Blog Post

Google has strict policies in place for PPC ads – are you following them?

  • by Steve Taylor
  • 26 Apr, 2018

According to Google, 3.2 billion ads were removed from their search engine due to violation of their advertising policies. To put that into context, it’s near enough double the 1.7 billion ads it took down during 2016.

So what prompts removal of a search ad?

Reasons commonly include:

·        ads that send search users to malware-laden sites

·        “trick-to-click” ads that misrepresent what they’re advertising

·        ads that prompt unwanted installation of software on the user’s computer

In an attempt to stop this rising trend of ‘bad ads’, Google is implementing new technology and has introduced a staggering 28 new advertiser policies, and 20 new publisher policies in recent months.

You can keep up to date with the policies in their change log.

A quick glance through updated policies will tell you that the following industries and ad types are prohibited, or heavily restricted:

·        cryptocurrencies

·        spread betting

·        gambling

·        ticket resellers

·        country-specific restrictions, like alcohol

·        online pharmacies

The list goes on, but that gives you a fairly good idea of content that Google prohibits from PPC marketing.

How can you avoid having an ad removed from Google AdWords?

If your website content isn’t on the restricted or banned list, it’s still possible for Google to remove your ad from AdWords. This is particularly the case if your website provides a negative experience for users that land on it – we’re talking malware and content misrepresentation here.

1.       Make sure there’s no malware on your domain

With Google checking thousands (if not millions) of websites every day for malware, it’s logical that their scanning tool is available for webmasters. You can find it here, where it’ll check for malware and safe browsing site status (https, among other factors).  

2.       Ensure your ads match the content

This is a logical one, but if your ad is selling luxury watches, make sure it doesn’t send users to a page selling beauty products. That’s why landing pages are the better option for Google Ads as the content is written specifically to reinforce the message of the ad, leading to higher conversion rates and better user experience.

3.       Avoid making your users install software to use your website

With Google preferring html5 these days, requiring the installation of flash on a pc for a user to access your website could prompt Google to take action. That’s just one example, the best bet is to make your website as simple and easy to use as possible. Google wants its users to have a clean experience and be able to access the content of the advertising easily and hassle-free.

4.       Keep your website safe and secure

Good security and maintenance of your website go a long way in ensuring it doesn’t get penalised by Google, or your ads removed. Having a shared server can cause issues if another webmaster violates Google’s standards, or sends spam from their domain, so opt for the best hosting provider and package that you can afford.

With some common sense and good website maintenance, it’s relatively easy to stay on the right side of Google and keep your PPC ads working hard for your business. If you have any further hints or tips, we’d love to hear them – please leave a comment below!

by Steve Taylor 21 Dec, 2018

Amazon has taken the world by storm with its range of products, drone deliveries and streaming services, but one aspect you might not have considered before is its pay per click marketing, otherwise known as “sponsored products”.

If you sell products, then advertising through Amazon is an effective way of reaching a bigger audience and increasing your revenue. But how do you get started with one of the world’s largest retailers?

Sponsored product ads appear in both Amazon’s search results and product listing pages

Although you will find that the PPC ads on Amazon are discreetly marked as ‘sponsored’, they do fit in seamlessly within the rest of the search results, dare I say it far better than on Google where it’s obvious to many that the advertisement has been paid for.

It’s also easy to get started with Amazon’s PPC system.

Any seller with a professional selling plan can place ads, although not all of Amazon’s categories are currently available to advertise under. You can quickly get started and find the answers to your questions under Amazon’s helpful service pages , and as always, their customer service is easily accessible for support.

Just like Google Ads, Amazon’s PPC works as an auction style system where you place bids for where you want your advert to appear, and the highest bidder wins the first position.

There are several key reasons why you should be considering Amazon for your PPC advertising

Amazon is fantastic at running seasonal promotions. Like many people, around those all important dates of the year – Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas, Mother’s and Father’s Day and Valentines, you probably head straight to Amazon to either buy gifts or garner some inspiration.

Amazon advertising can be found everywhere, from billboards to television ads, so you know that your PPC campaign can tap into some of that marketing magic too, something that Google still struggles somewhat to achieve.

It’s also perfect for boosting a single product you might be struggling to shift from your warehouse. Where Google is best for landing page campaigns and sales funnels, when you just have a product to clear or a new line to introduce to the market, Amazon is perfect for giving an instant boost exactly where you need it.

Don’t forget about the “accidental effects” to your organic SEO either .

The more your products are viewed online, along with visits to your website, positive reviews and that crucial “social proof” is in place, you will find that your organic SEO is given a boost and the effects of an Amazon PPC campaign will be found elsewhere in your digital marketing.

We think that giving Amazon sponsored products advertising a try in 2019 is certainly worth a try if you’re an e-commerce or drop shipping business owner looking for a new marketing tactic. As always, for advice and support with all things pay per click marketing, get in touch with us here at Bargainarena Limited, and we’ll be delighted to help.

 

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