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What are advertising alternatives for ecommerce knife store? Google says NO!

by mimart
30 replies
  • PPC/SEM
    • |
Hello everyone,

This is my first post. I've never seen so much valuable information in one forum. What a find! Here is my advertising dilemma as an internet retailer:

I sell knives, primarily Damascus steel. I offer pocket knives, fixed blades, tactical folding knives and one butterfly knife. I don't sell automatic knives or any other tool that could be considered a weapon. Here is my URL: Damascus Knives | Alloy Steel Knives - Damascus Steel Knives PLUS

Google AdWords says NO GO! Facebook Advertising says NO GO! From a preliminary reading of the Yahoo's advertising policy, their in line to say NO GO, as well. I've looked into Revenue.com (Virurl), but there seems to be some consensus that they are a little shady.

I resubmitted an edited advertisement per Google's suggestion after they disallowed my original. I've gotten no response. What are my effective alternatives?

I've just recently launched my site and the only web visitors I'm attracting are cobwebs! I really need to advertise. Thanks in advance for all your suggestions.
#advertising #alternatives #ecommerce #google #knife #store
  • Profile picture of the author dburk
    Hi mimart,

    I see plenty of ads on Google for pocket knives and hunting knives, you must have something specific on your website that is prohibited, as there are many advertisers that advertise their knives for sale on AdWords.

    Have you asked for clarification on why your website is not permitted?

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    • Profile picture of the author mimart
      I apologize for taking so long to reply. I didn't have my settings configured for email notification of replies to my posts. I forgot about my question to the Forum.

      I tried to initiate another AdWords campaign and was working with a CSR, but still NoGo. If anything, Googles Ad Policies have gotten even more restrictive regarding knives. They look the other way when it involves the big players such as Amazon or Cabelas. It was suggested that if I sold only kitchen knives, I would be able to use AdWords.

      Thanks for your reply. I apologize again for taking so long to respond.

      Regards,

      mimart
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  • Profile picture of the author derekwong28


    This seems like a product for a street fight.
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    • Profile picture of the author mimart
      Originally Posted by derekwong28 View Post



      This seems like a product for a street fight.
      I apologize for taking so long to reply. I didn't have my settings configured for email notification of replies to my posts. I forgot about my question to the Forum.

      I sell tactical knives which, among other uses, are designed for self-defense. The slider is an eye-catcher for knife enthusiasts interested in tactical knives.

      I apologize again for taking so long to respond. Thanks for your input.

      Regards,


      Mimart
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  • Profile picture of the author torquis
    One option to get traffic might be creating a blog or some sort of content, and try to get traffic by SEO, if you decide to do this, it might take a bit of time but can be better at the long run. I don't know what might be the problem with your ads, maybe try changing the lading page of your ads or the type
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    • Profile picture of the author mimart
      Originally Posted by torquis View Post

      One option to get traffic might be creating a blog or some sort of content, and try to get traffic by SEO, if you decide to do this, it might take a bit of time but can be better at the long run. I don't know what might be the problem with your ads, maybe try changing the lading page of your ads or the type
      I apologize for taking so long to reply. I didn't have my settings configured for email notification of replies to my posts. I forgot about my question to the Forum.

      Thanks for your suggestion about a blog. I have considered this as I enjoy writing. I am working with an SEO tech at the moment. I'm a long way from first page SERPs, however.

      My second attempt at an AdWords campaign, after Google rejected the first one, directed searchers to a page on my site other than the HOME page to avoid the tactical knife advertising. This was suggested by AdWords in their rejection notification. It didn't make any difference. They still rejected my ad.

      I apologize again for taking so long to respond. Thanks for your suggestion.

      Regards,

      mimart
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      • Profile picture of the author dburk
        Originally Posted by mimart View Post

        I apologize for taking so long to reply. I didn't have my settings configured for email notification of replies to my posts. I forgot about my question to the Forum.

        Thanks for your suggestion about a blog. I have considered this as I enjoy writing. I am working with an SEO tech at the moment. I'm a long way from first page SERPs, however.

        My second attempt at an AdWords campaign, after Google rejected the first one, directed searchers to a page on my site other than the HOME page to avoid the tactical knife advertising. This was suggested by AdWords in their rejection notification. It didn't make any difference. They still rejected my ad.

        I apologize again for taking so long to respond. Thanks for your suggestion.

        Regards,

        mimart
        Hi mimart,

        Are they rejecting your ad, or your website?

