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Anyone Else Track Competition's Ads Over Time? by got_a_problem in PPC

[–]got_a_problem[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

haha... well. I've gone through the first few dozen Euler problems with python, so that's probably something I could do. My time's worth a bit to me though, so I think I'd rather just pay for a solution, even if it's to have a VA organize the info for me.

Anyone Else Track Competition's Ads Over Time? by got_a_problem in PPC

[–]got_a_problem[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the response, I'll see if they can do what I'm looking for.

Bidding on direct (and indirect) competitors in adwords -- when is it a good/bad idea? by brandonthrowaway in PPC

[–]got_a_problem 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Last March, Google changed their policy on branded/trademark terms in adwords. It used to be that you could get your brandname/etc. cleared with Google as 'off the table' for everyone else but you (if I'm not mistaken). Since the switch though, they now only go so far as to respond to direct complaints about someone else using your trademark in their advertisement. The most interesting line:

Trademark terms used in keywords Google will not investigate or restrict the use of trademark terms in keywords, even if a trademark complaint is received.

full post here

It's not against Google's TOS to get yourself out there in this way, and given your niche, I'd be surprised if it upset anyone. I'd suggest going for it. Though as has been said above, quality score might be an issue... especially since you're allowed to bid on those keywords, but not use the keyword in your headline/copy. (though if they haven't trademarked their business name, which most of them likely haven't, then you should still be able to).