Is it still possible to promote "free trial offers" on adwords?

tommy_gun · 10-26-2009, 06:45 AM

Hello,

Is it still possible to promote "free trial offers" like acai berry trials on adwords or will google ban you?
I know that direct linking to such offers through adwords will get you banned, but is it okay for google if you send them to a review style landingpage which hast the offers on it?

Kenster · 10-26-2009, 08:15 AM

Yes it is still possible, but you have to have your offer deeper and you have to add a bit of creativity. No, you cant direct link effectively. No, one -page wonders are becoming increasingly difficult.

So you have to build a site with good rich content. Dont try and trick google, just try and promote your offer 'down the line' a little bit meaning they may have to click through a page or two. But you are still pre-selling thorughout the whole process.

The key is finding an effective stream or funnel. Once youve got this, you satisfy googles terms and you will be fine.

I have been doing darn good with googles crackdown because many people have thrown their arms up and quit in many popular niches and many high traffic keywords. So, figure out a system that works for you (and google) and this is a tremendous opportunity.

Cash37 · 10-26-2009, 02:33 PM

Its not worth it. Everyone is using PPV or media buying now anyways

tommy_gun · 10-26-2009, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cash37

Its not worth it. Everyone is using PPV or media buying now anyways

That doesn't make sense to me because the reason for everybody using ppc is that it can work if you do the things right..a lot of competition doesn't mean that it wont work..

rachelle123 · 10-26-2009, 07:13 PM

It is definately worth it and it works fine. Just have to find those converting kws.. and your good to go..!!

Catalyst eMarketing · 10-26-2009, 09:17 PM

Actually the Adwords rules are changing re free trials.

IMPORTANT, I posted this elsewhere on the forum, but will repost in this thread too.

=======================================
This is pretty big news if it's true.

Someone posted a letter that looks and sounds official to me. It was received from Adwords saying they soon will not allow CPA free trial/rebill offers and other "Unacceptable Business Practices" including fake celebrity endorsements.

Quote:

Big Heads Up For Adwords Advertizers

Dear AdWords Advertiser,

We’re writing to let you know about a change to Google’s advertising policies that could affect your AdWords account.

Beginning in the coming weeks, we’ll no longer accept ads that promote Unacceptable Business Practices. This includes, but is not limited to, negative option or unclear billing, the sale of normally free items or services, and false celebrity endorsements.

Negative option billing specifically relates to sites that offer free trials, services, or other offers in conjunction with a subscription service. Sites in violation of this policy automatically enter users into a subscription if they do not cancel within the pre-determined trial period.

In order to comply, these pages must contain an opt-in checkbox that contains the price and billing interval of the subscription service on the page where a user enter their billing information.

When we make this change any URLs in violation of this policy may be submitted for Landing Page Quality disabling. Once this has been completed you will have 10 days to make any necessary changes to your website in order to comply before the disabling will take effect. We ask that you make changes to your ads and/or website to comply, so that your campaigns can continue to run.

As a business, Google must make decisions regarding the advertising we accept. We’ve given much thought to our stance on this content, as well as the potential effect our policy decision could have on AdWords advertisers, and we apologize for any inconvenience it may cause you.

Sincerely,
The Google AdWords Team

Note: The part in red is not up to the affiliates. They are not saying the disclosure needs to be on the affiliate's landing page, it needs to be on the merchant's payment page, so affiliates will need to find offers that comply with Google's new rules if they want to continue to run free trial, rebill offers.

PPC-Coach · 10-26-2009, 09:21 PM

No big deal, merchants will comply.

Google does this every so often when they get enough complaints from people buying products through their links.

TimScott · 10-26-2009, 11:50 PM

I agree, as long as you build your offer a couple pages deep into your site, and comply with the Adwords rules, you should be fine.

20092009 · 10-27-2009, 12:16 AM

Yes it is possible... And it is way worth it.

But try other ppc places... ad words is NOT the only place and they do not have ALL the traffic. I know a few guys that are killing it with ppc not using adwords!

Tim

Kenster · 11-01-2009, 11:08 AM

Yes its def not worth it.

I think you guys should all give it up so that I keep getting more sales !

Ive said this before but the marketers who are resilient enough to change as teh industry changes are the ones that will come out ahead in the end. Youve got to be able to adapt in this industry and this is just another opportunity where the good marketers can take advantage as more and more marketers give up because its too hard to comply or they just dont want to be flexible with their processes.

best of luck all

Zach Booker · 11-01-2009, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenster

Yes its def not worth it.