        If it is your website then you need to make changes to the website and then request a review of the website following the instructions that AdWords includes in the disapproval notice. Once a website is suspended from AdWords you cannot ever get ads approved for that website until after you get that website suspension lifted. Merely writing new ads will never work.

        There is a process to getting your suspension lifted. You must follow that process. And yes, once a website has been suspended due to policy violations they are much more strict on policy compliance than they would be on a website that has never been disapproved. Their reasoning is that they would rather see you make great strides in improving your website rather than doing just barely enough to be acceptable. They don't want a bunch of barely acceptable websites for their users to find on Ads in Google.

        It is quite common that when an advertiser is violating one policy they are violating multiple policies. You might have to fix multiple issues before your website will be approved. I suggest that you find an AdWords expert to guide you through the process, it will be you best chance at success.

        If it was your ad text, and not your website that was disapproved then that's a different story. Just fix the ad text and you should be fine. the only exception is when you have created what AdWords considers an egregious violation, in those circumstances they will ban you personally as an advertiser. Generally, no appeal is possible if you have made an egregious violation of policy.
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        • Profile picture of the author mimart
          Originally Posted by dburk View Post

          Hi mimart,

          Are they rejecting your ad, or your website?

          If it is your website then you need to make changes to the website and then request a review of the website following the instructions that AdWords includes in the disapproval notice. Once a website is suspended from AdWords you cannot ever get ads approved for that website until after you get that website suspension lifted. Merely writing new ads will never work.

          There is a process to getting your suspension lifted. You must follow that process. And yes, once a website has been suspended due to policy violations they are much more strict on policy compliance than they would be on a website that has never been disapproved. Their reasoning is that they would rather see you make great strides in improving your website rather than doing just barely enough to be acceptable. They don't want a bunch of barely acceptable websites for their users to find on Ads in Google.

          It is quite common that when an advertiser is violating one policy they are violating multiple policies. You might have to fix multiple issues before your website will be approved. I suggest that you find an AdWords expert to guide you through the process, it will be you best chance at success.

          If it was your ad text, and not your website that was disapproved then that's a different story. Just fix the ad text and you should be fine. the only exception is when you have created what AdWords considers an egregious violation, in those circumstances they will ban you personally as an advertiser. Generally, no appeal is possible if you have made an egregious violation of policy.
          Thanks for your input. I spoke with a CSR from Adwords via email and he, at first, led me to believe my site had passed muster, but needed further approvals. When he finally came back to me, he said No Go and suggested kitchen knife suggestion.

          I don't know if I've made an "egregious violation of policy". I tried about 3 different times to submit an Ad for approval and subsequently a revised ad for review. My Adwords acct. is still active.

          I don't have a problem changing the "dark street" slider on the HOME page if that is the possible problem. The frustrating thing is after talking to 3 different Adwords reps, I still don't have a straight answer as to what exactly is disallowing my Ad: is it the text of the ad, the images, or the wording on my website?

          I think I'll follow your suggestion and try to talk to a live Adwords expert for guidance on getting my Ad approved. It's irritating. I've run the same Ad on BingAds that I intended for Google without a hitch. It's just not getting enough impressions and no conversions. Thanks again for your input and suggestions.
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  • Profile picture of the author LucidWebMarketing
    I think, as been pointed out, it's the type of knives. These are definitely not steak or pocket knives. You yourself say the purpose of the Browning is self-defense. In other words, it's a weapon. In my mind, that's what Google is objecting to more than anything.
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    • Profile picture of the author dburk
      Originally Posted by LucidWebMarketing View Post

      I think, as been pointed out, it's the type of knives. These are definitely not steak or pocket knives. You yourself say the purpose of the Browning is self-defense. In other words, it's a weapon. In my mind, that's what Google is objecting to more than anything.
      Hi LucidWebMarketing,

      I do not think it is the type of knives, as you can see many other advertisers advertising the exact same type of knives.

      It might be the way the knives are being promoted, as pointed out by derekwong28, the way the knives are being positioned makes them appear to be promoting illegal activity, like street fighting.

      I say it is not the type of knives, but the way website seems to be promoting illegal activity. When you look at that image, some might think "self-defense" in a bad neighborhood, while another sees a weapon to be used to rob/maim/kill someone in a dark ally. If the image and sales copy can be interpreted for the latter then I'd say you have a problem with your sales copy and images, not with the specific type of knives being sold.

      A knife is a tool, and like most any tool, it can be used as a weapon, it does not become a weapon until it is used in that fashion. This issue is likely due to how the "tool" is depicted being used as a weapon.

