Why We're Not Using Microsoft Ads Here

So we tried Microsoft Ads. Spoiler alert: we're not using Microsoft Ads.

The Setup

Google Ads has been... let's call it "challenging" for us. Not great results despite our best efforts. So when looking to expand advertising for File For Me, Microsoft Ads seemed worth a try.

I set up an account under "File for Me," configured tracking in Google Tag Manager, and created a campaign targeting people who need file compression tools. Pretty standard stuff.

The Plot Twist

The next evening: email with subject line "Violation of Egregious Policy".

Egregious? For a file compression website? I clicked through expecting to find some technical issue.

Instead: no explanation. No specific policy. No guidance. Just an algorithmic decision that our completely normal file processing site was somehow "egregious."

The Appeal Adventure

I followed the appeal link, figuring a human could take one look at our site and clear this up.

First step: verify my account. Problem: I'm an individual, but the account was under "File for Me." The system wanted business documents for what's clearly a one-person project.

Classic catch-22.

The "Support" Chat

I found the chat support. Got connected to "Zee."

Me: "Having trouble with account verification and a policy violation that seems wrong."

Zee: "We're Microsoft Ads. You need support, can I transfer you?"

Me: "...Isn't this support?"

Zee: "I can transfer you."

Agreed to transfer. Waited. And waited. After 20 minutes: "Hello?"

Crickets.

What This Taught Us

Every failure point was automated:

  • Algorithm flagged our site (incorrectly)
  • System blocked verification (rigidly)
  • Chatbot deflected instead of helping
  • Transfer process abandoned us

No human ever looked at the situation and said "Hey, this seems like a mistake."

Why We Stick to Our Principles

We use automation too - our systems do things humans can't do. But here's the difference: our automation works for you, not against you.

When you use File For Me:

  • Clear feedback about what's happening
  • Actual error messages if something goes wrong
  • Your files are processed and deleted within a week (not stored to "improve algorithms")
  • No mystery violations or unexplained blocks

The Bottom Line

Microsoft Ads lost a customer not because of bad targeting or high prices, but because their automated systems created a frustrating experience with no human recourse.

We'll stick with platforms that remember there are real people behind the screen.

Automation should make things easier.