Advertising Policy for Surfcoast Connect

1. Introduction

Surfcoast Connect (the “Website”) allows local businesses to advertise and promote their services through paid listings, banner ads, sponsored articles, and other promotional placements. This Advertising Policy outlines the standards and expectations for all advertising content on Surfcoast Connect to ensure compliance with Australian laws, including the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) and guidelines from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

2. Advertising Standards

All advertisements and sponsored content on Surfcoast Connect must comply with Australian advertising laws and guidelines. Advertisements should:

• Be truthful, accurate, and not misleading or deceptive.
• Refrain from making exaggerated claims or unsubstantiated statements.
• Clearly represent the nature and identity of the business or brand being advertised.

3. Types of Advertising Accepted

Surfcoast Connect accepts various forms of advertising, including but not limited to:

• Banner Ads: Displayed in designated areas on the Website.
• Sponsored Articles and Posts: Paid articles, blog posts, or features created and displayed by Surfcoast Connect with the advertiser’s approval.
• Featured Listings: Enhanced business directory listings with additional information and promotional content.
• Custom Promotions: Customized advertising packages that meet specific promotional needs, subject to Surfcoast Connect’s discretion.

4. Advertiser Responsibilities

Advertisers are responsible for ensuring that:

• All content provided is compliant with Australian Consumer Law and ACCC guidelines.
• Any claims about products or services are accurate, substantiated, and clearly distinguishable from editorial content.
• Advertisements do not infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others.

5. Surfcoast Connect’s Right to Review and Approve Content

Surfcoast Connect reserves the right to review, approve, and, if necessary, reject or remove any advertising content that does not meet the standards outlined in this policy. We may modify or reject content that:

• Fails to comply with Australian advertising standards.
• Is deemed offensive, inappropriate, or inconsistent with Surfcoast Connect’s values.
• Is misleading, deceptive, or likely to create a false impression about the business or product.

6. Disclosure and Transparency

Surfcoast Connect is committed to transparency in advertising. All sponsored content, such as paid articles and featured posts, will be clearly labeled to distinguish them from editorial content. Labels may include terms such as “Featured Listing,” “Featured,” Sponsored,” “Advertisement,” or “Paid Content.”

7. Prohibited Content

Surfcoast Connect prohibits advertisements that:

• Promote illegal, dangerous, or unethical practices.
• Contain hate speech, discrimination, or offensive language.
• Include false endorsements or impersonation of other brands or individuals.
• Engage in practices deemed to be spam, such as excessive keyword stuffing or deceptive clickbait.

8. Sponsored Articles and Content Creation

Sponsored articles and promotional posts created by Surfcoast Connect are reviewed and approved by the advertiser before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with the advertiser’s brand. Surfcoast Connect retains editorial discretion to ensure content quality and relevance for our audience.

9. Intellectual Property Rights

Advertisers warrant that they have the necessary rights to all content, images, and trademarks used in their advertisements. By submitting advertising content to Surfcoast Connect, advertisers grant us a non-exclusive license to use, display, and reproduce the content as needed for the agreed advertising period.

10. Liability and Indemnity

Advertisers agree to indemnify and hold Surfcoast Connect harmless from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses arising from the advertiser’s breach of this policy or violation of Australian advertising laws.

11. Changes to This Advertising Policy

Surfcoast Connect may update this Advertising Policy periodically to ensure compliance with current laws and industry standards. The latest version will be posted on this page with the updated date.

12. Contact Us

For questions or more information about our Advertising Policy, please contact us at shaun@surfcoastconnect.com.au.