Google Adwords. There is so much to say about their not so obvious deceptions perpitrated by their (unwitting)support team but very astute management team, experts in bate and switch.
The brief story: after several months I very well understand how the software / program works i.e., Campaigns, Ads, keyword bids work, inseration ads and more. This is Greek to most at the outset but after several months of learning I discovered I knew more than most of the support staff.
Essentially they string you along, as you adjust ads, keyword bids, phrase and broad match modifiers. You adjust and tweek and the charges of $200- 300 a month continue to come in. Wait be patient as your ranking will improve (we are 8 over 10 in performace), but no new business resulting from the Adwords hoodwinking program of Bate and Switch.
Now the proof: since we provide a service nationwide (in business 9 years) you ask them to supply an 800 type pnone number to appear in your ads but it does appear. You ask 6 customer support reps why. You get six different hesitant answers. You finally run across a rep that knows her stuff and she explains the facts and the inconsitent training on the use of 800 type number in the Ads is misrepresented. She promises I will recieve a call from the supervisor. I wait 3 weeks. Finally the call. He admits and I am correct in my understanding and further reiterates the confusion with the support team does really exist.
I ask for a modest credit $400 after having spent about $1,500 over several months. Answer: sorry, no credits allowed by policy. He says write to the Google legal department.
I would love to hear from a service based company that finds the Adwords program is a good investment or simply is even just good advertising without any incoming revenue.
Run for a class action suit!