Seeking Expert AdWords Person

[exoticpublishing]

Hi there,

I've been ripped off a few times by people who claim to know PPC.

Does anyone know of anyone who really knows what they are doing?

Thanks


Michelle

[dannysullivan]

Google accredits firms to prove they have some degree of AdWords knowledge. See Google Offers Advertisers Logo Certification & Other Aids (http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/blog/041110-090131).

Knowing the ins-and-outs of AdWords isn't a guarantee you'll get the best performance, but if you're feeling burned, starting with an AdWords accredited firm might give you some reassurance.

Oddly, Google doesn't publish a list of firm, but Neutralize has assembled a list of them that you'll find here: http://www.whoisagap.com/

[exoticpublishing]

Hi there,

Yeh, I was looking at that list when it was posted & contacted a few people & one who was supposed to get back to me never did.

Google does a lot of things that surprise me.

I've heard positive & negative things about that accreditation, including that it's Google's way of making more money & one guy told me he'd rather sign up for Yahoo's PPC accreditation than Google's & I quote "I looked into the google certification and their is no incentive to join this, in fact to be a certified google person, you pay the money reg fee, take a short test, and have to keep a balance of $1,000 per month spending.

I have actually heard of the yahoo ambassador and I would be more interested in that because it offers incentives to SEO/SEM, so there is actually something besides a financial committment to benefit the SEM.

I would say if you go with someone google certified, you may get lost in the suffle of their other accounts, at least you can get personal attention from someone like me. It's not like its the BBB."

Thanks for the URL, I had lost it.


Michelle



Google accredits firms to prove they have some degree of AdWords knowledge. See Google Offers Advertisers Logo Certification & Other Aids (http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/blog/041110-090131).

Knowing the ins-and-outs of AdWords isn't a guarantee you'll get the best performance, but if you're feeling burned, starting with an AdWords accredited firm might give you some reassurance.

Oddly, Google doesn't publish a list of firm, but Neutralize has assembled a list of them that you'll find here: http://www.whoisagap.com/

[GuyFromChicago]

"I looked into the google certification and their is no incentive to join this, in fact to be a certified google person, you pay the money reg fee, take a short test, and have to keep a balance of $1,000 per month spending.

I would tell the person making that quote to go back and look again....cause' what they are saying is incorrect :)

[exoticpublishing]

What part of what they are saying is incorrect?


Michelle

I would tell the person making that quote to go back and look again....cause' what they are saying is incorrect :)

[ApogeeWebLLC]

There's also another GAP directory (http://www.google-advertising-professionals.net/)

[GuyFromChicago]

What part of what they are saying is incorrect?


The $1,000/month isn't correct. Here are the requirements (https://adwords.google.com/support/select/professionals/bin/answer.py?answer=12241&hl=en_US):


Sign up for the program successfully and be in good standing. This means that you've accepted the Rules of Use and aren't in violation of them.

Manage at least one AdWords account (yours or someone else's) in My Client Center for 90 days. This timeframe begins after you sign up for the Google Advertising Professionals program.

Build and maintain at least US$1,000 (or your local currency equivalent) total spend for your or your team's My Client Center account during the 90-day period.

Pass the Google Advertising Professional Exam. We suggest that you take the exam after you meet the above requirements. However, you can take the exam at any time.

I would agree that just because a person/company is a GAP doesn't mean they are an expert, but it's a good starting point when looking to hire a PPC pro. I compare it to having a degree - a degree doesn't mean the person is an expert, or even half way intelligent, but it a qualifier that a lot of people use to help expedite the screening process.

[andrewgoodman]

In business, the bottom line is you track down the best folks for you, and make the best deal with them if you're comfortable.

It works both ways, of course. The best don't work for peanuts. And those who didn't get back to you might be (a) very busy (b) thinking they don't want to work for you, for their own reasons. It appears you teach people how to start and run an escort agency. There are only so many hours in a day, so an individual consultant might choose not to prioritize an account like this.

Your market looks pretty narrow. I'd expect that DIY would be appropriate for your campaign. There are books available (ahem) that can help you understand the game.

