Google Doesn’t Follow It’s Own Advertising Policies Upon creating Call Only ads, Google requires for a valid number. Upon creating the ads, they disapproved them due to an “unverified phone number”. Upon reviewing Google’s policy, they provide the following link: Upon calling Google Support, I was told the phone number needs to physically be on the website. Google’s policy does not state this fact, even the Google support rep agreed. Google’s policy states: “Fix your phone number. Provide a functional, relevant phone number that connects to the advertised company and is domestic to the country you want to target.” The number I submitted fits this criteria as stated by Google in their policy, it does not state that the number has to match the number on my website. I use this number for tracking my lead sources, it would not make sense to have it be the same number on my website. By falsely enforcing their own policy, Google creates a barrier to entry for companies to use their advertising products. Adding something to a website requires a web developer, which costs money. Google is forcibly causing companies to have to pay additional costs by enacting this method of enforcement by requiring something that isn’t stated in their policy. Additionally, since the numbers used are via reputable, 3rd party call tracking companies (i.e.) Google is utilizing unfair business practices that are penalizing companies who are using numbers from 3rd party call tracking companies by disapproving said numbers or requiring them to jump through extra hoops to make them approved.
Where Bad Business is Exposed!
