Online searches performed using Google or other search engines are one of the primary ways people look up information, find websites that can answer their questions, and connect with companies that offer the products and services they are looking for. This has made search engine optimization (SEO) incredibly important as website owners seek to make sure they can be found through "organic" searches performed by potential visitors or customers. However, pay-per-click (PPC) advertising also offers a way for site owners or sellers of products and services to make sure they can be found in online searches. 

PPC advertising allows businesses to have their ads appear in search engine results pages (SERPs). While PPC ads can be an effective way to reach potential customers, there are a few practices that are prohibited by Google that should be avoided. Violations of Google's policies can result in ads not being shown, and in some cases, an advertiser's account may even be suspended or permanently banned. By understanding what practices to avoid, advertisers can ensure that people will be able to view their ads, which will increase website traffic and provide better results for their campaigns.

For many in the legal industry, Google remains a constant in search engine marketing. You may rely on Adwords, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Google+ just to name a few methods, but is Google’s privacy policy in everyone’s best interest?

According the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), technology gurus have familiarized themselves with Google's privacy policy revision, effective March 1, 2012. Perhaps we may ask, as a technological layman, what does it mean for legal marketing efforts?

Google consolidated over 70 individual privacy policies, covering separate services available to publishing on the Internet. It now blankets a one-size-fits-all privacy policy for Google users. It allows Google to “data mine” a user's Internet activity across the Google playing field instead of through specific service options. This policy has sparked controversy and has even been labeled as possibly illegal according to an article in The Huffington Post. So what exactly is the bone of contention for Google users?