Why Your Google Ad Campaign Shows 'Restricted Targeting' on Location, Age & Gender

You thought you had your Google Ad Campaign setup properly but it doesn't seem to be generating many impressions or clicks. As you dig in further, you see your location targeting, which is set to target on the zip code level, is showing a "restricted targeting" warning. You also notice the same thing on Age and Gender dimensions when you make bid adjustments or exclude a certain age or gender group.

What is this all about and what can you do to remove the "restricted targeting" warning?

This most often happens when your business is related to housing or if Google just thinks it's related to housing. Google has to obey the laws of the land like the Fair Housing Act and restricting zip codes, age or gender for your real estate or home rental business is going to trigger Google's housing policy. Obviously, this is to avoid discrimination against certain demographics.

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