Ezoic’s WordPress plugin provides an efficient way to integrate your site with Ezoic’s systems, offering features like cache management and the creation of ad placeholders. However, during the Ad Inserter's rollout, users have encountered some common issues. This troubleshooting guide aims to address these frequent problems, ensuring a smoother experience with the ad placeholder functionalities of the plugin. Whether you are dealing with existing placeholders, experiencing issues with ad settings, or facing plugin-related discrepancies, this article will provide the necessary steps to resolve these challenges effectively.

Users may encounter several symptoms indicative of issues with the Ezoic WordPress plugin and its Ad Inserter functionality. Some common symptoms include:

1. Existing placeholders not being automatically replaced or updated, leading to confusion and potential duplication of placeholder ads on the site.
2. A message stating ineligibility for monetization when attempting to access the "Ad Settings" page, preventing management of new placeholders.
3. The plugin not generating default placeholders upon installation if there are already placeholders configured for the domain.
4. Specific placeholders appearing in incorrect positions on the site, which may require manual adjustment via the settings.
5. Placeholder ads displaying inconsistently across different pages or post structures, often influenced by themes or plugins like Elementor.
6. Discontent with the size or form-factor configuration of placeholders, especially when viewing the site on different devices such as desktops, mobiles, and tablets.

Troubleshooting

1. Pre-existing Placeholder Setup:
   • If you already have placeholders created either within the publisher dashboard or using the Chrome extension, WordPress placeholders will not be automatically created upon the plugin install.
   • To utilize the generated placeholders, click on the “Generate Default Placeholders” button on the Ad Settings page. Note that this adds to, rather than replaces, the pre-existing setup.
   • For completely replacing the existing setup, you must manually delete prior placeholders via the publisher dashboard or Chrome Extension.
2. Identifying Plugin-created Placeholders:
   • Placeholders created using the WordPress plugin feature “wp_” before the placeholder name, distinguishing them from those created via the Chrome Extension or publisher dashboard.
3. Monetization Eligibility Issue:
   • If you receive a message stating you are not eligible for monetization and cannot manage new placeholders after activating the plugin, ensure that you are monetization eligible (approved, pending, or pre-approved).
   • Once monetization is enabled, deactivate and reactivate the plugin.
4. Default Placeholders Not Generated:
   • If existing placeholders are already configured for your domain, the plugin will not auto-generate new placeholders. Manually generate them by visiting the “Ad Settings” page and clicking the “Generate Default Placeholders” button.
   • Alternatively, disable all current placeholders, then deactivate and reactivate the plugin to potentially generate the default placeholders.
5. Incorrect Placeholder Positioning:
   • Log into the admin console, navigate to Settings, then Ezoic, and select the “Ad Settings” tab to edit placeholder placement.
6. Placeholders Moving or Incorrect Placement:
   • If placeholders appear incorrectly or move depending on the page being viewed, it might be due to themes or plugins (e.g., Elementor) altering the page/post structure. Modify placements in the Ad Settings to address this. Updates to the plugin to accommodate this behavior are in progress.
7. Unfavorable Size and Form-factor Configuration:
   • Ad appearance can vary based on the form-factor (desktop/mobile/tablet) and content layout. Modify the placeholders by navigating to the Placeholder Dashboard in the publisher portal to adjust ad layouts, alignment, size, and other aspects.

To maintain optimal performance and avoid common issues with the Ezoic WordPress plugin and Ad Inserter, consider the following tips:

1. Regularly Update the Plugin: Ensure that you are always using the latest version of the Ezoic WordPress plugin. Updates often include important bug fixes and new features that can enhance performance.
2. Monitor Placeholder Placement: Regularly check the placement of your placeholders to ensure they are correctly positioned. If you are using a theme or plugin that alters page/post structures, be prepared to make adjustments as needed.
3. Avoid Placeholder Duplication: If you already have placeholders created through the publisher dashboard or Chrome extension, avoid generating new default placeholders using the plugin to prevent duplication and potential confusion.
4. Optimize for Different Devices: Test your ad placements across various devices (desktop, mobile, tablet) to ensure they look appropriate on all form factors. Use the Placeholder Dashboard to adjust layouts, alignment, and sizes as necessary.
5. Manual Placeholder Adjustments: If placeholders are not appearing as expected, manually adjust their positions through the Ad Settings tab in the plugin settings or the Placeholder Dashboard.

By following these tips, you can help prevent common issues and maintain the effectiveness of your ad placements using the Ezoic WordPress plugin.

If you need further assistance, please log in via https://support.ezoic.com/ to make use of our dedicated resources for support. We're here to help!