Paid Media
[Updated September 16th, 2023]
Google stands as the premier gateway for businesses aiming to connect with their target audience. Every day, countless searches are made, seeking solutions, advice, and services. For the drug rehabilitation sector, however, this massive exposure came with challenges.
In 2018, Google began restricting ads related to drug and alcohol treatment centers. This move was more than just a policy update; it signified a broader intent to ensure the safety and trustworthiness of the information presented to its users. But what drove Google to make such a defining shift?
Join us as we explore the catalysts behind this decision and delve into the integral role of LegitScript in this evolving narrative.
For those of you who’ve been with us over the years, you’re aware of the profound changes and evolutions within the drug rehab and mental health treatment advertising space. If you’re newer to our community, here’s a concise overview to get you up to speed.
Back in the early days of online advertising, there was an open field for businesses, including rehab centers, to promote their services on platforms like Google. The promise was simple: position your message in front of the right audience, at the right time. But as the digital landscape became more complex, so did the challenges, especially for sensitive sectors like ours.
It has been a few years since Google banned addiction treatment center ads on their platform and the effect has been felt across the addiction treatment industry.This has been a major hurdle when marketing a rehab, because most trips to an addiction treatment center start with a search on Google.
With the new rules, Many providers have had to move their advertising budget to other, often less effective platforms, like Facebook and Instagram.
On April 16, 2018 Google announced that all drug and alcohol addiction treatment providers would be required to obtain LegitScript certification if they were to advertise on their platform. On August 9th 2018, almost a year after Google, Facebook announced they would be requiring providers to be legitscript certified to advertise on their platform.
Most addiction professionals will agree that this is a good thing for our industry, but actually obtaining a LegitScript certification requires a lot of paperwork.
But as with any broad policy change, there were unintended consequences. Many reputable rehab centers, perhaps some of you reading this, faced challenges. Google’s restrictions, while rooted in good intent, affected both the problematic and the commendable establishments alike.
In today’s complex digital advertising landscape, ensuring the credibility and ethical standards of businesses, particularly in sensitive sectors like drug rehab and mental health treatment, has become paramount. For our audience and many others in this field, understanding the significance of certification when it comes to Google Ads is crucial. Let’s delve into why this is so integral.
As we transitioned into a digital age dominated by search engines, potential patients began to rely heavily on online sources when seeking treatment options. This transition meant that the information they encountered needed to be not only accurate but also ethical and beneficial. Google Ads, given its vast reach, became a primary platform for many rehab centers to connect with those in need.
However, the open nature of digital advertising had its pitfalls. Some establishments, driven by profit rather than patient welfare, exploited the system, leading to misleading or even harmful advertisements. These negative instances cast a shadow over the entire sector, making it challenging for genuine centers to gain the trust they deserved.
The introduction of certifications like those provided by LegitScript wasn’t just a bureaucratic step. It became a beacon of credibility. For rehab centers, obtaining this certification signaled a commitment to best practices, genuine patient care, and an adherence to ethical standards. For potential patients and their families, seeing that a center was certified provided reassurance that they were making an informed and safe choice.
Additionally, for rehab centers and marketing agencies like ours, certification became a gateway to re-enter the Google Ads space, ensuring our messages reached those in genuine need. Not just a stamp of approval, it symbolized a dedication to integrity in a digital realm fraught with skepticism.
To apply for LegitScript certification, the process demands a thorough and quick completion of the application. Providers are sent an extensive checklist post-application, detailing the prerequisites. A full list of the standards can be accessed via this link. In terms of expenses, there’s an application fee along with a yearly charge, contingent on the number of facilities you operate. More details can be found on the LegitScript website.
Once your application packet is submitted electronically, LegitScript reviews it in the order of receipt. There might be instances where they’ll reach out for additional documentation, and a swift response can expedite the approval process.
For those in the drug rehab and mental health treatment space, LegitScript certification is not just a stamp of credibility; it’s a commitment to ethical practices and superior patient care. If you’re aiming to get this certification, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the guidelines you need to adhere to:
Begin your certification journey by visiting my.legitscript.com. Here, you’ll set up your account, inputting necessary contact information. This account is your gateway to the application and certification process.
Once logged in, kick start your certification procedure. But remember, before diving into the questionnaire, you must pay the application review fee. It’s worth noting that you can manage multiple certifications through a singular MyLegitScript account. The annual subscription fee comes into play only post-certification. For a clear picture on costs, you can check their pricing section.
