Has anyone successfully convinced Google to let you advertise your ebook on adwords?

[Matt.Lake]

Hi Guys,

I've just been in contact with google support with regards to why my landing page QS has dropped to 1/10.

They say it is because my business model is deemed as unacceptable.

I'm selling an ebook.

I know they don't exactly love ebook sites any more, but come on, how many ebooks are currently bieng promoted on adwords?

Has anyone ever faced this same problem and managed to resolve the situation?

I don't want to break any rules, but I don't see why I can't advertise my ebook when thousands of other people can.

Please can anyone help... this is killing me. Can I resolve this?

Thanks in advance,

Matt

[Jeremy Kelsall]

Originally Posted by Matt.Lake

I know they don't exactly love ebook sites any more, but come on, how many ebooks are currently bieng promoted on adwords?

They don't have any problem with "ebook sites" - There problem is in the way you present them.

Basically, they are going to smack you around and give you a poor QS if you try to link to an obvious affiliate site, straight up sales page, or a thinly constructed squeeze page....

BUT

If you present the site as an information hub which has as much to do with the way the page is layed out as the information contained on it, you can still get a good QS, decent priced clicks, and will be pretty much left alone.

[Rob Thayer]

They also don't like "get rich quick" types of products, per their own quality score information pages.

[Matt.Lake]

Thanks Jeremy for shedding some light. OK, well I've been linking directly to my sales page, so that could explain that.

It's just the messages I got from Google support seemed to specifically say it was because of my business model.

I've got a lot of content on the site.

How exactly would you suggest I present the site and what should I use as my landing page?

I'm determined to sort this out.

Would you say my current domain may be screwed now and that I might need to switch it over to a brand new URL?

Thanks a lot,

Matt

[Matt.Lake]

Originally Posted by Rob Thayer

They also don't like "get rich quick" types of products, per their own quality score information pages.

Thanks and I'm aware of that. This is not a "get rich quick" ebook... it's on a relationship advice subject.

Thanks,

Matt

[Matt.Lake]

By the way, if anyone can help me get this sorted, I'll be more than happy to write you a load of articles free of charge. (I'm an article writer.)

It's driving me insane.

[Rob Thayer]

It would be helpful to see your landing page.

[Matt.Lake]

Sure, it's theexboyfriendblueprint dot com.

Thanks,

Matt

[QuinNguyen]

Here is my suggestion to you:

- Build a opt-in page. Don't just slap on an opt-in form and forget about it. Google will b**** slap you even harder lol
- Make sure to provide lots of information around your product.
- Your opt-in landing page must have at least 5 internal links for good quality score.
- Your opt-in must be above the fold, in between of the contents you provided, and one more at the end.
- Re-direct your subscriber to your sale page

[Rob Thayer]

I didn't see anything blatantly wrong with your LP, except perhaps for the fact that your Buy button goes directly to Clickbank and Google must assume you are an affiliate. They don't like that.

You can build a detailed review site around your product and link from there.

I would also call them and find out directly what (if anything) you can do to remain on Adwords without putting your account in danger of being banned.

[Matt.Lake]

Originally Posted by Rob Thayer

I didn't see anything blatantly wrong with your LP, except perhaps for the fact that your Buy button goes directly to Clickbank and Google must assume you are an affiliate. They don't like that.

From my salesletter, where else would the buy button go to? It goes straight to the Clickbank order form so that the customer can buy it!

Originally Posted by Rob Thayer

You can build a detailed review site around your product and link from there.

I've thought about that but may be not a "review" site... after spending some time in the adwords forum... review sites really do seem to be hated.

Originally Posted by Rob Thayer

I would also call them and find out directly what (if anything) you can do to remain on Adwords without putting your account in danger of being banned.

I seem to still have my account, so it's not banned. It's just not allowing me to advertise this site... giving it a low QS.

I'm interested to know how to format the site with regards to Jeremy's suggestion above.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Matt

[KenThompson]

Hi Matt,

I took a look at your landing page. Jeremy mentioned they don't like
straight-up sales pages, and that's what you have. Are you an affiliate?