Quote:

I think you guys should all give it up so that I keep getting more sales !

p2y · 11-01-2009, 11:36 AM

If you know what you're doing, it's worth it. My sales have skyrocketed in the past few weeks since the new rules kicked in because too many copy cats are ditching their flogs out of fear. Marketing is all about innovation, stop following everybody else and come up with your own creative ideas and you'll have no problem getting past the "rebill ban"

martinkeens · 11-02-2009, 02:47 PM

The best way that I've found to use AdWords in conjunction with these kinds of offers recently is to give your visitor a reason to sign up for your mailing list. Then make the sale from there. Just have your ppc ad go to a regular content (non-sales) page that has an opt-in form on in. Not only will you get around the Google crack-down, but now you have a targeted list that you can use to sell other offers to in the future.

Kenster · 11-02-2009, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martinkeens

The best way that I've found to use AdWords in conjunction with these kinds of offers recently is to give your visitor a reason to sign up for your mailing list. Then make the sale from there. Just have your ppc ad go to a regular content (non-sales) page that has an opt-in form on in. Not only will you get around the Google crack-down, but now you have a targeted list that you can use to sell other offers to in the future.

Working with the rules. This is how you can monetize on the excess traffic now available as people have ditched.

Kenster · 11-02-2009, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by p2y

If you know what you're doing, it's worth it. My sales have skyrocketed in the past few weeks since the new rules kicked in because too many copy cats are ditching their flogs out of fear. Marketing is all about innovation, stop following everybody else and come up with your own creative ideas and you'll have no problem getting past the "rebill ban"

100% agree. A few of my channels have increased in traffic over the same period most likely for the same reason...people leaving certain niches. You can really find some good keywords at decent prices for once.

I think advertisers will also come up with offers that more easily comply with search engine TOS, but yes, creativity is still and will always be key to getting ahead.

Mormuno01 · 11-02-2009, 10:47 PM

The only reason people are telling you all that Google is banning Free Trial Offers is so you will not post your ads on Google and we will all get low CPC's. I have over 5 different rebill offers on Google right now and am direct linking all of them. Stop reading this dumb forum and get to work. Last month I made over $15,000 direct linking with Adwords Rebill/Free Trial Offers. Most Offers are now Quality Score compliant making it ever easier to direct link. Awesomeness.

ways2profit · 11-02-2009, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cash37

Its not worth it. Everyone is using PPV or media buying now anyways

Well talking of media buy... Adbrite does not allow direct linking to email/zip submit offers. Any thoughts on how to get around it?

Thanks

erwindegrave · 11-04-2009, 02:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommy_gun

Hello,

Is it still possible to promote "free trial offers" like acai berry trials on adwords or will google ban you?
I know that direct linking to such offers through adwords will get you banned, but is it okay for google if you send them to a review style landingpage which hast the offers on it?

Free trial offers still works but you need to consider that you should have a good content for people to try it.. :-)

basuoct2822 · 11-05-2009, 01:07 PM

oh its absolutely worthy ....

and its works well ....

just need to add some additional parts thats it .....

TrinitydelaCruz · 11-06-2009, 10:26 AM

Having a review styled landing page can work as long as it's unique and value packed.

Kenster · 11-06-2009, 04:12 PM

It still works yes, just make sure you do a few things

1. Red TOS carefully. I call Google and other search engines directly when something is unclear. They are sometimes helpful and sometimes not, but you always want to get as much support for something you are doign as possible. I try and use email so I have written record.

2. Speak with your affiliate manager. Be open about what you are doing so you dont get denied commissions. This doesnt mean giving away your campaign like keywords and such, but be honest about methods of promotion etc.

3. Always be designing your sites and your promotional channel in the mind of a google rep. Think how the google reviewers would think and build your campaign around this mindset. This will help you not only get past google slaps, but also help you get a good quality score.

best of luck

tommy_gun · 12-02-2009, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenster

It still works yes, just make sure you do a few things

1. Red TOS carefully. I call Google and other search engines directly when something is unclear. They are sometimes helpful and sometimes not, but you always want to get as much support for something you are doign as possible. I try and use email so I have written record.

2. Speak with your affiliate manager. Be open about what you are doing so you dont get denied commissions. This doesnt mean giving away your campaign like keywords and such, but be honest about methods of promotion etc.

3. Always be designing your sites and your promotional channel in the mind of a google rep. Think how the google reviewers would think and build your campaign around this mindset. This will help you not only get past google slaps, but also help you get a good quality score.

best of luck

but i've heard that promoting free trial offers like acai berry isn't possible on adwords any more even with a high quality landingpage..everybody tells something different so i'm really confused about that :-(

butters · 12-02-2009, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommy_gun

but i've heard that promoting free trial offers like acai berry isn't possible on adwords any more even with a high quality landingpage..everybody tells something different so i'm really confused about that :-(

Do it, if you get slapped your soon find out. Some people don't do it, some don't want to risk it, some people do it and it may be fine or they may not of been caught yet. Only way to know for sure is by putting up a campaign and seeing what happens.

thailanddave · 12-02-2009, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martinkeens

The best way that I've found to use AdWords in conjunction with these kinds of offers recently is to give your visitor a reason to sign up for your mailing list. Then make the sale from there. Just have your ppc ad go to a regular content (non-sales) page that has an opt-in form on in. Not only will you get around the Google crack-down, but now you have a targeted list that you can use to sell other offers to in the future.

