Competitor Ad Spotted on Knowledge Panel

[JoyHawkins]

This makes me so annoyed but Ben Fisher has just spotted the first instance of a competitor's ad showing up on a business Knowledge Panel. I am hoping this is a test that Google doesn't actually follow through with.



Let me know if any of you spot one like this.

 

[Phil Rozek]

Good find. Can't say I've seen it. Given that that's a Yelp move, and Google's becoming more Yelp-like, I'm sure it's not the last in-listing ad we see.

 

[Cherie Dickey]

This is so gross. But it makes sense if Google is planning to monetize GMB listings. Like Phil said, a Yelp move.

 

[djbaxter]

I don't know what to call it but it's the shadiest thing I think Google has done in recent memory.

 

[valesence]

Not surprised honestly. Google is a business, profits are their purpose. Seo is only allowed by google, because we bring the content. High ranking is a reward for great content. Then they can remarket off our efforts.

 

[Tony Wang]

Totally not surprising, especially after seeing a business' own Groupon ads on its own knowledge panel a couple years ago. I expect to see more ads in more places. Even Amazon runs competitor ads on a product listing.

 

[DenisOxon]

Both Amazon and Ebay run competitive adverts on items. It is something I detest. Especially with Ebay the seller is paying to have their item listed and it is plagued with adverts for other items.

I had a customer ring me thinking I was selling a competitors make of gas. When I asked why my business was listed when searching for the competitors gas. I tried it and he was correct.

 

[djbaxter]

Google Competitor Ads as "Ransom"

Basecamp Google Ad - We Don't Want To Run This Ad But...
by Barry Schwartz, Search Engine Roundtable
Sept 4, 2019

Founder & CEO at Basecamp, Jason Fried, posted a screen shot on Twitter of a Google Ad the company bought that reads "Basecamp.com - We don't want to run this ad." The ad description goes on to read "we're the #1 result, but this site lets companies advertise against us using our brand. So here we are. A small, independent co. forced to pay ransom to a giant tech company."

Here is a screen shot of the Google search ad:

Jason Fried added "When Google puts 4 paid ads ahead of the first organic result for your own brand name, you’re forced to pay up if you want to be found. It’s a shakedown. It’s ransom. But at least we can have fun with it. Search for Basecamp and you may see this attached ad."

Yes, he is calling Google Ads in this scenario "ransom."

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