Simple tips : 1) be a DATA CENTRIC ppc guy/gal always look into your historical data before you implement something (clean up or start a campaign). your data will help you to make a good decisions. 2) ALWAYS have a third party application or analytics to check your KPI (key performance indicators) 3) create your own set of criteria on how to filter existing keyword or campaign performance (conversion rate , CTR, cost/conversion). 4) do a simple cost analysis on the keywords you are going to spend on. 5) reconsider the importance of an actual conversion because this will give your campaign direction. 6) learn the importance of match type strategy. (which match type gives more conversion?ctr? Why? ) 7)ALWAYS CHECK > existing links to landing pages if the are active or orphaned or missing links > check snippets embedded by metrics if they still work 8) Test everything from adcopies to landingpage.
Analytics is free; there really is no reason why you shouldn't implement it even if you have another another one in place. I also use Hitbox, which has a couple nice features, but overall is disappointing.