I want to thank you. I have a big dent in my forehead because I was drinking a Pepsi when I read this post and had a V-8 moment. One of those "why didn't I think of that?" Its such a simple solution.

smaxor · 12-03-2009, 12:51 AM

It is possible but you need:

A. lots of accounts
B. Good cloaking software
C. Some tricks to getting accounts going and whitelisted

With that said it's not easy. But if you're good at gaming the system

jdrohn74 · 12-04-2009, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thailanddave

I want to thank you. I have a big dent in my forehead because I was drinking a Pepsi when I read this post and had a V-8 moment. One of those "why didn't I think of that?" Its such a simple solution.

I was the same way too - building a solid list cuts through all the clutter...

davemiz · 12-06-2009, 10:42 AM

G isn't allowing nutraceuticals on content network now.... we just got shut down (and we weren't even doing anything remotely 'sketchy')... if you're on there now, its just a matter of time till they get you.

FTC is on their rear end i think bigtime.

tommy_gun · 12-06-2009, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davemiz

G isn't allowing nutraceuticals on content network now.... we just got shut down (and we weren't even doing anything remotely 'sketchy')... if you're on there now, its just a matter of time till they get you.

FTC is on their rear end i think bigtime.

i've never heard that promoting supplements on the content network isn't allowed/possible anymore. i thought they just dont like rebills/free trials

10-26-2009, 06:45 AM	#1
tommy_gun Active Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 34 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Is it still possible to promote "free trial offers" on adwords? Hello, Is it still possible to promote "free trial offers" like acai berry trials on adwords or will google ban you? I know that direct linking to such offers through adwords will get you banned, but is it okay for google if you send them to a review style landingpage which hast the offers on it?

10-26-2009, 08:15 AM	#2
Kenster Krazy Kenster War Room Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 5,085 Blog Entries: 11 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,885 Times in 841 Posts	Re: Is it still possible to promote "free trial offers" on adwords? Yes it is still possible, but you have to have your offer deeper and you have to add a bit of creativity. No, you cant direct link effectively. No, one -page wonders are becoming increasingly difficult. So you have to build a site with good rich content. Dont try and trick google, just try and promote your offer 'down the line' a little bit meaning they may have to click through a page or two. But you are still pre-selling thorughout the whole process. The key is finding an effective stream or funnel. Once youve got this, you satisfy googles terms and you will be fine. I have been doing darn good with googles crackdown because many people have thrown their arms up and quit in many popular niches and many high traffic keywords. So, figure out a system that works for you (and google) and this is a tremendous opportunity.

10-26-2009, 02:33 PM	#3
Cash37 Senior Warrior Member War Room Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: North Carolina, USA. Posts: 2,099 Thanks: 148 Thanked 179 Times in 104 Posts Social Networking	Re: Is it still possible to promote "free trial offers" on adwords? Its not worth it. Everyone is using PPV or media buying now anyways
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10-26-2009, 07:13 PM	#5
rachelle123 Kimberly Thomas War Room Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 220 Thanks: 24 Thanked 23 Times in 14 Posts	Re: Is it still possible to promote "free trial offers" on adwords? It is definately worth it and it works fine. Just have to find those converting kws.. and your good to go..!!

10-26-2009, 09:21 PM	#7
PPC-Coach Senior Warrior Member War Room Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: , , . Posts: 2,209 Thanks: 31 Thanked 494 Times in 299 Posts	Re: Is it still possible to promote "free trial offers" on adwords? No big deal, merchants will comply. Google does this every so often when they get enough complaints from people buying products through their links.

