Ask HN: Where to advertise my SaaS other than Google?
6 points by skwee357 13 hours ago | 6 comments
I run a SaaS that I believe will benefit from trying ads on it. However, I got blocked on Google.

First, they marked my website as compromised. I tried to remove all Javascript, run malware scanners, change IP, change server location, contact support - nothing helped. Then, they blocked my account (no idea why), so unless I create a new Google account (which might be against their TOS), I'm banned from advertising on Google.

The product is not a scam, and there are hundreds of happy customers. There are similar products that Google happily takes their money for ads.

All social media ads such as Meta, Twitter, TikTok, Reddit - are not helpful, as my main source of traffic are people who search for "How to do [what my product does]" on Google, rather than people who scroll news feeds.

It's more of a "I need a solution now" type of product rather than "oh, look another cool gimmick/t-shirt/gadget that I might buy", this is why I'm focusing on SEO and ads on Google.

But I know that Google is not the only one. So where can one advertise in order to reach search results? Preferably something you had experience with yourself.

  • cranberryturkey 13 hours ago |
  • ndjdjddjsjj 13 hours ago |
    Helps if you tell us what it is.

    Reddit ads might be OK if there are subs that coincide with the topic.

  • meiraleal 10 hours ago |
    Bing. Otherwise nowhere else will fit your description so you gotta advertise in places you think isn't the best until you figure out some that work.
  • bootstrpppin 10 hours ago |
    If you have enough budget you could use a PPC Agency, who may run your Google ads through their ad account.

    PPC agencies often also have an Account Manager at Google (who will be able to unblock you, or at least give you more insight into why you were blocked).

    Hope that's helpful

  • vintageclothldn 9 hours ago |
    There are several alternatives worth exploring:

    Alternative Search Engines:

    - Bing Ads (Microsoft Advertising) is your best immediate alternative for Western markets - often lower CPC and less competition - Yandex Advertising for Russian markets (if relevant to your market) - Baidu Marketing for Chinese audiences (if relevant to your market)

    Resolve Google Issues:

    - Try reaching out to a Google Ads account manager - they can sometimes help resolve account blocks that automated support can't handle - Consider working with a certified Google Ads agency who might have better support channels - Document everything meticulously to demonstrate your legitimacy

    Rethink Social Advertising:

    While you've found social media ads ineffective, generally paid social is effective for most client, so you might want to reconsider with a different approach to define your audience:

    - Target people discussing your problem space on LinkedIn/Reddit - Use detailed interest targeting on Meta to reach people in relevant industries/roles

  • nicoloren 8 hours ago |
    I also have a domain that is blocked buy Google. There is nothing you can do and the only solution for me has been to: 1) change the domain name 2) change the content (text and images) of the pages

    And, even after that, the recovery has been really slow...

    I think you can create a new Google account for a new website and/or entity. That is why you can have a google business account and a personnal one.