Delve into the comprehensive questionnaire. The beauty of it? You can save your progress and get back to it whenever it’s convenient. Make sure to check their Required Information section for a smoother process.
During the review, LegitScript analysts might connect with you. They’ll seek clarifications or additional details. Sometimes, they’ll pinpoint minor noncompliance issues that require resolution before awarding the certification. To expedite your application, address these promptly.
Post the application’s approval, the final step beckons: paying your annual subscription fee. Once this is settled, your certification is finalized.
Once you’ve achieved the coveted LegitScript Certification, it isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it deal. Maintaining it demands continuous compliance with the set standards. This means ensuring that your business practices, treatments, and facilities consistently meet the criteria outlined by LegitScript. Regular self-checks can be instrumental in this.
Every certification has a shelf life, and the LegitScript Certification is no exception. To keep it active, an annual review is mandatory. During this time, you’d be revisiting the initial certification process, albeit with possibly lesser intensity. It serves as an assurance to both LegitScript and your clientele that you’re upholding the highest standards in addiction treatment and care.
Any significant changes in your business structure, offerings, or processes should be immediately communicated to LegitScript. This includes expansion of services, modifications in treatment protocols, or changes in physical location. Immediate reporting ensures that you remain in line with their standards and there’s no breach in certification norms.
LegitScript, like many certifying bodies, might update its criteria from time to time. As a certified entity, it’s your responsibility to stay abreast with these changes. Regularly visiting the LegitScript portal or subscribing to their newsletter can be beneficial.
Just as there was an initial application fee, there’s a renewal fee associated with keeping your certification alive. It’s crucial to budget for this and ensure timely payment to avoid any disruptions in your certification status.
Should there be any hiccups, concerns, or queries regarding your certification, always approach LegitScript promptly. Open communication can address potential issues before they escalate, ensuring a smoother certification maintenance and renewal process.
In essence, maintaining and renewing your LegitScript Certification is an ongoing commitment to excellence. It not only fortifies your credibility in the industry but also reinforces the trust your clients place in you.
At its core, the LegitScript Certification signals the legitimacy and reliability of a healthcare entity. For Google Ads campaigns, this trust marker significantly impacts how addiction treatment centers can advertise. Potential clients, seeing your ad with this certification, can approach your services with a renewed confidence.
While Google’s advertising ecosystem is stringent for healthcare sectors, having the LegitScript Certification is not merely an advantage—it’s a necessity. Without this certification, addiction treatment ads will not be approved, making it indispensable for any center aiming to utilize Google Ads.
While there may not be a significant difference in ad placements, having the certification allows rehab centers to even consider using platforms like Google Ads. Without it, the door to such platforms remains closed.
In the digital ad space, trust is paramount. By displaying your LegitScript Certification in Google Ads, you assure potential clients of your commitment to best practices and ethical treatment standards.
While the certification might not directly enhance campaign analytics, its presence ensures that your ads aren’t halted due to compliance issues. This consistency can lead to more accurate data analysis, helping centers understand their audience better.
With the LegitScript Certification, ad campaigns run smoothly with the assurance that they meet the necessary regulations. This confidence allows centers to focus on their main message and service provision rather than constantly navigating the complexities of ad compliance.
While the LegitScript Certification offers many advantages, it’s essential to understand that navigating the advertising landscape comes with its own set of challenges:
Are you a rehab center that needs marketing services? At Webserv, we’ve carved our niche, specifically assisting the drug rehab sector. Our expertise ranges from Search Engine Optimization to Digital PR, Content Marketing, PPC Advertising, and Website Design.
The journey to recovery starts with a single step, and for many, that step begins online. Let Webserv guide your center’s digital footprint, ensuring those in need find the healing they seek. Your dedication to rehabilitation meets our commitment to excellence in marketing. Let’s transform lives together.
Google decided to ban these ads to ensure that the ads running on its platform meet certain quality and safety standards.
LegitScript certification is a verification process that addiction treatment providers must undergo to advertise on platforms like Google and Facebook. It ensures that the providers meet certain quality and compliance standards.
Some standards include being licensed, not offering incentives like plane flights, and displaying a clear address on the website.
Yes, providers have to pay an application fee and a yearly fee. The exact amount varies depending on the number of facilities they operate.
Once the application is submitted electronically, it’s processed in the order received. Initial rollouts took longer, but now applications could be processed within a month.
It’s suggested to become compliant with all standards before submitting. If there are shortcomings in the initial application, it’s best to address them and then reapply.
