Brief help for someone starting to do SEM for a client

[dslynch]

Hi. I've recently started an online design agency, coming from a web design and development background. That part of my business is going very well, and one of our clients is asking us to implement an SEM program for them. I'm familiar at a high level with SEM, but haven't managed programs. I know there's lots to learn, but my first questions are these:

1) Do you more experienced SEM professionals make your clients pay for their PPC campaigns (AdWords, etc.) with their own credit cards? Or do you pay for them, then bill your clients with a markup?
2) Do you more experienced SEM professionals setup hour clients SEM campaigns in your own Google Analytics account or do you set that up via clients' SEM campaigns?

I have different ideas about how to package this from a business perspective, but I'm looking for a little guidance from some of you who have already been through some wars and been smart enough to figure it out.

A little help, please? Thanks alot. Much appreciated.

[AussieWebmaster]

Have them pay direct.... easier and you can't get stuck with bill. Pay is either a percentage or flat rate minimum.

Use their analytics

[Mel66]

Have them pay direct.... easier and you can't get stuck with bill. Pay is either a percentage or flat rate minimum.
Or, have them pay you in advance and then you can pay the search engines. If they don't pay on time, you can just pause their campaigns.

Use their analytics
If you use their analytics, make sure they set you up with access to it so you can use the info to manage their campaigns. You could also use yours and charge them for its setup and use.

[AussieWebmaster]

good clarifications Mel though I always use their analytics... try to avoid any future problems if account moves

[dslynch]

Those were good points - thanks alot to for the responses. Much appreciated.

is there any "sticky" that is kind of a beginner's guide to doing SEM for clients? I looked for one and couldn't find it. I don't want to waste anyone's time with questions that have already been answered...

Thanks alot.