We finally developed an in-house solution, but I am curious what you all have been using to combine the metrics from Google, Overture, banner ads and web site log files into metrics that actually say something.

I have found that a combination of PPCBidTracker and Indextools works pretty well.

However, after I decided to use and recomend that combination, I am now affiliated with both companies, so I am off course, at this point, biased.

I simply sepnd the time to edit the various reports into a similar Exel format and present that spreadsheet as the basis for high level approval for adjustments. I too would love something that can put it all together for me and doesn't cost $500/month... :eek:

...and doesn't cost $500/month
Everything costs, if not money, then time. IMHO, how long do the reports take to do? Divide that by your worth per hour, and maybe $500 a month is a bargain.

Some people may value their time low and would love to work a week for $500. Personally I would probably work a couple of hours for that :D So, if it takes a lot more to do the job and I can automate it for $500 then I'll do it any day.

Off course, this logic only applies if you have enough work and money coming in. If the $500 only pays you time to not do anything then you might as well do it manually and save the money.

The $500 a month can certainly be a bargain. Personally I learn more about the accounts' activities by compiling the reports myself. That allows me to add more value to the analysis and consultation involved with delivering the metrics to the client.

Flip a coin...either way you are going to have to spend some analysis time on the project if you are worth your salt.

Chris,

First of all, congratulations on quitting smoking!

Secondly, the reason we finally put together a database for all the information is so I don't have to spend my time generating reports...I can spend it on analysis.

I'd love to hear more about your DB, if you are willing to consider "sharing." PM if if so. Thanks for the kudos on the smoking.

So basically we differ on how we personally benefit from the research. I still think that doing it from scratch "makes better cookies." It would be interesting to see the difference in our analyses. Of course I'm sure the finished product is equally beneficial to the respective clients.

I've used paid tools and public domain tools and must admit that a combination of as many as can be got hold of is an asset. Don't forget that client's have historical data from the past and in analyzing this against current prices it can be of use.

Tools I use most often are:

1. Overture's Tools (Worldwide)
2. Google's AdWords Estimation Tool
3. AdWords Clever Wizard

The other tools are more specific to clients and their data.

JC.