Facebook disapproved an ad for my energy-boosting training series. They said my ad violated their language policies.
It’s not unusual to have an ad flagged by their automated system. I’ve found when you let them know there’s been a mistake and a real live human being looks at the ad, usually it’s approved.
But not this time.
Here’s what Amy, the real live human being said:
Your ad wasn’t approved because it doesn’t follow our language policies. We’ve found that people dislike ads that directly address them or their personal characteristics (ex: age, gender, race). Ads should not single out individuals or degrade people. We don’t accept language like “Are you fat?”, “Wanna join me?” and the like. Instead, text must present realistic and accurate information in a neutral or positive way and should not have any direct attribution to people.
Oh my. I’ll bet you’re wondering what I said, right?
But it gets so much better.
Here’s what Amy said next—and I quote—“Want more energy?” is the violating ad text.
I just had to laugh.
I guess Facebook buys into the belief that energy is in short supply and it’s not really realistic to believe you can have more.
Which is kind of the problem.
Because there’s an energy crisis going on in the lives of most women.
And we’re living in a culture that sends the message: That’s just the way it is. So suck it up and get back to your To Do list.
I used to buy into that belief. I used to live that way. But no more.
Because I really do believe energy is a series of choices we make. And I know most women want more energy. And even better, it is realistic and accurate to believe women can have more energy.
Maybe I should encourage Facebook Amy to watch my energy-boosting video series. Maybe she’d email back with, Not only is your ad approved, but we’re running it for free. Women need to hear this!
