Fixing “Ads.txt Not Found” Error: A Complete Guide

The ads.txt file is crucial for preventing unauthorized digital ad sales and ensuring transparency in programmatic advertising. If you see an “Ads.txt not found” error, it means your website is missing this file, which can affect your ad revenue and relationships with advertisers. Here’s how you can fix this issue:

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Step-by-Step Guide to Fix “Ads.txt Not Found”

1. Create an Ads.txt File:
   • Open a text editor like Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac).
   • Add the authorized digital sellers in the following format:

     php

     Copy code

     <domain>, <publisher account ID>, <relationship type>, <certification authority ID>


     Example:

     rust

     Copy code

     google.com, pub-0000000000000000, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0

2. Save the Ads.txt File:
   • Save the file as ads.txt (ensure it is a plain text file).
3. Upload the Ads.txt File to Your Website:
   • Access your website’s root directory via FTP/SFTP or your hosting provider’s file manager.
   • Upload the ads.txt file to the root directory, where your index.html or index.php file is located.
4. Verify the Ads.txt File:
   • After uploading, navigate to https://yourwebsite.com/ads.txt in your browser to ensure the file is accessible and correctly displayed.

Detailed Steps for Different Platforms

For WordPress:

• Using an FTP Client:
  1. Connect to your website using an FTP client like FileZilla.
  2. Navigate to the root directory (often named public_html).
  3. Upload the ads.txt file.
• Using a Plugin:
  1. Install a plugin like “Ads.txt Manager” from the WordPress plugin repository.
  2. Go to Settings > Ads.txt in your WordPress dashboard.
  3. Add your authorized sellers’ information and save.

For cPanel:

• File Manager:
  1. Log into your cPanel account.
  2. Go to File Manager and navigate to the root directory of your site.
  3. Click Upload and select your ads.txt file.

Common Issues and Solutions

• Incorrect Directory: Ensure the ads.txt file is in the root directory. The URL should be https://yourwebsite.com/ads.txt.
• Incorrect File Format: Make sure the file is saved as plain text.
• Permission Issues: Check the file permissions. It should be readable by the web server (usually 644 permissions).

Final Check

Once the file is uploaded and accessible, wait for a few hours and check your ad network’s interface to see if the error has been resolved. Some ad networks might take time to reflect the changes.

By following these steps, you can fix the “Ads.txt not found” error and ensure your website complies with the requirements for transparent programmatic advertising.