Because many AdWords-related ebooks and courses are not very transparent and you no idea what you are buying, I would like to present a review and short outline of The Definitive Guide to Google AdWords by Perry Marshall and Bryan Todd for DP/AdWords readers. I am not giving away any of the authors' "secrets," because I believe everyone has a right to make a buck. But I am concerned that ebook gurus are not very clear about telling you exactly what you might be buying. And no, I have no affiliate link. I hope this helps. TITLE: The Definitive Guide to Google AdWords by Perry Marshall and Bryan Todd LENGTH: 205 pages PRICE: $50 SUMMARY: Beginner-Intermediate guide to using Google AdWords as a search engine marketing tool. QUICK OPINION: Outdated, inflated, and choppy "book" that nonetheless does have a few good points and tricks for AdWords beginner/intermediates. Will replace about 1 month of learning AdWords through trial and error or from reading forums. PROS AND CONS CONS: This guide has a reputation that exceeds its true merits. I found it to be an exasperating "book." For one, it's not even truly a book: it's a collection of AdWords-related sales letters that Marshall and Todd strung together into something resembling a book. If you don't believe this, note that the font changes throughout the book and that "chapters" have individual authorial attributions. For two, it's hopelessly outdated. It still refers to the old Yahoo Search Marketing, and to things about AdWords that no longer apply (in fairness, Marshall does mention on his website that Todd is working on editing the book the book; but this doesn't help the person who buys this version of the book). For three, it inflates the page count with things like page-sized screenshots (when smaller screenshots would suffice), general marketing advice, pitches for other Marshall products, advice on simplistic things that Google explains very well itself (i.e., how to set price per click across an entire ad group or campaign). In fact, in one frustrating example, they mention that Google's partner sites also show Google results...and they waste 4 full pages showing screenshots to prove that, yes, Google results do indeed show up on AOL, Ask, etc. No wait, it gets even worse. They also have 4 pages of "testimonials" of the type that you see in sales letters. Finally, because it is an aggregation of sales letters and the like, there is a lot of repetition. PROS: This guide is the real stuff. Unlike a lot of watered-down AdWords guides that basically duplicate AdWords Help and Tutorials, this guide does have true insights that have been learned by the authors after much trial and error. Marshall and Todd have a real love for the craft, for the thrill of the competition, and this thrill carries through to the reader. There are a number of lightning bolt moments, where you read something you hadn't realized before. They are careful about leading readers through processes; clarity is not a problem with them. Also, while they do cover some simplistic things, as mentioned in Cons, above, they steer clear of the truly simplistic stuff like blow-by-blow descriptions of how to set up AdWords accounts, what keywords are, etc. (consequently, if you are a beginner, you may need some introduction to PPC through some other means before you read The Definitive Guide). It truly is aimed at a person of a certain skill level. If you're too much a beginner, much of it will go over your head. If you're intermediate or higher, you will get frustrated because you already know most of these concepts. MY TAKE: Skip the book for now and wait until the writers have thoroughly revised it. If you want to same some money, apply yourself to DP's AdWords and PPC forums for 1-2 months and you will know the same basic concepts. Everything mentioned in this book has been mentioned in the DP forums at one time or another. If you simply can't wait and need to accelerate your learning curve, buy it now. OUTLINE: Part One: Getting Started (57 pages) Part Two: Managing the Basics (23 pages) Part Three: Making Your Traffic Pay (41 pages) Part Four: Tools, Tips, and Tricks (35 pages) Part Four: Your Questions Answered (27 pages) Part Five: Improving Your World (6 pages) Part Six: Further Help and Services (2 pages)
Take a look at their more recent book, Ultimate Guide to Google AdWords (not an ebook, but a printed book available in stores). It was published in late November 2006, so it's more up to date than the Definitive Guide...and a lot cheaper, too.
Hello! Has anybody visited the Perry Marshall's 'Black Belt Course'? I've read his Ultimate Guide and like the book a lot. But now I'm searching for something more advanced. I would be grateful for any recommendations