As for comparisons between Overture and Google "certification" -- it's best to ignore both programs. There are no special benefits to working with a "certified" AdWords Pro or Ambassador.

[GuyFromChicago]

As for comparisons between Overture and Google "certification" -- it's best to ignore both programs. There are no special benefits to working with a "certified" AdWords Pro or Ambassador.

Putting the certifications aside - where would you start looking if you wanted to hire a PPC pro to manage your campaigns?

[JohnScott]

Putting the certifications aside - where would you start looking if you wanted to hire a PPC pro to manage your campaigns?


One person I know who really writes good Adwords ads is Aaron Wall (http://forums.searchenginewatch.com/member.php?u=76) .

If I was going to hire somebody, it'd be him.

[GuyFromChicago]

One person I know who really writes good Adwords ads is Aaron Wall (http://forums.searchenginewatch.com/member.php?u=76) .

If I was going to hire somebody, it'd be him.

He does do good work - I've come across it on more than one occassion.

I was really asking more along the hypothetical lines in response to this comment:

In business, the bottom line is you track down the best folks for you, and make the best deal with them if you're comfortable.

Assuming that one didn't know who Aaron was and needed a PPC mananger, and, was giving no merit to either of the available certifications, where do you start?

[ApogeeWebLLC]

As for comparisons between Overture and Google "certification" -- it's best to ignore both programs. There are no special benefits to working with a "certified" AdWords Pro or Ambassador.The only advantages for the advertiser are the $100 Google credit and $50 Overture credit, assuming new accounts are being opened. That, and the likelihood that the search engine marketer is "serious" about their business. I'm a QGAP and Y! Ambassador, but I'd agree that neither means much. Basically means the SEM pro was willing to shell out $100 to take both tests and took the time to take the tests. That's about it. As more and more marketers get "certified" (that's not really a good word for it, really) it's going to mean even less. Certainly doesn't mean the SEM pro gets better customer service from either search engine. That must come down to cumulative ad spend.

As for how to find a good SEM pro, try an SEM directory such as SEMPO.org. Yes, these groups let in whoever pays so they're even more removed from any sort of certification but, again, the companies included are likely "serious" about their business if they're willing to pay. I get good leads from SEMPO so have found that investment useful. Many of my potential clients want a company in their geographic region, so I post a courtesy list on my firm's site:

http://www.apogee-web-consulting.com/contact_others.html

Also, the best way to know if a PPC manager is effective or not is to ask their clients. Get references. Pick up the phone and call them. At the very least, email them. If you come across ads you like, contact the company and found out who their PPC management firm is. Doesn't matter what business you're in - solid referrals are what really count.

[calebw]

I've been ripped off a few times by people who claim to know PPC.

The best way to make sure someone is being honest in their professional claims is to talk to the people that have hired them before. Ask for a list of references and do some due diligence in checking the references. But also go further, if you are looking at a company, try to find clients they have worked with that aren't on their hand-picked reference list.

Search for the individuals name in Google, search for sites that link to their company site, etc... If the person you are considering hiring is Jane Doe, search for ["Jane Doe" + ppc] or ["Jane Doe" + search marketing]. If they have a company site, use link:sitename.com. If you notice they stick a "designed by" (if they are also a web designer/developer) on the footer of sites they work with, do a Google search for that tagline "all in quotes".

The more independent verification you can get the better off you will be.

I agree with Apogee that the certification programs don't amount to much. Unscrupulous but smart people can pass the tests... so just because someone is 'certified' does not mean they are trustworthy.

[tomslick]

You should approach hiring an Adwords Expert the same way you would any other contract position. The two most important things I do:

1) Request examples of prior / existing work
2) Reference checks

Our industry is still young and many companies are dipping their feet into paid search for the first time. I think inexperienced people land jobs they can't handle because there is a lack of supply.

[gapexposure]

Hi there,

One might take a look at www.Google-Advertising-Professionals.net to find someone to help with their Adwords campaign management <anchor text-rich additional link snipped>

This site is a worldwide directory listing Qualified Google Advertising Professionals. At the time of this post there were 104 professionals from 26 countries listed.

