How to Troubleshoot and Fix the ‘Ads.txt Not Found’ Error on Your WordPress Site

Lauren McDonagh-Pereira Photography

Lauren McDonagh-Pereira is a photographer from Massachusetts, USA. She captures the beauty of the world around her, favoring Nikon cameras and lenses. She is drawn to shooting landscapes, wildlife, nature, and people authentically enjoying life. Lauren has been carrying a camera to capture everyday magic since the early 2000s. She has been minting her photography as Ethereum NFTs since February 2022, and as Tezos NFTs since May 2022. Lauren is a mother of two small children and holds a masters degree in Mental Health Counseling.

Introduction

Running a WordPress site can be quite smooth until error messages start popping up. One common hiccup many site owners face is the ‘Ads.txt Not Found’ error, especially when integrating Google AdSense to monetize the platform. This error message may look daunting, but fear not! It’s a simple fix that you can do in a few easy steps.

In this post, I’ll guide you through the process of resolving this error, ensuring that your AdSense account runs seamlessly with your WordPress site hosted on Bluehost.

What is an Ads.txt File?

The ads.txt file is a crucial part of the online advertising ecosystem. It helps verify that the ads served on your site are authorized, improving transparency and trust in the online advertising world. When Google AdSense cannot find this file on your site, it triggers the ‘Ads.txt Not Found’ error.

What Are the Steps to Fix the ‘Ads.txt Not Found’ Error on a Bluehost Site?

Create or Update Your Ads.txt File:
- Firstly, if you don’t already have an ads.txt file, create a new text file and name it ads.txt.
- Paste the provided AdSense code into your ads.txt file. If an ads.txt file already exists on your site, simply add this line to it.
Uploading the File to Your Website:
- Log into your Bluehost account.
- Head over to the cPanel, and find the icon labeled “File Manager.”
- Once in the File Manager, navigate to the public_html directory, which is your website’s root directory.
- Upload the ads.txt file to the public_html directory. If you already have an ads.txt file, you can edit it directly in the File Manager by right-clicking on the file and selecting “Edit.”
Verifying the Upload:
- After the upload, verify it by visiting https://yourwebsite.com/ads.txt (replace “yourwebsite.com” with your actual domain name). You should see the AdSense code you pasted earlier.
Notify Google AdSense:
- In your AdSense account, there might be a re-crawl button. Click it if available. If not, don’t worry; Google AdSense will automatically re-crawl your site within a few days to detect the updated ads.txt file.
A Pinch of Patience:
- Note that it may take a few days for Google AdSense to update and for the error to disappear. Keep checking your AdSense account periodically to see if the error is resolved.

Conclusion

Fixing the ‘Ads.txt Not Found’ error is a straightforward task that you can accomplish in no time. By following the outlined steps, you’ll ensure that your WordPress site on Bluehost remains in good standing with Google AdSense, paving the way for a smooth monetization journey. Happy troubleshooting!