Find a Google Advertising Professional

Via Search Engine Roundtable....

These guys have started a site that lists GAPs. 200+ listed so far. I'm getting a "The page cannot be displayed" message at the moment but I'm sure things will be back in order shortly.

 

what value does a GAP get or what extra benefits do they have?

 

Means they paid Google and took the test, which indicates they, at least, know how to use the AdSense interface. But it doesn't mean they understand PPC marketing strategy: keyword research, bid management, writing ads, etc.

 

Wow that is neat. I guess if you are in that business

 

Actually, it means they took the test, managed at least $1,000 in spending during the 90 day intro period and are familar with the Adwords (not Adsense) user interface.

By no means is everyone who holds this certification an "expert" but if you're looking for a PPC manager this would be the place to start.

 

Ok who else besides me is jealous and wants a page like this: https://adwords.google.com/select/ProfessionalStatus?id=aUJRX-XBhc4GXTWLxlxEZw&hl=en_US

 

I guess we'll all have to get round to taking the Google test.

 

Oops, I meant AdWords, not AdSense.

My point is there is a lot more to running an effective AdWords campaing than passing the AdWords Pro test. But, as you mentioned, it's a good place for the uninitiated to start looking. A better place are board like DP, where you can read posts about people actually engaged in running AdWords campaigns. A lot of companies aren't that educated as to the availability of resources like DP out there though.

 

Yep, the forums and other online sources are a great place to look for info - lots of top notch pro's keeping an eye on the forums and sharing valuable info. I just look at the GAP as a starting point if you are looking to hire a PPC manager for your business.

It is important to note, in order to get the GAP cert you have to be running Adwords campaigns - you can't just take the test and get the certification. It's as much about practical application (active account) as it is theory (the test). You can take the test at any time, but won't get the certification until you meet all the requirements.

 

I like the way google called the $1000 cost of the certification as "90-day spend requirement."

There good with words!

 

Practical Application: you are capable of spending $1000 in 90 days. Doesn't mean you were successfull in you aquisition goals however. I would contend that anyone can blow through $1000 in 90 days. Go bid .25 on the word DVD. Congratulations! You're qualified to become an Adwords Professional!

Theory: means you at least grasp the basic principles of PPC, how to figure out if your campaign is effective, and how to navigation Google's interface.

The rubber meets the road when somsone gives you $2K a month and wants you to pull in a 3:1 or 4:1 ROAS (return on advertising spend) for them. AdWords professional or not, if you don't know how to do keyword research, bid manage, interpret web logs, and calculate ROAS, you're going to fail.

 

If that was the extent of what someone did with their AdWords account I highly doubt they would be able to pass the test. I think their has to be some sort of qualifier...and without access to ROI data the total spend is about the best figure they could use.

Stated perfectly. It's the same in any profession - the degree/certification/etc/etc doesn't mean crap. It gets you in the door though (interview for example) which gives you a 1 up on the guy who doesn't have it.

 

We're on the same sheet of music, GFC-

One day I plan on getting my AdWords professional certification, if I can squeeze a few bucks out of my cheap ass company to pay for it! In the meantime I'll continue to manage 3 PPC search specialists and a monthly budget of $133K

 

Yes we are

You'll like the client center manager - easy access to all the Adwords accounts you manage through one login/interface. That alone made it worth it to me. I have enough passwords to remember as it is

 

You don't have to pass Adwords Pro cert to get the client center.

My compnay has it - but then we have a real live Google rep to work with becasue of our spend.

On the personal freelance side, I have a client center and I'm only doing around 600 a month....

 

I suppose I could have asked my rep as well - just never got to it. I would assume there has to be some sort of qualifier to have access to the client center though...or can anyone just pick up the phone and request access?

 

I got the client centre (learn to spell merkins!) by accident when I signed up for an Adwords API account.

Doesn't really do a massive amount for me as I write scripts to manage my campaigns for me via the API interface anyway.

 

Did you get the promotional credits or any of the marketing stuff, or just the "base" client CENTER (that's how we spell it in the states! )?

 

I signed up online, though it's been some time and I don't remeber the process. SOme link, I think, when I signed into my accout that said Click here to sign up for Client Center.... No promo stuff for me.