      The same could be said of a gun. A gun is considered a firearm, not a weapon, unless and until it is used as a weapon. Likewise, a baseball bat is considered to be sports equipment, until you use it to beat up your neighbor, then it becomes a weapon. It's how an object is being used that makes it a weapon.

      If your landing page, or website content, is depicting knives being used as a weapon I think you are going to have a hard time getting your website approved. If you position your knives as a handy tool then you are likely to have no issue related to the type of product you are selling.

      Consider this extreme example, let say a local ford dealership decided to run an ad campaign for Ford Broncos, and he depicted his Ford Broncos as not only good for transportation, but also handy for running over large crowds if you ever get caught in a street riot. That dealership is going to have a problem getting his website approved by AdWords. Sure, he could argue that vehicle is being used for self-defense, and yes it would work well for that purpose. However, the fact that he is promoting his product to be used as a weapon is going to get his website disapproved. And if you are doing the same with your website about knives, you'll be disapproved for the exact same reason. Does that make sense?
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      • Profile picture of the author mimart
        Originally Posted by dburk View Post

        Hi LucidWebMarketing,

        I do not think it is the type of knives, as you can see many other advertisers advertising the exact same type of knives.

        It might be the way the knives are being promoted, as pointed out by derekwong28, the way the knives are being positioned makes them appear to be promoting illegal activity, like street fighting.

        I say it is not the type of knives, but the way website seems to be promoting illegal activity. When you look at that image, some might think "self-defense" in a bad neighborhood, while another sees a weapon to be used to rob/maim/kill someone in a dark ally. If the image and sales copy can be interpreted for the latter then I'd say you have a problem with your sales copy and images, not with the specific type of knives being sold.

        A knife is a tool, and like most any tool, it can be used as a weapon, it does not become a weapon until it is used in that fashion. This issue is likely due to how the "tool" is depicted being used as a weapon.

        The same could be said of a gun. A gun is considered a firearm, not a weapon, unless and until it is used as a weapon. Likewise, a baseball bat is considered to be sports equipment, until you use it to beat up your neighbor, then it becomes a weapon. It's how an object is being used that makes it a weapon.

        If your landing page, or website content, is depicting knives being used as a weapon I think you are going to have a hard time getting your website approved. If you position your knives as a handy tool then you are likely to have no issue related to the type of product you are selling.

        Consider this extreme example, let say a local ford dealership decided to run an ad campaign for Ford Broncos, and he depicted his Ford Broncos as not only good for transportation, but also handy for running over large crowds if you ever get caught in a street riot. That dealership is going to have a problem getting his website approved by AdWords. Sure, he could argue that vehicle is being used for self-defense, and yes it would work well for that purpose. However, the fact that he is promoting his product to be used as a weapon is going to get his website disapproved. And if you are doing the same with your website about knives, you'll be disapproved for the exact same reason. Does that make sense?
        Thanks for your input. As in my reply to Lucid Web Marketing, I don't have a problem deweaponizing my Browning slider image on the HOME page. It does pretty much promote the knife as a self-defense weapon. I'm going to try and get a straight answer from a Google Adwords CSR as to whether that slider is the main issue. I don't want to change it unless it's causing problems. It's an attractive image overall and conveys what I want it to convey: self-defense. But, as has been stated, if I were a mugger looking for a knife and I saw that image, it might be an effective advertisement for a different reason.

        Thanks again for your input.
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        • Profile picture of the author dburk
          Originally Posted by mimart View Post

          Thanks for your input. As in my reply to Lucid Web Marketing, I don't have a problem deweaponizing my Browning slider image on the HOME page. It does pretty much promote the knife as a self-defense weapon. I'm going to try and get a straight answer from a Google Adwords CSR as to whether that slider is the main issue. I don't want to change it unless it's causing problems. It's an attractive image overall and conveys what I want it to convey: self-defense. But, as has been stated, if I were a mugger looking for a knife and I saw that image, it might be an effective advertisement for a different reason.

          Thanks again for your input.
          It doesn't matter to Google what the psychological motives are behind depicting a tool as a weapon. It doesn't matter that you intended it for self-defense, or not. it only matters that you have depicted your product as a weapon, rather than a tool.

          I tried to make that clear by using baseball bats, and SUVs as examples in my previous reply. Google doesn't have an advertising ban on knives, nor baseball bats, nor SUVs. However, if you depict any of those products as being used as a weapon you will not be allowed to run ads. Google has a policy against advertising weapons. As long as your product is depicted as a tool, and not as a weapon, you should not have issues with that policy.

