale them.