It's been a few years since I've used adwords, and I used to do what
you do with no problems at all. But I do understand things have changed,
several times, with adwords. I don't really see any problems with what
you're doing - but unfortunately my opinion doesn't count in this matter.

I did notice all of your articles at the bottom, and you seem to have all
the appropriate admin pages. I noticed it's a Clickbank product, but there's
no affiliate ID displayed. I didn't see any FTC notice that you're being
comp'd as an affiliate.

So it looks to me that perhaps it's the way you're presenting the site - the
layout. It's structured as a sales page and not a content site, even though
you obviously have content.

What I would do is redesign the site as a content site, put text links in
your articles linking to your sales page, and capture optins to build an email
list. But you can't use popups because they're not allowed with adwords ppc,
unless they've changed that - which I doubt.

A little disconcerting, I'm sure. You can always try using other PPC advertising
platforms. Adwords isn't the only game in town.

Ken

[Matt.Lake]

Originally Posted by KenThompson

Hi Matt,

I took a look at your landing page. Jeremy mentioned they don't like
straight-up sales pages, and that's what you have. Are you an affiliate?

It's been a few years since I've used adwords, and I used to do what
you do with no problems at all. But I do understand things have changed,
several times, with adwords. I don't really see any problems with what
you're doing - but unfortunately my opinion doesn't count in this matter.

I did notice all of your articles at the bottom, and you seem to have all
the appropriate admin pages. I noticed it's a Clickbank product, but there's
no affiliate ID displayed. I didn't see any FTC notice that you're being
comp'd as an affiliate.

So it looks to me that perhaps it's the way you're presenting the site - the
layout. It's structured as a sales page and not a content site, even though
you obviously have content.

What I would do is redesign the site as a content site, put text links in
your articles linking to your sales page, and capture optins to build an email
list. But you can't use popups because they're not allowed with adwords ppc,
unless they've changed that - which I doubt.

A little disconcerting, I'm sure. You can always try using other PPC advertising
platforms. Adwords isn't the only game in town.

Ken

Hi Ken,

Thanks for the input.

I'm not an affiliate for this... this is my site. I'm the vendor. In case you're wondering, the author, Alisa, is someone I'm actually partnered with... it's not a made up name or anything.

As for changing the structure to a content site, would you think it would be best to scrap the current domain and build the site on a brand new domain, at least for adwords?

Google seem to hate this domain now and don't want to change their mind.

[Rob Thayer]

Originally Posted by Matt.Lake

From my salesletter, where else would the buy button go to? It goes straight to the Clickbank order form so that the customer can buy it!

I totally understand that. But from Google's perspective, how do they tell you (the product creator) from any other affiliate?

I've thought about that but may be not a "review" site... after spending some time in the adwords forum... review sites really do seem to be hated.

I hate them, too. But Google doesn't, as long as they are detailed and have some true value to them. I'm just relaying what is on their quality score info pages.

I seem to still have my account, so it's not banned. It's just not allowing me to advertise this site... giving it a low QS.

Not banned YET. And it may never get banned. But there have been a lot of horror stories about people getting banned out of the blue for stupid reasons. I don't mean to alarm you, I just think you should be aware of what's been happening.

I'm interested to know how to format the site with regards to Jeremy's suggestion above.

Here is what Google says regarding collection of personal information:

1. Unless necessary for the product or service that you're offering, don't request personal information.
2. If you do request personal information, provide a privacy policy that discloses how the information will be used.
3. Give options to limit the use of a user's personal information, such as the ability to opt out of receiving newsletters.
4. Allow users to access your site's content without requiring them to register. 5. Or, provide a preview of what users will get by registering.

Food for thought.

By the way, I see now that you are violating one of their rules by not stating the price of the ebook on the page (without clicking the Buy Now). From Google again:

Ensure any prices or billing methods are easily located on the website and would be obvious to users*. In cases of recurrent billing or subscription situation, the price and billing interval must be present in a clear and obvious location on the page where the user provides their information, and a mandatory opt-in box must be present.

* Please note that providing prices and billing information in very small print on the webpage is not considered "obvious" to the user.

[Matt.Lake]

Hi Rob,

I understand what you're saying.

I do state the price of the ebook on the sales page... before the first "add to cart" button.