          If you plan to de-weaponise your website, aside from that image you will need to scrub your website content, removing any references that depict knives, or other products, as weapons.

          If depicting your product as a weapon is important to your marketing strategy then you are going to need to seek weapon friendly ad platforms. You might also consider limiting the weapons angle for your brand positioning to just email campaigns that you run after you have acquired a customer, or newsletter subscriber.
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          • Profile picture of the author mimart
            Originally Posted by dburk View Post

            It doesn't matter to Google what the psychological motives are behind depicting a tool as a weapon. It doesn't matter that you intended it for self-defense, or not. it only matters that you have depicted your product as a weapon, rather than a tool.

            I tried to make that clear by using baseball bats, and SUVs as examples in my previous reply. Google doesn't have an advertising ban on knives, nor baseball bats, nor SUVs. However, if you depict any of those products as being used as a weapon you will not be allowed to run ads. Google has a policy against advertising weapons. As long as your product is depicted as a tool, and not as a weapon, you should not have issues with that policy.

            If you plan to de-weaponise your website, aside from that image you will need to scrub your website content, removing any references that depict knives, or other products, as weapons.

            If depicting your product as a weapon is important to your marketing strategy then you are going to need to seek weapon friendly ad platforms. You might also consider limiting the weapons angle for your brand positioning to just email campaigns that you run after you have acquired a customer, or newsletter subscriber.
            Thanks for your continued input. I agree that I need to remove the slider image on the HOME page. I also agree that I need to edit my copy to remove the self-defense/weapon aspect of the tactical or any other knife I carry. I think my images should be okay, once I remove the HOME page slider. Good suggestions that I will take to heart.
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            • Profile picture of the author lentebriesje
              Hi,

              I registered to this forum just to comment on this topic. I succesfuly advertise for knives through Google and I thought i'd give some feedback.

              The policy change that you are hitting was enforced first in November 2014, I was hit hard, but it's an opportunity in disguise.

              First off. You are not Walmart, you are not Cabelas, the rules for you are different than large outlets with many products other than knives. The world is unfair, but that's the first thing you need to find peace with because arguing with Google reps will only raise your blood pressure without any results. The policy in the U.S. is slightly different than the rest of the world. Eventhough the policy says the same, the interpretation and enforcement is done at another level.

              You might find that it's easy in the U.S. to advertise, but near impossible in the UK. And when you get to different languages you'll find out the enforcement is not the same everywhere.

              Now to get to the policy itself:

              Not allowed:
              - Advertise as a weapon.
              - - a KA-BAR USMC is fine as a knife, but unfortunately the model is called USMC so it's considered advertising as a military weapon. Therefore it's banned.
              - Advertise as self defence.
              - - If you were to sell an Opinel no 3 and call it a self defence knife with a low profile... It's not allowed, eventhough any knife nut would laugh. Do not assume policy employees know knives, because they don't.
              - knives with assisted opening features
              - - Note: this is in the most broad interpretation possible! Thumb studs, spyderco-holes, flippers, wave opening, etc. All features that make it possible to open a blade with one hand are banned.
              - Ivory
              - - Whether it be mammoth or pre-ban modern day ivory, it's not allowed.
              - Some designs are listed specifically as banned
              - - Daggers, karambits, butterfly knives and other weapon sport/stabby knife knife types.

              These rules not only apply to a specific landingspage. If (many) prohibited products are within 3 clicks away from the landingspage the ads can be taken down and the domain suspended from advertising.

              Grey area
              - Hunting knives are allowed, as a term, but don't tell people how easy it is to kill a bunny with it. That's no-go.
              - - You could advertise for a TOPS wild boar hunter knife as long as you don't tell how well it would work to stab things.
              - Animal by products like stag handles, buffalo horn, they're all suspicious and i honestly advise to just not try it. I even resorted to not list knives with snakewood handles, because snakewood would trigger the algorithm Google uses.
              - Survival knives are allowed, just again don't reference defence in any way.

              Allowed
              - Nail-nick opening mechanism knives and fixed knives which are not inherently tactical.
              - - The classic knives are fine, like buck 110 and victorinox swiss army knives. Multitools with knives are fine too, doesn't matter which opening mechanisms they use. Multitools seem to be inherently untactical.

              Weirdness
              - My broad axes were thrown out of Adwords, presumably because wikipedia states they were used as last resort weapons against pirates in the 15th century or whatever. Google rep couldn't say specifically why, but that's the only reference i could find to broad axes as weapons and it was kicked out because of the weapons policy.

