If you’ve ever clicked on a “$7 business system” ad and ended up on a $3,000 sales call, you’ll understand why this news matters.
Google is officially cracking down on misleading “high-ticket” coaching and business schemes. Starting 28 October 2025, new advertising rules will make it much harder for shady marketers to hide upsells and bait-and-switch pricing.
For honest creators and parent bloggers trying to build income the right way, this is a huge win.
What Google’s Update Means in Simple Terms
Google’s updated Misrepresentation and Dishonest Pricing policies target ads that don’t tell the full story.
Here’s what’s changing:
- Advertisers must clearly show the total cost of a product or service before anyone buys.
- “Free trials” that automatically charge people without warning are no longer allowed.
- “Bait-and-switch” ads that promise something cheap but deliver something expensive will be banned.
- Anyone breaking the rules will get a 7-day warning before Google suspends their ads.
It’s about transparency, fairness, and protecting consumers from misleading marketing.
You can read Google’s official policy update here: Google Dishonest Pricing Practices.
Why It Matters to Families Building Online Income
Many families looking to earn online have fallen for these “too good to be true” offers.
You see an ad that says “Start your business for $7,” but once inside, you’re told real success means buying a $5,000 course or $10,000 mastermind.
That’s not freedom. That’s pressure.
Google’s change means fewer scams filling your feed and more honest opportunities rising to the top.
For parents who want to build flexible income around family life, that’s a big step forward.
How These High-Ticket Schemes Worked
Here’s the typical pattern Google is now targeting:
- Low entry point: A $7 “mini course” or free “challenge” gets you in.
- Hidden upsells: Once you sign up, you’re pressured into expensive “coaching calls.”
- False promises: You’re told success is guaranteed if you “just follow the system.”
- No refunds or support: Once paid, you’re on your own.
This model was never about helping people. It was about maximizing profit from people chasing financial relief.
That’s the kind of marketing Google now plans to stop.
How Ethical Entrepreneurs Can Stand Out
This update levels the playing field.
If you’re running a transparent affiliate blog or an honest online business, this is your moment to shine.
When Google removes deceptive ads, trust becomes the deciding factor—and that’s where ethical creators win.
What Kyle from Wealthy Affiliate Had to Say
Kyle, co-founder of Wealthy Affiliate, wrote a detailed breakdown of this update and what it means for digital entrepreneurs.
He explains that this policy shift aligns perfectly with what WA has always stood for—transparency, value, and education over hype.
You can read Kyle’s full post here: Google Is Cracking Down on Sneaky High-Ticket Schemes.
4 Ethical Pillars to Follow in 2025 and Beyond
To stay on the right side of both your audience and platforms like Google, build your business on these four simple pillars.
1. Be transparent about pricing
Show exactly what’s free, what’s paid, and what people get for each option. Hidden fees kill trust.
2. Focus on value, not hype
Don’t claim overnight results. Share your process, lessons, and real progress.
3. Educate instead of selling dreams
Teach your audience how to build something real, step by step. Empower them to succeed on their own terms.
4. Build long-term trust
Support your readers with honest guidance. People remember the ones who helped them, not the ones who pressured them.
That’s the foundation of sustainable online income.
Why This Change Benefits Every Honest Creator
Google’s update isn’t just about banning bad actors. It’s about rewarding those doing it right.
For bloggers, affiliate marketers, and families running honest businesses, this means:
- Less competition from scam ads.
- A cleaner ad space where transparency wins.
- A stronger reputation for ethical brands.
If you’ve been building your blog or affiliate business the right way, you’re already aligned with these values.
And if you’re just starting out, this is the best time to do it properly—with guidance and tools designed for real success.
Final Thoughts
Google’s crackdown on high-ticket scams is a welcome move for anyone tired of fake “mentors” and overpriced “business systems.”
It marks a shift toward honesty, clarity, and real value—the very principles platforms like Wealthy Affiliate have followed from the start.
If you want to see how ethical marketing looks in action, read Kyle’s full insights inside WA below.
Read Kyle’s Full Post on Wealthy AffiliateLet’s Chat Section
Have you ever come across one of those “$7 systems” that turned into a massive upsell? Or maybe you’ve joined a program that promised quick results but didn’t deliver?
I’d love to hear your experience. Do you think Google’s new policy will help clean up the online business space, or do you think these scams will find new ways around it?
Share your thoughts below. Your insights could help another parent avoid the same trap.