I'm thinking of formatting my site into a more "resource" format.

I've been through all the policies, guidelines etc and have an understanding of everything. It's just I've had a manual review of the account and the reason they are giving is the "buiness model" and the "type of site".

When reformating my site... should I switch it to a new domain?

[KenThompson]

Originally Posted by Matt.Lake

As for changing the structure to a content site, would you think it would be best to scrap the current domain and build the site on a brand new domain, at least for adwords?

Google seem to hate this domain now and don't want to change their mind.

Matt,

Hmmm... lol. I don't know if I would say they hate that domain. If you change
it, then you may be reviewed by someone who will recognize the content, etc.
Maybe an outside, long shot chance. Who knows.

If it was me, I wouldn't get a new domain for it. But that's for me. I don't know
if there's a right or wrong answer for your question. Sorry.

I would just change/redesign the site as mentioned before with the same domain.
If they still have a problem, which I really doubt they will, then I would try a
new domain or give 'em the finger and do ppc elsewhere.

If you completely redesign the site and they still have a problem, then I would
call them and try to get some input. I don't know how well that will work, though.

Part of the problem may be that they see the Clickbank order process, and I'm sure
they think you're an affiliate. I don't know if they really do not like affiliates like
I've heard about so much. But maybe that's true. I just do not know.

You can also, just for the helluva it, use Paypal for payment. Redo the site, change
the payment processing to paypal. If it passes a review and your quality score
is cool, then you can always change it back to CB.

Hope that helps.

You know... are you sure you want to go through all this just for G? Not sure if
I would, but that's me.

Also... you can do the above so G won't cry. Fine. lol. But you can also try
promoting your site as it is now at Bing, Yahoo, and other PPC platforms. If so,
then get another domain and promote on multiple platforms.

Ken

[Llewelyn James]

Hi there,

Google seem to be a law unto themselves at the moment. I had problem with getting high QS on landing pages the problem with the other search engines is that it's difficult to get the volume of clicks they just don't seem to get the traffic. Google is king and they know it.

I thing the moral of the story here is that it teaches you the value of list building, I notice you don't have an optin box on your landing page, why not. You first priority should be capturing a visitors name and e-mail that way you can market to them in your niche over and over again. When your list is big enough you control the traffic and google can go and hang

[Matt.Lake]

Originally Posted by KenThompson

Matt,

Hmmm... lol. I don't know if I would say they hate that domain. If you change
it, then you may be reviewed by someone who will recognize the content, etc.
Maybe an outside, long shot chance. Who knows.

If it was me, I wouldn't get a new domain for it. But that's for me. I don't know
if there's a right or wrong answer for your question. Sorry.

I would just change/redesign the site as mentioned before with the same domain.
If they still have a problem, which I really doubt they will, then I would try a
new domain or give 'em the finger and do ppc elsewhere.

If you completely redesign the site and they still have a problem, then I would
call them and try to get some input. I don't know how well that will work, though.

Part of the problem may be that they see the Clickbank order process, and I'm sure
they think you're an affiliate. I don't know if they really do not like affiliates like
I've heard about so much. But maybe that's true. I just do not know.

You can also, just for the helluva it, use Paypal for payment. Redo the site, change
the payment processing to paypal. If it passes a review and your quality score
is cool, then you can always change it back to CB.

Hope that helps.

You know... are you sure you want to go through all this just for G? Not sure if
I would, but that's me.

Also... you can do the above so G won't cry. Fine. lol. But you can also try
promoting your site as it is now at Bing, Yahoo, and other PPC platforms. If so,
then get another domain and promote on multiple platforms.

Ken

No, I really do think they don't like the domain now and won't even give it a chance.

I'm looking into the other PPC search engines for sure, but they just don't compare as a substitute. So as annoying as it is, I think I will go through the hassle and try to get this sorted for G.

I was eventually going to switch the payment proccessor to my own merchant account, but just to get this off the ground I was hoping to use Clickbank.

Thanks for the input. I'm determined to get this sorted... no matter how much I just want to say "screw em".

Matt

[Matt.Lake]

Originally Posted by Llewelyn James

Hi there,

Google seem to be a law unto themselves at the moment. I had problem with getting high QS on landing pages the problem with the other search engines is that it's difficult to get the volume of clicks they just don't seem to get the traffic. Google is king and they know it.