              Stone-wall
              When a rep is all out of answers you'll generally hear the following:
              - "We are continiously improving our algorithms, just be patient"

              And if you think others are breaching a policy you aren't allowed to breach:
              - "Please launch a watchdog complaint"

              A rep can't do anything for you and you will never get to anyone who can say anything about any policy to speak with you. That's my experience pretty much.

              Other networks
              - You can not advertise through social media for knives at all. Not even kitchen knives from my experience.
              - Bing. Gotta love the guys. Experiencing no issues.
              - Display networks. I've seen competitors circumvent advertising policies through 3rd parties quite succesfuly. Also in Google.
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              • Profile picture of the author mimart
                Originally Posted by lentebriesje View Post

                Hi,

                I registered to this forum just to comment on this topic. I succesfuly advertise for knives through Google and I thought i'd give some feedback.

                The policy change that you are hitting was enforced first in November 2014, I was hit hard, but it's an opportunity in disguise.

                First off. You are not Walmart, you are not Cabelas, the rules for you are different than large outlets with many products other than knives. The world is unfair, but that's the first thing you need to find peace with because arguing with Google reps will only raise your blood pressure without any results. The policy in the U.S. is slightly different than the rest of the world. Eventhough the policy says the same, the interpretation and enforcement is done at another level.

                You might find that it's easy in the U.S. to advertise, but near impossible in the UK. And when you get to different languages you'll find out the enforcement is not the same everywhere.

                Now to get to the policy itself:

                Not allowed:
                - Advertise as a weapon.
                - - a KA-BAR USMC is fine as a knife, but unfortunately the model is called USMC so it's considered advertising as a military weapon. Therefore it's banned.
                - Advertise as self defence.
                - - If you were to sell an Opinel no 3 and call it a self defence knife with a low profile... It's not allowed, eventhough any knife nut would laugh. Do not assume policy employees know knives, because they don't.
                - knives with assisted opening features
                - - Note: this is in the most broad interpretation possible! Thumb studs, spyderco-holes, flippers, wave opening, etc. All features that make it possible to open a blade with one hand are banned.
                - Ivory
                - - Whether it be mammoth or pre-ban modern day ivory, it's not allowed.
                - Some designs are listed specifically as banned
                - - Daggers, karambits, butterfly knives and other weapon sport/stabby knife knife types.

                These rules not only apply to a specific landingspage. If (many) prohibited products are within 3 clicks away from the landingspage the ads can be taken down and the domain suspended from advertising.

                Grey area
                - Hunting knives are allowed, as a term, but don't tell people how easy it is to kill a bunny with it. That's no-go.
                - - You could advertise for a TOPS wild boar hunter knife as long as you don't tell how well it would work to stab things.
                - Animal by products like stag handles, buffalo horn, they're all suspicious and i honestly advise to just not try it. I even resorted to not list knives with snakewood handles, because snakewood would trigger the algorithm Google uses.
                - Survival knives are allowed, just again don't reference defence in any way.

                Allowed
                - Nail-nick opening mechanism knives and fixed knives which are not inherently tactical.
                - - The classic knives are fine, like buck 110 and victorinox swiss army knives. Multitools with knives are fine too, doesn't matter which opening mechanisms they use. Multitools seem to be inherently untactical.

                Weirdness
                - My broad axes were thrown out of Adwords, presumably because wikipedia states they were used as last resort weapons against pirates in the 15th century or whatever. Google rep couldn't say specifically why, but that's the only reference i could find to broad axes as weapons and it was kicked out because of the weapons policy.

                Stone-wall
                When a rep is all out of answers you'll generally hear the following:
                - "We are continiously improving our algorithms, just be patient"

                And if you think others are breaching a policy you aren't allowed to breach:
                - "Please launch a watchdog complaint"

                A rep can't do anything for you and you will never get to anyone who can say anything about any policy to speak with you. That's my experience pretty much.

                Other networks
                - You can not advertise through social media for knives at all. Not even kitchen knives from my experience.
                - Bing. Gotta love the guys. Experiencing no issues.
                - Display networks. I've seen competitors circumvent advertising policies through 3rd parties quite succesfuly. Also in Google.
                Thanks for taking the time to register. Your input is really appreciated and the timing is perfect. For the last couple of days I've been pondering how I'm going to change my website presentation and copy to satisfy Google. Based on your experience, it seems the changes I was planning to make wouldn't have helped anyway, .

                You've saved me some time and effort in making changes I really wasn't too comfortable making. About half of my product inventory is made up of knives with either thumbstuds, thumb holes, spring assists or flippers. I'm not willing to disallow all that inventory just to advertise with Google.

