I lost my butt on this last time. I do now know how to track keywords so that will be a huge help! Bidding on duds did not help me out What is the best way to get started. I mean, what tools do you use for keyword research (Google Cash Detective, Keyword Spy...) Also, I know the landing page is a huge part of success not only for QS but also Conversions. Does anyone recommend someone who can build a great, Adwords friendly landing page?
On the tracking keyword front, you can go one of two ways: custom urls(with parameters like campaign variables, source, etec..) or do auto-tagging with analytics(Google Analytics is free, and easy to use)..you can find info on how to setup the GA code and set auto-tagging for you adwords ads everywhere on the web. For keyword research, use the Google tool-https://adwords.google.com/select/KeywordToolExternal In terms of landing pages, you best bet is to look at your competition.
I agree with Fletch. Don't get too hung up on researching your competition, but definitely check out what they're doing. Look for common themes that they all do - there's a reason why they're all doing it! On the same token, don't totally replicate their campaigns, you have to find the keywords and landing pages that represent your business the best, ultimately.
If your notn careful with adwords you can spend an absolute fortune and for nothing. The problem is that keyword popularity changes all the time which affects your bids. I would HIGHLY recommend that you visit a Google PPC Specialist who can mnage your campaign for a fixed fee. We do this for one of our websites and every single day they work on the campaign and change keyword bids and more. Plus this take your time away so you can focus on something else. Chris
who does the PPC setup for you. I have contated several of these guys but they all charge thousands or they sound like they have no idea on what they are doing.
I use a company called Epiphany Solutions (UK Based), they charge a percentage of your adwords spend per month and I'm on my second year with them. Chris
I can sympathize with getting burned on adwords in the past - I ditched a few hundred into it last year around this time in efforts of building a list with SpiderWeb Marketing. Well, that didn't go so hot.
A number of management companies do charge you a percentage of your monthly AdWords spend, however we charge a flat rate monthly management fee with prices starting at £300 per month. The main thrust of a management company is to bring quality traffic to your site for the lowest possible cost per click. If that companies fee is determind by your monthly spend, how incentivised can they really be to bring your click costs down?