I thing the moral of the story here is that it teaches you the value of list building, I notice you don't have an optin box on your landing page, why not. You first priority should be capturing a visitors name and e-mail that way you can market to them in your niche over and over again. When your list is big enough you control the traffic and google can go and hang

Hi Llewelyn,

I fully intend to set up an optin form but as for initially getting the site off the ground... I just wanted to get a base, initial conversion rate to work with, then I'd take it from there.

Thanks,

Matt

[Matt.Lake]

Would anyone be able to point me to a successful "informational hub" landing page that I can model for this?

It's crazy... all the adwords ads for this market are pointing directly to sales pages and they all have way less content than my site.

How are they getting away with it?

[tryinhere]

Originally Posted by Matt.Lake

Would anyone be able to point me to a successful "informational hub" landing page that I can model for this?

It's crazy... all the adwords ads for this market are pointing directly to sales pages and they all have way less content than my site.

How are they getting away with it?

Hello Matt, some stuff below that will help with layout, it may seem at times that G does not like affiliates, this is probably not true, but what they do not like is sites / campaigns that do not meet G terms.

you are the product owner so no affiliate links, but even if they were, it is OK to have affiliate links on a page, so long as they meet G terms.

The link type itself makes no difference in itself, over and above millions of them.

Your biggest problem here is your subject matter that would be throwing up the biggest red flags, get my ex back

the topic itself can lead down the snake oil path as much as say get thin if you eat my pencil, the topic is open to any love doctor to drop in and make wild claims.

(not suggesting you or your product is like this)

this is strong in the make money and health related / personal niches.

second is your site structure, you probably could do with a home page link on those article pages.

and instead of a buy now link on those pages have a read more or similar type link back to your home page and let that sell.

edit: i see they do go back to the home page, my error it looked like they went to checkout / sorry

next bring your adwords in on those article pages not your home page, make the article pages have a strong link structure, page title, header text and on page content for the keys you are chasing.

then lets say you ad a new article to your site, add a snippet of that article to your home with a link back to it per say.

building this way allows your site plus your adwords campaign to grow and adjust at any time.

there is a free guide in my Sig covering a few site layout ideas and below, that may help you.

It is important to note that by even making these changes i can not nail down if it will float for you, due to the nature of the subject and i am guessing the subject matter is the meaning of G's term of unacceptable business model.

if so the layout and structure to bring links in will help, you may just need to look at alternate ways to bring them in, maybe with other PPC models or social marketing.

Pete


home uniquefurniture.com (land page / mini site) link to latest site updates

required > about us

suggested > articles
campaign > bedroom

ad group > double beds adwords in
ad group > single beds adwords in
ad group > queen beds adwords in
campaign > kitchen

ad group > appliances

ad group > bread maker adwords in

ad group > coffee maker
ad group > bravo coffee makers adwords in
ad group > neato coffee makers adwords in
ad group > dining suites
ad group > glass suites adwords in
ad group > steel suites adwords in
ad group > wooden suites adwords in
campaign > lounge
ad group > cane adwords in
ad group > fabric adwords in
ad group > leather adwords in
campaign > outdoors
ad group > 2 burner bbq adwords in
ad group > 4 burner bbq adwords in
ad group > outdoor heating adwords in
ad group > outdoor settings adwords in
required > contact us

required > FAQ (keywords) link to adgroup
required > privacy
optional > resources
required > site map
required > terms

Note: adjust the layout examples to suit your site needs.

[Lucid]

Originally Posted by Rob Thayer

I didn't see anything blatantly wrong with your LP, except perhaps for the fact that your Buy button goes directly to Clickbank and Google must assume you are an affiliate. They don't like that.

Actually, this is exactly the way it should be done. This directly from a Google employee I correspond with. They don't have a problem with the way you are doing this. What they have a problem with is if your links go to the affiliate's sales page.

[Matt.Lake]

Hi,

Just to clarify again. I'm not an affiliate for this. This is my own site and I am the product vendor.

Any more insights and advice is most welcome.

Thanks,

Matt