Mislead — is misleading a user through advertising, a creative, or a landing page. The user is shown information that creates a false impression of the product, offer, or result they will receive.
For example, an ad promises a product for free when in reality it must be paid for, or shows a non-existent discount to make the user click the ad.
Where mislead is used
The term is most often used when talking about advertising creatives, landing pages, and ads. Mislead can be intentional or can occur because the advertising exaggerates the benefits of the offer or does not accurately communicate its terms.
In traffic arbitrage, mislead may include:
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fake discounts and promotions;
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promises of a result that the offer does not guarantee;
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misrepresentation of the product terms;
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using someone else’s brand or logo as if the ad were associated with it;
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a mismatch between the ad and what the user sees after clicking through.
Pros and cons of mislead
Pros:
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can increase CTR and attract more clicks;
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allows the creative to be made more attention-grabbing;
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can sometimes help achieve the required traffic volume faster.
Cons:
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the creative may be rejected during moderation;
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the ad account or offer may be blocked;
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users may report the ad;
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the affiliate program may refuse to accept such traffic or conversions.
