Common ads.txt Mistakes to Avoid

Introduction

While ads.txt is a simple concept, many publishers make mistakes that can impact their ad revenue and inventory security. Let's explore the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Incorrect File Location

Mistake: Placing the ads.txt file in the wrong directory or using incorrect URLs.

Solution: Always place your ads.txt file in your root directory at https://yourdomain.com/ads.txt. For subdomains, place it at https://subdomain.yourdomain.com/ads.txt.

2. Formatting Errors

Common Formatting Mistakes:

• Missing commas between fields
• Extra spaces in the wrong places
• Incorrect line breaks
• Using tabs instead of spaces

Solution: Use our Website ads.txt Generator to ensure proper formatting.

3. Outdated Information

Mistake: Not updating the ads.txt file when adding new ad networks or removing old ones.

Solution: Regularly review and update your ads.txt file. Set up a quarterly review schedule to ensure all entries are current.

4. Incorrect Publisher IDs

Mistake: Using wrong or outdated publisher IDs.

Solution: Double-check all publisher IDs against your ad network accounts. Keep a record of your publisher IDs in a secure location.

5. Missing Authorized Sellers

Mistake: Not including all authorized sellers in your ads.txt file.

Solution: Create a comprehensive list of all your ad networks and authorized sellers. Use our generator to ensure you don't miss any.

6. Improper Relationship Types

Mistake: Using incorrect relationship types (DIRECT vs. RESELLER).

Solution: Understand the difference:

• DIRECT: The publisher has a direct relationship with the ad network
• RESELLER: The publisher works with an intermediary

7. Security Issues

Common Security Mistakes:

• Not using HTTPS
• Allowing unauthorized access to edit the file
• Not monitoring for unauthorized changes

Solution: Implement proper security measures and regularly monitor your ads.txt file.

8. Mobile App Specific Mistakes

Mistake: Not implementing app-ads.txt for mobile applications.

Solution: Create an app-ads.txt file using our Mobile app-ads.txt Generator and ensure it's properly hosted on your developer website.

Best Practices to Avoid Mistakes

• Use automated tools to generate and validate your ads.txt file
• Regularly audit your file for accuracy
• Keep documentation of all your ad network relationships
• Set up monitoring for unauthorized changes
• Test your ads.txt file after any changes