Adsense position - breaks policy?

[Steve Foulds]

I searched here but could find the answer - if i position an adsense banner at the top & a nav bar above it, forcing the user to cross the banner to use the nav bar, does that break adsense policy? I assume it does if the nav bar has a drop-down menu that covers some of the ad?

[JoshuaG]

Don't take it as gospel, but I think if you were to place the banner below the nav bar that would be fine.

You might run into problems if you were doing something like placing the banner between a header image and the nav bar.

Also, you would run into trouble if your nav bar contents were suggestive towards the banner contents.

[paulgl]

The ad position has no problems. The drop down menu would have
2 issues if were over ads.

The drop down menu obscures ads, which is technically a violation
as nothing on the page is supposed to obscure ads.

The drop down menu, being right over adsense links, may inadvertently
get clicks. Accidental clicks, if they pile up, could be a problem
for your site's risk to advertisers.

Drop down menus, while pretty, are not a good visitor experience, IMHO.

Paul

[yukon]

Originally Posted by Steve Foulds

I searched here but could find the answer - if i position an adsense banner at the top & a nav bar above it, forcing the user to cross the banner to use the nav bar, does that break adsense policy? I assume it does if the nav bar has a drop-down menu that covers some of the ad?

Yes, that violates the Adsense TOS.

You can't cover an Adsense Ad in any way.


[source]

Ad Placement

Publishers are encouraged to experiment with a variety of placements and ad formats. However, AdSense code may not be placed in inappropriate places such as pop-ups, emails or software. Publishers must also adhere to the policies for each product used.
View full ad placement policies.

Google ads, search boxes or search results may not be:

• Integrated into a software application of any kind, including toolbars.
• Displayed in pop-ups or pop-unders.
• Placed in emails, email programs, or chat programs.
• Obscured by elements on a page.
• Placed on any non-content-based page. (Does not apply to AdSense for search or mobile AdSense for search.)
• Placed on pages published specifically for the purpose of showing ads.
• Placed on pages whose content or URL could confuse users into thinking it is associated with Google due to the misuse of logos, trademarks or other brand features.
• Placed on, within or alongside other Google products or services in a manner that violates the policies of that product or service.

[Steve Foulds]

Great, thanks all!