Google Bans Internet Marketers From Adwords
By Anna Johnson on July 14th, 2010Recently, I read some members of a popular Internet marketing forum complain that Google had banned them from its pay-per-click program, Google Adwords. Apparently they had violated Google’s terms of use to the point where Google felt it necessary to terminate their advertising accounts.
As you might imagine, there were cries of outrage from those banned and their sympathizers. But without knowing why they got banned, or the details of their situations, it’s impossible to judge whether Google was justified in its actions or if it failed to apply ‘natural justice’ (i.e. gave the advertisers the chance to rectify their mistakes and retain their accounts).
Even so, I noticed that none of those complaining claimed they had actually followed Google’s terms of advertising on Adwords! One of the poster’s excuses was that he had only just started using his account again for the first time in a year. That’s a bit like saying you shouldn’t be punished for stealing just because you haven’t stolen anything for a year…
Regardless, Google’s action provides a timely reminder to all Internet marketers that, when it comes to advertising on Google, Google makes the rules. It also applies them how it sees fit. The best thing you can do to avoid having your account suspended or banned is to… you guessed it… comply with Google’s rules.
To this end, I recommend you start by visiting Google Adwords, and then make your way through the various documentation. The huge array of information could be better organized, but getting educated is the only way to equip yourself with an understanding of what you can and can’t do. In particular, you’ll want to read Google’s Advertising Policies.
And remember: ignorance of the law i.e. Google’s law is no defense!
July 14th, 2010 at 2:37 pm
Just advertise on Facebook then. Google PPC is overpriced and overrated and their attitude will come back to haunt them in the next few years
July 15th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
As an internet marketer I have to use some of Google’s services but I think the way they treat the publishers they think have violated their rules, stinks!!! They ban you without even telling you which rule they think you have broken, and even though they have a lot of clout, they are NOT always right.
I am still smarting at being banned by them over three years ago for a crime I know I did not commit. However, they are not the only action in town so…