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Then today out of the blue Overture denied a simple request. The keyword was for a make of car. They had just approved a keyword bid for a smiliar car make just days before. I already bid on numerous car make keywords for the largest online classic car classifieds site. So why wouldn't they permit this?
The reason given to me was 'No Clear Path'.
The FAQ for this says something along the lines of the URL should point right to the main relevant page. We have 123 ads for this type of car, so I can't see how pointing to anything other than the main page would be more relevant. Not to mention my hundreds of other keywords I bid on all point to the main page.
I have contacted Overture, and they have placed my request into the appeals process.
I was just wondering if others have had problems like this? Is this a changing policy, or overzealousness by a new Overture editor?
I'm really at a loss here. They denied my request on appeal too. I just called them, and they said their getting more strict. I agree relevancy is good thing.
However, I think this is taking this too far. They want me to point their users to our search page. I don't want people to see a search page as the first page they see when they visit my site. Does anyone else?
We were looking to expand big time with Overture, and give them a lot more money. Frankly, they seem less than appealing now to me if their going to make such a huge deal out of trying to add simple terms.
Frustrated!
Why not? If you send visitors to a search results page, having performed the relevant search for them, then surely you will get a better ROI?
I guess if the term we were trying to bid on was 'search for Austin Healey', then I can understand pointing them to the search page. However, the term is just 'Austin Healey'. If you then point themdirectly to the search page you are limiting their choices, instead of the homepage where they have numerous different choices for that type of car.
From an Oct 1 email...
"Effective immediately, we will only accept listings for search terms if the Web site provides substantial content that is clearly reflective of the search term. If a site contains content in the form of a text link, banner, or tile that directs users to another Web site, it will no longer be considered substantial content. To be in compliance with this guideline, there must also be a direct relationship between the
search term and the main purpose of the Web site. Beginning October 8, 2001 we will start to review existing search listings to ensure they meet this new guideline."
I can't see how they can reject the terms you wanted while leaving blatant affiliate web sites in. I'm happy to provide specific keywords if anyone is interested.
Also I cannot find any phone # at their website - if anyone can forward me one I'd appreciate it.
Cheers
Dan
