PPCWebSpy, Why I’m Not Interested

If you have been in Internet Marketing for any period of time, you probably have seen and heard of various software tools out there.  Some are fly by night, and some are steady and strong.  While not presented as a PPC campaign management tool, it is interesting, just not interesting enough (for me).

PPCWebSpy, Why I’m Not Interested

Brad Callen is one who is in the latter group.  His company Bryxen Software and their ‘elite’ suite of products have been around and at least early on did a decent job serving customers and the community.  However, his latest offering, PPCWebSpy has me scratching my head.

Special Update: Brad sent me a message and has made some changes since this review, scroll down to see the screenshot of his message.  I have to applaud him heartily for this.

What is PPCWebSpy?

As a Pay Per Click software tool that runs in the Firefox browser, PPCWebSpy interrogates Google adwords presented to searchers, and reveals advertisers keywords bid on, ads written, cost per click, daily spend, and etc.  What’s more, it is free.  Of course you have the opportunity to upgrade to a paid version with more features.

So why am I scratching my head? At first glance this looks really exciting.  Afterall, in this business you need to take measures to increase productivity and save time in order to remain competitive and profitable, but in exchange for what?  How confident can we be that the information is accurate?  It’s not clear that it is an MLM.

Understand What You’ve Signed Up For

I’m not one that always reads the terms and conditions, but this one is worth a peek.  I found one section and have highlighted it in the screenshot below:

From what I’ve been able to determine, for those who upgrade to one of the paid versions will be able to configure affiliate links which show up in the first 2 positions of search results for those they refer to the program.  If I buy, everyone I refer that enrolls and uses the software will see the affiliate links I designate on their search results pages.

So, the ‘free’ is, in part, in exchange for space on your SERP to display your referrers favorite affiliate products.  Not too bad really, I only wish he made that clear on the page inviting me to join this free service.

Are Stats Reliable?

In reality Google doesn’t make the information PPCWebSpy claims to know available in their standard PPC keyword tools, while I am no programmer, providing advertisers keyword bid amounts seems to be something Google would want to protect from happening.

MLM (Feeling) All Over Again?

I’ve been in (and am still in 1) several MLM businesses.  It’s funny, after you leave the MLM business, people don’t maintain the relationship.  You know the old… invite me over for dinner, and let us tell you about our exciting business!

If you get people to sign up under your PPCWebspy affiliate link, and they learn about your affiliate links now popping in their browser… it’s not what they signed up for, and trust is shaken.  This one of the reasons I won’t sign up.  Oh, and I didn’t see it mentioned anywhere on the home page that I would be participating in a Multi-Level Marketing business.

My Take

I personally think Brad Callen has done way more good in the IM community than bad, I just find this latest offering a headscratcher.  As someone I respect said You don’t need to know this information to be profitable, nor do you need to know this information to beat your competitors.

For me, I’m going to pass.  If you want to look at an alternative (albeit hosted) product, here is one I’m looking at.

UPDATE: As stated at the beginning, Brad took feedback (on the chin might I add) from many, and made significant changes…here is a screenshot of the message he sent out to a group of us:

I like what he has done, and respect him for doing it, I just might give it a shot.

Continue the Conversation: Using PPCWebSpy?  What do you think? Am I missing something?  As always, leave your comments here on the blog.