How To Get The Most Out Of Google AdWords

Seems like everybody is an advertiser these days. And I don't mean we all walk around dressed like "Mad Men." I'm referring to the proliferation of advertisers as Google AdWords: i.e. using AdWords to get traffic and sales for your services/products.

So, how to make the most of it? While AdWords is touted for its simplicity, there are a host of tricks that will help you get the most bang for your buck.

- Be sure AdWords is right for what you're selling. For AdWords to work, your service/product needs to be something people are searching for on the web. If they're not, and that's usually because they don't know it exists, you're better off spending money on traditional advertising and better SEO (Search Engine Optimization).

- Set a realistic budget. In other words, be careful. The minute you hit that AdWords "go" button, your ad will proliferate, and you could possibly spend big fast, which might not be what you want.

- Focus on local markets. If what you're selling is dependent on people coming to you, use the AdWords localizing feature to have your ads only appear to those in your area.

- Narrow your keywords. When entering the all-important search terms, use quotations to nail phrases, not just single words, that people are searching.

- Create landing pages. Instead of sending people to your basic homepage, create a special page that is just about what you're selling. Conversion will increase.

- Monitor your traffic. You have to check it often and make sure you're not getting a bunch of junk traffic, such as surfers in Spain when you have a TV repair store in Ohio.

- Consider a professional. There are companies, and individuals, out there with vast experience in AdWords optimization. It might be worth your money to get them on the job.

Good luck!

Photo via Google AdWords.