How to Get Started With Google AdWords

When it comes to one of the most affordable and powerful marketing tools on the Internet for small business, Google Adwords is usually located somewhere at the top of the list. This keyword driven PPC campaign allows small businesses the ability to reach a large targeted audience for very little money. They key to a successful Google Adwords campaign is to find the right keywords to focus on.

Here are some of the things that you can expect to get out of your Google Adwords campaign:

• You get to choose when and what websites your ad shows up on.
• You get to set your cost-per-click price point
•  You can track the success or failure of each keyword ad campaign and make adjustments on the fly for better return on your investment.
• You are only charged when someone actually clicks your ad.
• You get access to targeted audiences. Your ad only appears when people search for the keywords you are promoting.

With all of these benefits, it's no wonder why so many small businesses are using Google Adwords in their marketing strategies. Here's how you get started using Adwords.

Create an Account

Signing up for a Google Adwords account is quick and easy. Simply visit https://adwords.google.com and click on "Start Now", enter your information and confirm your Google Adwords account via the verification link.

Create Your First Ad

Now it's time to begin creating your ads. Before you begin, you should take the time to determine what keywords you should use to target your audience. Google offers a keyword research tool that allows you to input keywords and phrases in order to find the ones that offer a high search volume and low competition. These are the keywords and phrases you need to focus on.

Once you've selected your keywords, it's time to start creating your ads. Here's how this process works:

Step 1: Choose a text ad or display ad. Text ads are those that are text only while display ads include graphics.

Step 2: Create an eye catching headline. The headline is the hook that draws your customers in and encourages them to click the ad. It is second in importance only to the keywords chosen. The headline can only be 25 characters or less, so make each character count!

Step 3: Fill in description line number one. The description gives your potential customer more information about what you are trying to sell. It should compel the customer to click the link, but be careful that you aren't making false promises. Just because someone clicks on your ad doesn't mean that they are going to buy your products. You want quality leads that result in sales, not a lot of useless traffic.

Step 4: Fill in description line number two. This line should be used to add more information to the ad, like special deals, etc as well as a call to action.

Step 5: Fill in the Display URL. This is the location for the URL that you want customers to see.

Step 6: Enter the Destination URL. This is the page that you want the customer to land on when clicking your ad.

Step 7: Save the ad

Activate Your Account

Now that your ad is ready to publish, it's time to get it published. Simply click on the "enter your billing information" link contained in the red banner at the top of your account page and complete the required fields.

And that's it. It's really that simple to get started with Adwords.