What about encouraging "searching" your site?

If you have an search box on it ...

[fischermx]

Call me paranoic if you want :)

But I have a site in which I have an adsense search box on the top-right.
Recently, on my banner, I added the slogan : "Your widgets needs start here, search our site!" (it is a directory-like niche website)
Being that besides the search box, I wonder if I could be accused, therefore banned from adsense by encouraging people to search my site, there may using the adsense search and clicking ads ...

[ann]

Sounds like a violation to me but I would check with Google just to be on the safe side.

Ann

[spaceylacie]

I emailed support about this once and they said it was okay to "encourage" people to search. I gave them my wording as an example, which said something like "still can't find the widgets you want? Try searching Google". They said this was fine.

[fischermx]

still can't find the widgets you want? Try searching Google".

Wow, and you're exactly telling them to use google.
In my case, I have my own search box AND google search box, too.
How much time ago was this? I mean, how much time using your phrase on your site?

[ann]

Sure hope you kept the email--you may need it.
Sounds like a new employee must have answered you.

Ann

[spaceylacie]

It was at least a year ago and I sent them the exact page along with a quote. We only get paid if people actually click on the Google ads in search, not just if they use it. This was my final understanding on why my wording was okay.

(edit- I also have my own site search box above the Google search and the message I mentioned... and this message only appears in my own search results)

[PalX]

I mailed them with a similar question and here is what they answered

In response to your second question, the use of the phrase "search the
web" above your AdSense for search box would currently be acceptable under
our program policies ( [google.com...] ).

I think the search is completely different then the normal ads, since someone who does the search and then click on the ad knows what he or she is doing unlike clicking on the ads.

[incrediBILL]

Just put "CLICK THE ADS" on the top of all the pages and enjoy.

[spaceylacie]

My site with that mentioned doesn't have other Adsense ads on it... just a search box... calm down, incrediBILL.

[appi2]

My theory, telling people to use the search is ok. Telling people to click on the results not ok.

Google does state you can use the search yourself to view the results, but you can't click.

At least thats how I remember the terms.

[kartiksh]

Just put "CLICK THE ADS" on the top of all the pages and enjoy.

What does this mean Bill? i thought this is a violation of AdSense terms.

Let me know your thoughts on it.

[seunosewa]

He's being sarcastic by saying you should do that ;)

[fischermx]

I think that's just plain mockery, to be sarcastic is required more thinking and wording :)

On the topic, since the search box thing is a two step process, first search, then you click either results or the ads, it could be ok to encorauge the use of the search. Eventhough the posibilities for have earnings through it are real, it is not a direct invitation to click on ads.

[incrediBILL]

I think that's just plain mockery, to be sarcastic is required more thinking and wording

I was tired on my way to bed, but it got my point across. I'm on the east coast now in jet lag hell, gambling all night, sleeping all day, I'm totally out of sorts.

Anyway, I'd ask Google before telling people to use the AdSense search box, it's not directly an AD per se, but it does get them one step closer to the ads.