Cheers,

Kevin

[exoticpublishing]

Hi Kevin,

Yes I had that link already after someone else gave it to me.

Thanks :)


Michelle

Hi there,

One might take a look at www.Google-Advertising-Professionals.net to find someone to help with their Adwords campaign management <anchor text-rich additional link snipped>

This site is a worldwide directory listing Qualified Google Advertising Professionals. At the time of this post there were 104 professionals from 26 countries listed.

Cheers,

Kevin

[exoticpublishing]

Sorry, what is DIY?

I didn't see that other people posted to my thread until just now.

Sorry for the delay.

Thanks


Michelle

In business, the bottom line is you track down the best folks for you, and make the best deal with them if you're comfortable.

It works both ways, of course. The best don't work for peanuts. And those who didn't get back to you might be (a) very busy (b) thinking they don't want to work for you, for their own reasons. It appears you teach people how to start and run an escort agency. There are only so many hours in a day, so an individual consultant might choose not to prioritize an account like this.

Your market looks pretty narrow. I'd expect that DIY would be appropriate for your campaign. There are books available (ahem) that can help you understand the game.

As for comparisons between Overture and Google "certification" -- it's best to ignore both programs. There are no special benefits to working with a "certified" AdWords Pro or Ambassador.

[exoticpublishing]

Sounds like I need to brush up on my SE researching skills. I never use the + sign or link:

Thanks :)


Michelle

The best way to make sure someone is being honest in their professional claims is to talk to the people that have hired them before. Ask for a list of references and do some due diligence in checking the references. But also go further, if you are looking at a company, try to find clients they have worked with that aren't on their hand-picked reference list.

Search for the individuals name in Google, search for sites that link to their company site, etc... If the person you are considering hiring is Jane Doe, search for ["Jane Doe" + ppc] or ["Jane Doe" + search marketing]. If they have a company site, use link:sitename.com. If you notice they stick a "designed by" (if they are also a web designer/developer) on the footer of sites they work with, do a Google search for that tagline "all in quotes".

The more independent verification you can get the better off you will be.

I agree with Apogee that the certification programs don't amount to much. Unscrupulous but smart people can pass the tests... so just because someone is 'certified' does not mean they are trustworthy.

[gapexposure]

"...just because someone is 'certified' does not mean they are trustworthy"

Well said.

[Web Diversity]

I suppose the issue is to define what you mean by "ripped off".

Anyone reading the Google tutorial's can claim to know Adwords.

Anyone who is a qualified professional understands how to do Google Adwords the way Google wants them to do it.

I agree that the accreditation thing or any of these directories can be misleading because they are never definitive and often favour sponsoring companies.

There's plenty of books/tutorials out now for Adwords and PPC generally. It seems that almost every PPC company now thinks they can also train people to do it.

Rather than asking for a recommendation it might be better to approach a trade body with an RFP.

But, I would add that good agencies are in demand now, so people not coming back to you is likely to be they are too busy and are selective in the sectors they want to work in.

[Roxyyo]

You can also check out the SEMPO directory:
http://www.sempo.org/directories/all_companies/companies_list_form?target=company&step%3Aint=2

[exoticpublishing]

Thanks for the URL, but the directory is so daunting.

How does one even start going thru ALL those pages & knowing which ones really know what they are doing & which ones don't.

That's the problem with a lot of hiring every aspect when it comes to building & maintaining websites & I've been doing it for the last couple of years & know more then I did b4.

It can be quite exhausting too.

Thanks :)


Michelle

You can also check out the SEMPO directory:
http://www.sempo.org/directories/all_companies/companies_list_form?target=company&step%3Aint=2

[Roxyyo]

Since you're in Canada, 6S Marketing, Combustion Labs (they concentrate more on Real Estate, however) and 4A.M. Group are worth looking into (Vancouver).

There is also Drivetraffic.ca (Montreal), ApogeeSearch (Texas), SEOMoz (Seattle) and Aderit (Boston).

Why don't you contact some, look at their web sites for clients and case studies (I think someone mentioned that before) and talk it out with a couple firms before making your decision.