                I was considering going back to Bing Ads for another campaign. I was getting 300 to 1000 impressions a day, although no conversions. I'm thinking I could do a "Contest" with GAW on my Facebook page, advertising it on my website landing page and using the paid search from Bing Ads to direct folks to enter the contest by providing contact information on my Facebook page? I get eyes on my website and more reach on my Facebook page with the same Ad dollar.

                I don't really understand Display network advertising. I guess I could do a Google search and find out, right?
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      • Profile picture of the author TexanInExile
        Originally Posted by dburk View Post

        Hi LucidWebMarketing,

        I do not think it is the type of knives, as you can see many other advertisers advertising the exact same type of knives.

        It might be the way the knives are being promoted, as pointed out by derekwong28, the way the knives are being positioned makes them appear to be promoting illegal activity, like street fighting.

        I say it is not the type of knives, but the way website seems to be promoting illegal activity. When you look at that image, some might think "self-defense" in a bad neighborhood, while another sees a weapon to be used to rob/maim/kill someone in a dark ally. If the image and sales copy can be interpreted for the latter then I'd say you have a problem with your sales copy and images, not with the specific type of knives being sold.

        A knife is a tool, and like most any tool, it can be used as a weapon, it does not become a weapon until it is used in that fashion. This issue is likely due to how the "tool" is depicted being used as a weapon.

        The same could be said of a gun. A gun is considered a firearm, not a weapon, unless and until it is used as a weapon. Likewise, a baseball bat is considered to be sports equipment, until you use it to beat up your neighbor, then it becomes a weapon. It's how an object is being used that makes it a weapon.

        If your landing page, or website content, is depicting knives being used as a weapon I think you are going to have a hard time getting your website approved. If you position your knives as a handy tool then you are likely to have no issue related to the type of product you are selling.

        Consider this extreme example, let say a local ford dealership decided to run an ad campaign for Ford Broncos, and he depicted his Ford Broncos as not only good for transportation, but also handy for running over large crowds if you ever get caught in a street riot. That dealership is going to have a problem getting his website approved by AdWords. Sure, he could argue that vehicle is being used for self-defense, and yes it would work well for that purpose. However, the fact that he is promoting his product to be used as a weapon is going to get his website disapproved. And if you are doing the same with your website about knives, you'll be disapproved for the exact same reason. Does that make sense?


        I'm not so sure about it being a thing about how the tool is displayed. coldsteel.com has a practice of advertising many (if not most) of their "tools" as "weapons", going so far as to literally demonstrate how this crazy-huge, mall-ninja knife/axe/swoard etc. WILL LITERALLY CUT THROUGH A WHOLE PIG!!! or how their Shalalie WILL LITERALLY CRACK A SKULL WIDE OPEN!!!

        Chinese War Sword - Irish Blackthorn Walking Stick -

        I think it probably has something to do with the ad copy.
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        • Profile picture of the author mimart
          Originally Posted by TexanInExile View Post

          I'm not so sure about it being a thing about how the tool is displayed. coldsteel.com has a practice of advertising many (if not most) of their "tools" as "weapons", going so far as to literally demonstrate how this crazy-huge, mall-ninja knife/axe/swoard etc. WILL LITERALLY CUT THROUGH A WHOLE PIG!!! or how their Shalalie WILL LITERALLY CRACK A SKULL WIDE OPEN!!!

          Chinese War Sword - Chinese War Sword : Cold Steel Swords - YouTube
          Irish Blackthorn Walking Stick - Irish Blackthorn Walking Stick | Cold Steel - YouTube


          I think it probably has something to do with the ad copy.
          Thanks for your input. I am planning to do another campaign with Bing Ads. I'm steering clear of Google for the time being.
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    • Profile picture of the author mimart
      Originally Posted by LucidWebMarketing View Post

      I think, as been pointed out, it's the type of knives. These are definitely not steak or pocket knives. You yourself say the purpose of the Browning is self-defense. In other words, it's a weapon. In my mind, that's what Google is objecting to more than anything.
      The Browning knife in the slider image on my HOME page is a tactical knife. That doesn't necessarily mean it's solely for self-defense. It's also designed for utilitarian uses. Tactical is pretty much just a marketing term for no-nonsense, hard-use cutters.
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  • Profile picture of the author DustinInTheWind
    Banned
    First of all. I like the Website. The reason why its attracting cobwebs as you said is that most likely you dont promote it that much. Google and FB ads have rejected to advertise for you but dont let that stop you. Create an FB page that directly links to your website. Keep sharing it everday. Join communities and forums that are relevant to what you are selling. Basically dont stop promoting your page until it gets a good amount of followers.

