Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising is a great way to generate traffic to your website while paying a fraction of the profits you can earn from a sale. But PPC ads aren't perfect, they can be subject to click fraud.
In a case of click fraud, your PPC ad data is manipulated. This often means generating clicks that would never result in a sale. When scheming like this occurs, it can be difficult for your company to gain a real sense of whether the money you've invested in creating and publishing your ad is worthwhile.
Although those who perpetrate click fraud are always looking for new ways to carry out their schemes, there are several ways to combat this form of internet crime. Read on as we list the top 3 tips for preventing click fraud for your pay-per-click ads.
1. Take Advantage of Click Fraud Software
You should consider investing in click fraud software if you're using any PPC advertising strategies.
The companies that create this software are constantly updating their software and upgrading protections against the newest schemes from click fraud perpetrators. With this advantage, you'll know that the click fraud software always counters any novel attempts at click fraud.
2. Be Picky about Influencers You Partner With
Partnering with influencers to promote your brand can be an effective tool in generating traffic. However, if an influencer is sending bots your way, every click could be costing you money without generating any sales. And if you chose an influencer based on their high follower count, this could be a significant blow to your campaign.
Some influencers take part in paying for followers, likes, and comments. While this makes their profile far more powerful and appealing to brands like you willing to pay for a post, these followers won't do you any good. These are typically “fake” and merely bots. They may “click” on your ad to boost engagement for the influencer and cost you money, but of course, a bot won't engage with your company or close a sale.
Before you spend any money paying an influencer for a shout-out, do some careful vetting. Fake followers cost the industry billions, and you don't want to be part of it.
Take a careful look at their followers and who engages with their previous posts. Are there suspicious usernames or hallmarks of a bot? One or two may be accidental, but a large number is a sign that the influencer is paying for their engagement that won't earn you profits.
3. Review Where Your Ads Are Published
While it's easy to think of those who perpetrate click fraud as third-parties who are neither affiliated with the company that has created the ad nor the company that will publish the ad, the fact remains that there are circumstances where the publisher's websitewill be made by and for the benefit of parties who wish to engage in click fraud.
Look for high-quality sites where you can publish your ads. Not only does removing low-quality sites boost your reputation, but it will help you avoid paying for fake clicks that only benefit the website and not you as the advertiser.
Keep Your Campaign Safe of Fraudulent Clicks
Click fraud is a crime and a severe problem. It can cost your business thousands of dollars in lost revenue and money spent on advertising that appears to be worthwhile without leading to actual new customers or sales.
Using fraud-blocking software is the safest way to go. But you should also carefully consider any influencer partnerships and review where your ads are placed online. This will ensure you get the campaign results you're looking for.
