Possibly the worst email a CBD company can get.
If you’re reading this blog, you’ve probably seen the disheartening image to the right. Take a deep breath and listen very closely. This is NOT the end.
So what is the reality for getting CBD Ads Approved on Google? First, it is truly and actually really is possible. There are several things that you need in order to accomplish this oft-maligned task, but trust us, you can do it.
Follow the Rules
Most people think that the only way to advertise their CBD products on Google is to try and sneak past the algorithmic filters and the human reviewers and to blitz as hard as they can until their account is shut down and their site blacklisted from Google’s ad platforms. Let’s be clear here, this strategy might get you a couple of days of ad spend, but it’s not going to be successful. It won’t be a good use of your marketing dollars and it’ll burn all kinds of bridges. The same goes for shady re-directs, ads run to super vague pages, or trying to embed prohibited content. Google’s good at what they do. Don’t try to outsmart them.
What Options Remain to get your CBD Ads Approved on Google?
This is the sweet sweet victory you’re seeking. APPROVED FULLY
This leaves two options. You can either eschew Google altogether, and advertise on programmatic platforms, or you can play by Google’s rules. If you want to go the programmatic route, you’re going to need an agency that’s set up with existing programmatic platforms, and you’ll need some expertise when it comes to creating and implementing your ad strategy. Fortunately, CBDeebly’s got you covered. If you want to go with CBD on Google Ads, however, you’ll need to do a few things first.
Tread Carefully
Make sure that you know Google’s policies inside and out. This is easier said than done, as half of Google’s own reps don’t actually have the most updated information on their CBD policies and those policies can change on a moment’s notice. They’re also inconsistently applied, so something that worked a week ago may not work today. Make sure that your language, targeting settings, keyword choices, and extensions are all strictly and explicitly adherent to Google’s rules. Don’t try to fudge it, you just gotta suck it up and deal with it.
Here’s the most important thing you need to know BEFORE you start to try to get CBD Ads Approved on Google Ads.
You’ll Need a Clean Site
Yeah, it’s basically like that.
What’s a clean site? Technically it’s a term that’s made up but the concept is exactly what it sounds like. Simply put it’s a website that sells your products, relabeled as “hemp” and scrubbed of any prohibited material. If that seems like a big job, you’re right. It is. It’s a crucial job, though, and 100% necessary. How to make a clean site is a topic all it’s own, and would unnecessarily complicate this article, so we’ve made a definitive guide to how to accomplish that. Simply fill out the form below to receive a free copy of that guide. If you’d like assistance with setting up a clean site, drop us a line, and we’d be happy to help.
CLICK HERE FOR THE GUIDE ON HOW TO MAKE A CLEAN SITE TO RUN CBD COMPANIES ON GOOGLE ADS
Don’t Expect Instant Results
CBD ads, more than any other category of product are just plain hard to get approved. It IS possible, but don’t get discouraged if it takes a while to get your account up and running. You may need to go through a couple rounds of ad copy before one is approved, and it may take longer than usual to get ads approved. As of the writing of this article, we’re still in the midst of Corona Virus quarantine, so that will impact approval times as well, if it’s still going on when you’re reading this article.
Look at the Big Picture
How about some happy little hemp bushes, right over here?
Google Ads should never be the only trick in your CBD advertising playbook. They’re a great tool when you’ve got them up and running, but there’s no single marketing tactic that’s right for any business, and especially no one tactic for navigating a space as complex as the CBD industry. A fully formed marketing strategy takes a multi-channel approach and can provide amazing results, but it’s got to be considered as a whole, not simply as single channels working alone. Creating a comprehensive CBD retargeting strategy is essential if you’re going to invest in a Google Ads for CBD strategy. Contact CBDeebly for a full funnel analysis and a plan of action to take your marketing strategy to the next level.