    Also, how about paying for traffic? For me, to make money you must have money.
    Instead of investing an ad to those who have already rejected you. Try looking for others out there, preferably a DSP or an RTB platform. If you dont know what that is or a bit hazy on that subject. Ill give you a guide mate. Free Guide - Bluagile - Self-Serve RTB | Brand Marketing | Mobile | Display | Retargeting You can download it for free btw.

    The one thing you need to know about a DSP or rather its key features is because it has a targeting options or you can choose your ad to show at a different location (or even worldwide),Browser, Operating System and device. This is really good since you provide shipping as well.
    Anyway, Hope i helped.
    Cheers!
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    • Profile picture of the author mimart
      Originally Posted by DustinInTheWind View Post

      First of all. I like the Website. The reason why its attracting cobwebs as you said is that most likely you dont promote it that much. Google and FB ads have rejected to advertise for you but dont let that stop you. Create an FB page that directly links to your website. Keep sharing it everday. Join communities and forums that are relevant to what you are selling. Basically dont stop promoting your page until it gets a good amount of followers.

      Also, how about paying for traffic? For me, to make money you must have money.
      Instead of investing an ad to those who have already rejected you. Try looking for others out there, preferably a DSP or an RTB platform. If you dont know what that is or a bit hazy on that subject. Ill give you a guide mate. Free Guide - Bluagile - Self-Serve RTB | Brand Marketing | Mobile | Display | Retargeting You can download it for free btw.

      The one thing you need to know about a DSP or rather its key features is because it has a targeting options or you can choose your ad to show at a different location (or even worldwide),Browser, Operating System and device. This is really good since you provide shipping as well.
      Anyway, Hope i helped.
      Cheers!

      Thanks for your input and the complements on my site. The Google and Facebook ad rejections are an irritant and they leave me scratching my head as to how to promote my site. I've considered doing a contest on Facebook, but I can't advertise that either because of my product. I post to Facebook and Instagram everday w/images or videos.

      Thanks for the offer of the alternative advertising. I'll certainly check it out. I'm not familiar with the DSP or RTB advertising platform.
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  • Profile picture of the author rshunter27
    I would run Bing ads
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    • Profile picture of the author mimart
      Originally Posted by rshunter27 View Post

      I would run Bing ads
      Thanks for the suggestion. I've run an ad campaign on BingAds and had no problem getting it approved. But, after 3 weeks, it just didn't get enough impressions and absolutely no conversions.

      I sell a niche product that appeals to a certain demographic and interest. I need a lot of eyes on my website to initiate a sale. However, I am reconsidering using BingAds again to promote a Giveaway contest from my website requiring Facebook LIKES. What is your opinion of that approach?
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  • Profile picture of the author campbelljof
    Originally Posted by mimart View Post

    Hello everyone,

    This is my first post. I've never seen so much valuable information in one forum. What a find! Here is my advertising dilemma as an internet retailer:

    I sell knives, primarily Damascus steel. I offer pocket knives, fixed blades, tactical folding knives and one butterfly knife. I don't sell automatic knives or any other tool that could be considered a weapon. Here is my URL: Damascus Knives | Alloy Steel Knives - Damascus Steel Knives PLUS

    Google AdWords says NO GO! Facebook Advertising says NO GO! From a preliminary reading of the Yahoo's advertising policy, their in line to say NO GO, as well. I've looked into Revenue.com (Virurl), but there seems to be some consensus that they are a little shady.

    I resubmitted an edited advertisement per Google's suggestion after they disallowed my original. I've gotten no response. What are my effective alternatives?

    I've just recently launched my site and the only web visitors I'm attracting are cobwebs! I really need to advertise. Thanks in advance for all your suggestions.

    good luck !!
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    • Profile picture of the author mimart
      Originally Posted by campbelljof View Post

      good luck !!
      Thanks for your well-wishes. I appreciate it.
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  • Profile picture of the author LucidWebMarketing
    Mimart, I have no idea what, in your mind, a tactical knife means. I never heard the term before but to me, sounds like a weapon. Weapons of any kind are on Google's bad list.

    It may or may not be the problem. There's a few of us here thinking in the same way. It's interpretation of the rules and of course, being humans with different opinions, we can interpret the same rules in different manners. At the very least, change it and see what happens.

