Bail Bonds Agencies Can No Longer Market Using Google Adwords

Google, through a blog post published in early May 2018, announced a new policy that disallows ads promoting bail bond services. What drove Google to this decision? Are bail bonds service providers really that bad?

Why Google Banned Bail Bonds Adwords

According to Google, their reason for banning bail bonds ads is based on their commitment to protecting users from both deceitful and harmful products. (Adweek)
Apparently, some studies show that bail bond providers make most of their profits at the expense of people of color and people living in low-income neighborhoods.
Most of these people are so vulnerable that they do not see the opaque financing offers that end up putting them in debt for years.
Apparently, the issue of bail bond reform is supported by civil human rights groups, such as Essie Justice and Color of Change, whose primary goal is the reform of the criminal justice system.
This is due to the common bail bonds industry misconceptions that are in effect. At Southern Bail Bonds, we know that Google’s decision is based on misconceptions of our industry. Those misconceptions start with how bondsman are portrayed in television shows and movies. The misconceptions are furthered by media outlets jumping on the Hollywood bandwagon and misguided politicians trying to make a name for themselves.
The executive director of Essie Group, Gina Clayton, congratulated Google on their new policy stating that it is the first significant step any big corporation has taken on behalf of the families of convicted persons.

Will The Ban On Bail Bonds Ads Really Help?

Let’s look at this issue from the perspective of the families of the suspected person. If bail bonds are eliminated as an option, then cash bail is the only remaining alternative. Most low-income earners cannot afford the cash bail and so will spend time in jail as they await trial. Is that really fair?

Most bail bonds service providers are honest

It is far-fetched to assume all bail bonds agencies are deceitful. Many agencies, including Southern Bail Bonds, are legitimate and convenient since we offer our customers very flexible financing options and accept many sorts of collateral. We offer options for getting families back together, not keeping them apart.
Bail bond agencies are there so that the families of the suspects will not have to borrow money or sell their belongings to cover the full cost of the bond. Very few individuals have the resources to come up with thousands of dollars at a moments notice.

Conclusion

In truth, the judicial system is what needs reforms, not bail bonds. Most people are unaware that the right to bail is a U.S. Constitutional amendment. We all know there are issues with our current justice system. Wouldn’t addressing the root of the problem be a better way to go? Attacking bail bond agencies is not the right way to go. The enforcement of the new Google policy on bail bonds ads started in July 2018.

Additionally, Facebook plans to follow suit – not that they will have the same impact or any impact at all, it just further shows how misconceptions can color thoughts and actions, and take individuals and companies down ill thought out paths.

What do you think about the new Google policy on bail bonds ads? Do you feel bail bonds marketing has become more difficult?


If you enjoyed this article, check out these other articles regarding finding a bail bondsman:
Bail Bonds Misconceptions: 15 Bail Industry Myths [2018]
Beth Chapman - A Bright Light for the Bail Bonds Service Industry