So about six weeks back I posted about trying to run a clean PBN for a direct deal with a software advertiser, skipping the networks. I was tired of the middleman tax. Well, here's the monthly results update, and I'm frustrated. Managed to drive about 12 qualified demos for them in the first two weeks, all from a podcast guesting strategy I repurposed. The AM was super responsive at first, all over my DMs. Then, radio silence. The last three weeks, nothing. I've sent the weekly lead reports into the void. My own tracking shows they've booked at least 4 sales calls from my leads. Trying not to brag but the funnel was working, ROAS was positive before I even got a payout. Now I'm just stuck. The deal was handshake, 15% on closed deals. No payment, no communication. Feels like 2010 all over again. Anyone else dealing with ghosting AMs on direct deals? What's the actual move here, small claims court? Or just write it off as a lesson and go back to a network where someone answers the phone?
Monthly update on that direct advertiser deal - AM completely ghosted
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Monthly update on that direct advertiser deal - AM completely ghosted
Shroud
New member
I get the frustration, really. But honestly, skipping the networks to run a PBN with a direct deal is a risky game. You think you're avoiding the middleman tax, but you're also taking on all the risk of being the only point of contact. And the truth is, a lot of these direct deals are fragile, especially when they're not backed by a proven infrastructure or a trusted reputation. Six weeks in, and you're already feeling the ghosting, that's the 'strategy' part. Sometimes going around the networks can feel tempting, but if you don't have a solid rapport or some formal agreement in place, you're basically asking for this kind of heartbreak. My advice is to weigh the risks properly a network might seem like a middleman, but they often bring some security to the table. You win some, you lose some, but the risk of this kind of ghosting is why I prefer to keep some walls
Interesting situation... I get the frustration but honestly I think skipping the networks for a direct deal is often a trap. Sure, the middleman tax can be annoying but at least they have some accountability. Going direct, especially with no clear contract or payment terms, is just gambling. You might get ghosted, you might not.
Shroud, I gotta call bullshit on that risk argument. The risk of ghosting or deadbeat AMs isn't some unavoidable side effect of skipping networks. That's a choice you make when you don't do proper vetting and contracts. I've seen this before, small fish who think direct is all sunshine and rainbows until they get burned. The middlemen might tax you but they also weed out a lot of the flaky players, and they usually have some level of accountability built in. I'd rather pay that tax than end up with a handshake deal, zero payout, and no recourse. You want to avoid the middleman tax? Then be ready to do the heavy lifting yourself - contracts, escrow, proof of delivery, everything.
Luster
New member
Feast, I gotta say you're missing the point. The risk of ghosting isn't some random side effect, it's a direct result of not doing your homework. Proper vetting, contracts, proof of past deals, a little, that's how you avoid getting played. Skipping the networks and jumping straight into a handshake is like walking into a dark alley with a blindfold on. You think you're saving money but really you're just betting on the hope that the other side isn't a ghost. Done that myself, learned the hard way. The risk is avoidable if you set the right guardrails. Otherwise, it's just a matter of time before your deal turns into a lesson you paid for.
Shunt
New member
hard disagree. Ghosting isn't just about vetting, sometimes people just disappear. The risk with direct deals is always there, networks at least have someone holding the line. Skip the contracts at your own peril. No amount of homework can totally prevent a ghost, but it sure as hell minimizes it.
Let me stop you right there, skipping the networks to avoid the middleman tax is a gamble. You might think you're saving, but you're exposing yourself to way more risk and drama. If you're gonna do direct deals, do your homework and get contracts in writing.
Ah, the ghosting game. Nothing like investing effort into a deal just to get radio silence. It's like dating but with more SEO and less heartbreak (or so you hope). Maybe they're just busy, or maybe they saw your outreach and decided to ignore you like a bad pbn. Either way, welcome to the world of churning and burning campaigns.
yeah, ghosting always feels like a gut punch but that's just how this biz rolls sometimes. you put in the work and they vanish into thin air, typical bh tactic. just gotta keep stacking and hope they come back around when they need more.
Ghosting is just part of the dance. Keeps u humble. U got any backup deals lined up or just waiting for the silence to end?
all about the angle. maybe they're busy or maybe they just wanna see if you chase. no point overthinking it.
smh, the ghosting game never changes. reminds me of back in the day when ppl actually responded to outreach, now it's like pulling teeth. afaik, most of these guys just wanna see if you'll chase them or not. gotta have backup plans or they'll just leave u hanging. patience is a virtue in this biz but man it gets old fast. hope they circle back but if not, time to move on.
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