    I'm not sure an Adwords CSR will be of any help. They interpret the same rules and I don't think they have the exact reasons why there are issues. Basically, someone higher up has interpreted much like I did that you are violating one or more rules. They will rarely come out and say "it's the Browning and how you are positioning it which we feel is a weapon".
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    • Profile picture of the author mimart
      Originally Posted by LucidWebMarketing View Post

      Mimart, I have no idea what, in your mind, a tactical knife means. I never heard the term before but to me, sounds like a weapon. Weapons of any kind are on Google's bad list.

      It may or may not be the problem. There's a few of us here thinking in the same way. It's interpretation of the rules and of course, being humans with different opinions, we can interpret the same rules in different manners. At the very least, change it and see what happens.

      I'm not sure an Adwords CSR will be of any help. They interpret the same rules and I don't think they have the exact reasons why there are issues. Basically, someone higher up has interpreted much like I did that you are violating one or more rules. They will rarely come out and say "it's the Browning and how you are positioning it which we feel is a weapon".

      Thanks for your input. I agree with you that I need to change the slider image and you're probably right about the CSR. The ones I talked to did seem to just be repeating the company line without much explanation. So-called "Tactical" knives are hot right now among knife enthusiasts, so before I go to the extreme and remove all reference to that term in my website copy, I'll see how it plays out when I change the slider image. Thanks again for your input.
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  • Profile picture of the author BloodLust
    If you're interested I own a PPC ad network. We'd be glad to have you as an advertiser.
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  • Profile picture of the author LucidWebMarketing
    lentebriesje, you just won my vote for the best and most informative first post in any forum of all time.

    I know nothing about knives and a lot of what you said went over my head. But I do know about Adwords rules and if a client came to me wanting to manage their campaign for such knives, I would refuse. Many are stubborn and see nothing wrong. But you have to live by Google's rules and if you don't change, you don't advertise. You at least made great effort and I'm sure it's paying off for you so congrats.

    As for Bing, well, right now you may get away with it. But they do have similar rules and even if they don't enforce them as vigorously as Google, they could soon. My advice is, whatever Google wants, comply with them and you'll never have trouble with them or any other ad network. Therefore Mimart, I recommend you still make changes as recommended by lentebriesje.

    Display advertising is different than search. Two different mindsets. In search obviously people have an intent on what they are looking for. Display is more or less like being exposed to traditional advertising on radio, TV and newspapers. The advertiser is trying to make you aware of their business. A car company does not think you'll jump up and go buy their car. In their case, it's more like branding and when you are ready, they hope you'll think of them first. It's also used for awareness, such as a product you may never have thought about or knew existed and therefore would not even search for.

    In your case, you want to target people with interest in knives. My suggestion is targeting sites about hunting. You still have to change your site however to comply with rules.
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    • Profile picture of the author mimart
      Originally Posted by LucidWebMarketing View Post

      lentebriesje, you just won my vote for the best and most informative first post in any forum of all time.

      I know nothing about knives and a lot of what you said went over my head. But I do know about Adwords rules and if a client came to me wanting to manage their campaign for such knives, I would refuse. Many are stubborn and see nothing wrong. But you have to live by Google's rules and if you don't change, you don't advertise. You at least made great effort and I'm sure it's paying off for you so congrats.

      As for Bing, well, right now you may get away with it. But they do have similar rules and even if they don't enforce them as vigorously as Google, they could soon. My advice is, whatever Google wants, comply with them and you'll never have trouble with them or any other ad network. Therefore Mimart, I recommend you still make changes as recommended by lentebriesje.

      Display advertising is different than search. Two different mindsets. In search obviously people have an intent on what they are looking for. Display is more or less like being exposed to traditional advertising on radio, TV and newspapers. The advertiser is trying to make you aware of their business. A car company does not think you'll jump up and go buy their car. In their case, it's more like branding and when you are ready, they hope you'll think of them first. It's also used for awareness, such as a product you may never have thought about or knew existed and therefore would not even search for.

      In your case, you want to target people with interest in knives. My suggestion is targeting sites about hunting. You still have to change your site however to comply with rules.
      Thanks for your input. If I read lentebriesje's post correctly, I would have to stop offering a large part of my inventory in order to comply with Google Adwords rules for search ads. I'm not willing to do that. Tactical knives are very popular among enthusiasts and almost all modern folding knives with modern lockups (lockback or linerlocks), whether labeled "tactica" or not, have some type of assisted opening mechanism such as lentebriesje described.

      I agree, display advertising does not appear to be the way to go for my product. For the time being, I think Bing Ads is my only viable option for advertising.
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  • Profile picture of the author yahweh
    Banned
    [DELETED]
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