10-26-2009, 11:50 PM	#8
TimScott Hot Dogg Struttin Floozy Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Oregon Posts: 236 Thanks: 44 Thanked 17 Times in 16 Posts Social Networking	Re: Is it still possible to promote "free trial offers" on adwords? I agree, as long as you build your offer a couple pages deep into your site, and comply with the Adwords rules, you should be fine.
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10-27-2009, 12:16 AM	#9
20092009 Active Warrior Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 77 Thanks: 15 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Is it still possible to promote "free trial offers" on adwords? Yes it is possible... And it is way worth it. But try other ppc places... ad words is NOT the only place and they do not have ALL the traffic. I know a few guys that are killing it with ppc not using adwords! Tim

11-01-2009, 11:08 AM	#10
Kenster Krazy Kenster War Room Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 5,085 Blog Entries: 11 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,885 Times in 841 Posts	Re: Is it still possible to promote "free trial offers" on adwords? Yes its def not worth it. I think you guys should all give it up so that I keep getting more sales ! Ive said this before but the marketers who are resilient enough to change as teh industry changes are the ones that will come out ahead in the end. Youve got to be able to adapt in this industry and this is just another opportunity where the good marketers can take advantage as more and more marketers give up because its too hard to comply or they just dont want to be flexible with their processes. best of luck all

11-01-2009, 11:36 AM	#12
p2y Advanced Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 508 Thanks: 9 Thanked 187 Times in 57 Posts	Re: Is it still possible to promote "free trial offers" on adwords? If you know what you're doing, it's worth it. My sales have skyrocketed in the past few weeks since the new rules kicked in because too many copy cats are ditching their flogs out of fear. Marketing is all about innovation, stop following everybody else and come up with your own creative ideas and you'll have no problem getting past the "rebill ban"
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11-02-2009, 02:47 PM	#13
martinkeens HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: New York Posts: 153 Thanks: 0 Thanked 25 Times in 21 Posts Social Networking	Re: Is it still possible to promote "free trial offers" on adwords? The best way that I've found to use AdWords in conjunction with these kinds of offers recently is to give your visitor a reason to sign up for your mailing list. Then make the sale from there. Just have your ppc ad go to a regular content (non-sales) page that has an opt-in form on in. Not only will you get around the Google crack-down, but now you have a targeted list that you can use to sell other offers to in the future.
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11-02-2009, 10:47 PM	#16
Mormuno01 $20 Million Dollar Man Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 26 Thanks: 0 Thanked 15 Times in 7 Posts Contact Info	Re: Is it still possible to promote "free trial offers" on adwords? The only reason people are telling you all that Google is banning Free Trial Offers is so you will not post your ads on Google and we will all get low CPC's. I have over 5 different rebill offers on Google right now and am direct linking all of them. Stop reading this dumb forum and get to work. Last month I made over $15,000 direct linking with Adwords Rebill/Free Trial Offers. Most Offers are now Quality Score compliant making it ever easier to direct link. Awesomeness. Attached Thumbnails
	Last edited by Mormuno01; 11-02-2009 at 10:47 PM. Reason: error

11-05-2009, 01:07 PM	#19
basuoct2822 Warrior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Is it still possible to promote "free trial offers" on adwords? oh its absolutely worthy .... and its works well .... just need to add some additional parts thats it .....
	pinhole spy camera

11-06-2009, 10:26 AM	#20
TrinitydelaCruz Active Warrior Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 51 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	Re: Is it still possible to promote "free trial offers" on adwords? Having a review styled landing page can work as long as it's unique and value packed.

11-06-2009, 04:12 PM	#21
Kenster Krazy Kenster War Room Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 5,085 Blog Entries: 11 Thanks: 578 Thanked 1,885 Times in 841 Posts	Re: Is it still possible to promote "free trial offers" on adwords? It still works yes, just make sure you do a few things 1. Red TOS carefully. I call Google and other search engines directly when something is unclear. They are sometimes helpful and sometimes not, but you always want to get as much support for something you are doign as possible. I try and use email so I have written record. 2. Speak with your affiliate manager. Be open about what you are doing so you dont get denied commissions. This doesnt mean giving away your campaign like keywords and such, but be honest about methods of promotion etc. 3. Always be designing your sites and your promotional channel in the mind of a google rep. Think how the google reviewers would think and build your campaign around this mindset. This will help you not only get past google slaps, but also help you get a good quality score. best of luck

12-03-2009, 12:51 AM	#25
smaxor Owner Ads4Dough.com War Room Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ads4Dough Posts: 110 Thanks: 0 Thanked 24 Times in 15 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: Is it still possible to promote "free trial offers" on adwords? It is possible but you need: A. lots of accounts B. Good cloaking software C. Some tricks to getting accounts going and whitelisted With that said it's not easy. But if you're good at gaming the system
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12-06-2009, 10:42 AM	#27
davemiz Senior Warrior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Miami, Fl. USA. Posts: 1,446 Thanks: 8 Thanked 162 Times in 108 Posts	Re: Is it still possible to promote "free trial offers" on adwords? G isn't allowing nutraceuticals on content network now.... we just got shut down (and we weren't even doing anything remotely 'sketchy')... if you're on there now, its just a matter of time till they get you. FTC is on their rear end i think bigtime.
	Dave Miz “Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.” ― Dalai Lama XIV