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Understanding and preventing invalid clicks and questionable activity and with Microsoft pubCenter

posted Tue, May 05 2009
by Harlan

Invalid clicks and questionable activity are something that impacts every advertising network.  We believe Microsoft pubCenter has a great group of publishers, who operate in a way to preserve the quality of the network.  The value of the network is something publishers and pubCenter must work together to safeguard.  So we all are working off the same page, let’s review invalid clicks and questionable traffic.

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Invalid Clicks:  These are clicks we decide not to charge Microsoft adCenter advertisers, since they may falsely drive up publisher revenue and advertiser cost and/or provide no value to the advertiser. Examples of invalid clicks are the second click of a double-click, a publisher clicking on his/her own ads, automated clicking tools, deceptive software or a publisher encouraging clicks on his/her ads.

Questionable Traffic:  This is a subset of invalid clicks that are produced with the direct purpose or driving up publisher revenue and advertiser cost.  Examples of these include:

· Automated clicking or impression tools, robots, or other deceptive software.

Publishers clicking or encouraging family members click on his/her own ads.

· Third-party programs with user incentives, such as paid-to-click services and click-exchanges.

Here are a few simple rules to help keep your account in good standing:

· Don't click on your own Microsoft ads or ask others to click on your ads.

· Don't employ pop-up prompts or automatic software installations.

· Promote Trustworthy Computing.

· Be aware of how your site is promoted.

 

Comments

  • Wed, May 20 2009 11:52PM

    As Microsoft rolls out this program, the need to protect advertiser's interests is felt more than before. Technology must ensure faster detection of invalid  clicks. And weed out those who seek to undermine a good system that has led to financial freedom for a lot of people across the world.

  • Sat, May 23 2009 04:12PM

    A level playing field is important to the development of the industry. Therefore the timely detection of any form of invalid clicks is an important first step in guaranteeing a credible system

  • Thu, Jul 02 2009 04:57PM

    Ethical SEO and Hammer--you both hit the nail on head.  A solid system is critical to the advertising landscape.

  • Tue, Sep 15 2009 03:55PM

    Great guide--thanks!

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