❓ What is brand bidding?
Brand bidding refers to the practice of affiliates using a brand’s trademarked names, product titles, or close variants as keywords in paid search campaigns (e.g., Google Ads, Bing). This includes using:
Brand names (e.g., "Acme Co")
Product names (e.g., "Acme Sleep Patch")
Misspellings or close variations (e.g., "akmee")
Brand names in ad copy, display URLs, or subdomains
Unless explicitly allowed by the brand and GiddyUp, bidding on brand terms is prohibited.
❓ Why is brand bidding a problem?
Brand bidding:
Creates unfair competition between affiliates and the brand’s own paid search campaigns
Can drive up the cost of a brand’s own advertising
Confuses or misleads shoppers into thinking the affiliate is the official source
Violates GiddyUp’s partner agreements and many search engine policies
🔍 How does GiddyUp monitor brand bidding?
GiddyUp uses a combination of:
Automated monitoring tools to scan search engine results for violations
Manual audits by our compliance team
Brand-submitted reports and internal keyword investigations
Tracking behavior through Everflow and flagged traffic patterns
We also maintain offer-specific negative keyword lists for affiliate transparency.
⚠️ What happens if brand bidding is detected?
If an affiliate is found bidding on restricted terms, we take the following steps:
Minor Violations
Formal warning issued
Immediate removal of keywords is required
Moderate or Continuous Repeat Violations
Removal from the affected offer
Payout holds or clawbacks on non-compliant traffic
Ongoing or Willful Violations
Suspension or termination from the GiddyUp Network
✅ How can affiliates stay compliant?
Always review the negative keyword list provided for each offer
Use only non-branded, benefit-driven keywords
Do not use brand names or product terms in your ad copy, display URL, or search strategy
When in doubt, ask your Affiliate Manager or Platform Support for review before launching
💬 What should brands do if they suspect brand bidding?
If you believe your brand is being targeted by unauthorized bidding:
Submit a ticket via Platform Support using the "Compliance" ticket option.
Or email us at compliance@giddyup.io
Please include:
Screenshots of the ad
The search term used
Date/time of discovery
We’ll promptly investigate and take action in line with our compliance policies.
Need help or want us to review your campaign? Reach out to Platform Support or contact compliance@giddyup.io.