Phone No in AdSense Ads

OMG, Google allows Phone numbers to be displayed as ad text in the AdSense. So, we are generating leads for advertisers for nothing if the visitors call the phone numbers without clicking the ads...
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It wasn't valid to have Phone Numbers in Adsense TOS somewhere, until recently. I had checked as I was interested in this myself once. Looks like they revised their TOS. Or maybe that sole ad slipped past their nets... what say, you guys?

 

How many people would really call a random number after seeing a 5-10 word ad online? None ... and Google understands that.

 

I agree, but it depends on the ad text.

example:
"Get a interest free loan - call for more info for free: <phone no>"

To be honest i wouldnt really care, if it bothers you too much, filter them out.

 

The attachment is not working.

 

as long as affiliates have the option to filter them out it's nothing critical really

 

i'm blocking theses advertisers ... and they pay very low

 

They have always been able to use phone numbers in AdWords ads, unfortunately. But advertisers to have to maintain a certain CTR or they will end up paying more for those keywords in order for their ad to appear, which could mean more per click for publishers too.

 

Also depends if it is premium rate no. like $£Y50 a minute

 

It seems that the attachment doesn't work.

 

Actually it costs more to run those 800 numbers than to have someone click on your adwords ads.

Unless its a local number, then I doubt anyone will call.

Peace,

 

I'd recommend sending a comment to AdSense stating how you think it is unfair for advertisers to place phone numbers in their ads because it subverts the CPC process. If Google gets enough complaints about it, they may very well change this policy and start to prohibit phone numbers in CPC ads (CPM ads aren't a concern).

 

If they're going to call the number, they're likely going to click the ad for more information.

 

Then advertisers shouldn't be concerned about a policy that bans phone numbers. There is only one reason to post a phone number in an AdSense/AdWords CPC ad -- to try and bypass having to pay for click-thrus.

 

I agree, they dont allow enough on the add itself for anyone to just want to call. I guess if it was a hotline of some sort but for ordering something you would want to see what it is first... no?

 

attachement link broken....

 

I agree. As Jensense confirmed, they have to maintain a certain CTR before paying more anyway, so no biggie really.

 

Here's the pic, hope it won't brake again.

Also, I painted the background of the ad to black since it's earsier to identify the url of the ad.

 

I get the same ad all the time. It is a very good example of the type of ad that is very likely to attract direct phone calls instead of clicks. I've actually complained to Google about this ad.

 

What was their reply? Or, did they reply?