Beware of Google Adwords claims
Date: 12 July 2007

We have recently been made aware of some fairly unethical behaviour of companies trying to sell Google Adwords campaigns.

Apparently at least one company is making cold calls and saying amongst other things:

That they are Google.
That they represent Google.
That they are the only Company in NZ allowed to sell Google Adwords.
That Search engine optimisation and marketing (the work we and others do) is not necessary because Adwords is more effective.
That they are the longest established SEM company in NZ.
That there are limited spaces available in Adwords in each Industry Category.

They are not very upfront about telling you who they are when they phone which we think is misleading. They are also not providing prospective clients with a true perspective (and realistic expectation) of what the suggested PPC budgets will actually achieve and are completely overlooking the importance of ‘organic’ (free) listings. Their campaigns appear to be most specifically for Google Australia. There are also other reputable companies in NZ who are certified Google Adwords campaign managers.

We do not manage Adwords campaigns ourselves so have not got any “barrow to push” on this other than we do not like seeing unethical behaviour and misleading information from others in this industry. Web marketing is enough of a mystery to many of you anyhow without someone in the industry confusing things further. Google Adwords can be effective in some circumstances, but there can also be quite a large cost involved in campaigns. If your site is ranking well in the main ’organic’ search results for your key search phrases, then a campaign is probably not necessary.

Apparently some moves are underway to have the company(s) correct their claims. If you are contacted by anyone regarding Adwords campaigns, try to find out who they actually are and verify their claims before you commit. As always, it is a case of buyer beware and ensuring that you know what you are actually getting

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