Decrease in revenue from vignette and anchor ads - reasons why?

[in31]

Hi, I've noticed my revenue last week, specifically from vignette and anchor ads has decreased by 70% compared to previous weeks. I've been with AdSense for years now and never experienced this.

I've tried to play around with vignette ad frequency settings with no effect. I came across information suggesting that Google might be restricting these ads due to potential impacts on user experience, although I haven't received any notifications in my dashboard.

Any ideas on reasons why? Cloudflare, a cache plugin, server settings, no GDPR popup perhaps? Thank you

[not2easy]

A new Digital Markets Act (EU) went into effect on March 7, maybe it affects your traffic? That information is here: [webmasterworld.com...]

Then there is their change from CPC to CPM that might change things?

[in31]

Thanks for the reply.

Traffic is still the same, in fact it's up a little.

The initial CPC to CPM change affected revenue slightly initially, but in the last week, it's gone down drastically (90% on one site).

[in31]

After doing a lot of troubleshooting, I found out it was due to the lack of GDPR consent. Once I activated it, the ads returned to normal.

Hope this helps someone in a similar situation.

[tangor]

Thanks for providing a resolution! Too often folks fix something asked then neglect to let others know their solution.

[honestman]

I have definitely noticed a downward trend since the change from CPC to CPM.
As always, experiences vary, but I wonder how many others see this change, one way or another, and if this affects the vignette and anchor ad revenue in your experience?

[yassine chafik]

It could be due to issues with your ad settings, Cloudflare, caching plugins, server settings, or GDPR compliance. Check your site's performance and reach out to Google AdSense support. I also had this incidence and it got solved.

[honestman]

@yassine chafik. Thank you. All checks out, but thank you. I believe the current Google core update is making any final determination difficult until it is over in early April. With rankings for keywords changing, and the new CPM methodology, and serious AI integration into the algorithm that alters what is valued, etc., hard to make any solid determinations at this point.

[Seppone]

@in31: How did Google 'punish' you for non consent?
No ads displayed? I am just wondering since I get a warning about sites impacted, too, but fill rate is normal.