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Originally Posted by dburdon
In recent months I've become aware of a widening in the reported activity coming from Google Adwords and that reported by the analytics systems. Recent analysis shows a general error of around 4%. And the error is always positive. That is, the Google Adwords reported volume exceeds the volume detected by the analytics programme.
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Excellent comment.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dburdon
I've read and contributed to threads on this forum and other where individual members have vented their frustration at Google's intransigence and arrogance on the issue. Obviously Google have a position of trust to manage on Adwords. After all it represents 99% of their revenue. However, the benefits of dealing with Google generally - but not always - outweigh the risks. And the regulators have been alerted to their monopoly position in paid search perhaps Google may start showing a more vigilant approach.
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In the long run it will behoove them to be 'trusted'
Quote:
Originally Posted by dburdon
For several days they received no traffic from Google Adwords despite being charged for clicks.
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Hmmm, interesting. You know, many times, I will click on a google sponsored ad and the screen simply will not open. Is it possible that people are clicking on the ad, but not actually getting through to the website (for one reason or another).
The second thing is that on some of the websites where I do run adwords (and I am a really SMALL adwords 'player') I have noted certain google credits (say .01 or .02 where there are no clicks, but many impressions). Is it possible that you get charged for impressions in addition to clicks?
The client is a small business and has asked me to pursue Google for a refund or credit note. Google's Dublin office refuses to budge on the matter. Claiming their "experts" have examined the click stream and cannot detect any failings in their [infallible] system. [my brackets].
Quote:
Originally Posted by dburdon
Google have a monopoly. Where else can the client go? In my opinion Google's success has led to arrogance and hubris. and a disdain for the small businesses that helped build them. This particular client has been using Google Adwords for almost 5 years. Given, that even in the UK, Google are now the largest single advertising player with a turnover in excess of £2 billion ($3 billion), it is time that some external controls were placed on the Adwords platform. No other business of this scale would be able to self-audit and self-police its output.
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Part of the problem is that the 'product' is EXTREMELY difficult to track and analyze. But you are correct, ultimately you have to decide if google is worth it. Your options are to deal or not to deal.
I also agree that google has a commanding share of the market. It would be a difficult monopoly to break up. Are we going to have 'baby googles'? (google/yahoo/msn is more akin to an oligarchy)
Quote:
Originally Posted by dburdon
After all, if Google is charging for as little of 4% of its £2 billion clicks turnover it amounts to £80 million ($120 million). Imagine the sums that could be incorrectly being billed in markets such as the US.
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In theory (and again this is just a theory), if google is overbilling, well, then that would simply depress the bid amount. Ultimately the market isn't really 'buying clicks', they're 'buying' sales. Ultimately if you rely on adwords for lead generation you must 'cost out' click fraud (whether its ghost clicks reported by google or actual click fraud).
I enjoyed your post, because now its not only click fraud, it appears google is churning accounts too.