Google AdWords
- Web Address:
- http://adwords.google.co.uk
- Setup fee:
- £5
- Minimum cpc:
- 1p or more - based on keyword
- Min monthly spend:
- None
- Coverage:
- Google, AOL, Ask Jeeves, smaller content websites
- Advert copy:
- 25 character title, 70 character description
- Conversion tracking:
- Yes
History
Google launched its AdWords scheme in 2002 in response to similar services elsewhere. Its popularity has grown rapidly and is now the scheme which provides the widest coverage online.
Strengths
AdWords has by far the widest coverage of any of the providers, allowing advertisers to reach a wide market using just one system. This coverage also makes it the most suitable for specialised businesses, who would not receive much search traffic from the smaller providers. The minimum cost per click for a keyword can be a little as 1p, which can make AdWords suitable for editorial or low order value websites, where the 10p minumum cost per click required by the other providors would not be effective.
Weaknesses
AdWords has now become so popular in some areas that bidding is very competitive, meaning in some cases better value can be found elsewhere. The system provided by Google is very sopisticated and can be difficult for begineers to understand initialy.
