Google Adwords Express Review PLUS Give-A-Way

The Google machine has yet again produced a small business owner's resource that is both necessary and affordable. Google Adwords Express is an edited, more efficient version of Google Adwords. With this service, you can have an ad running quickly, edit it just as easily, and improve it without long delays. Google is also allowing people to try their service for free!

NOTE: This is my own experience with Google Adwords Express. This blog is not a paid advertisement in anyway, rather a review for prospective users of the service.  

Things you will need to get your ad running: 

• Google Maps or Google Places listing
• Google email 
• Bank account or credit card for future payments
• Some knowledge of keywords

I was contacted by Google about the service, and walked through every single step. The direct address to access the service is: http://www.google.com/adwords/express/. I was directed to access it from 'Google Places' which is probably the best way to access it if you use other Google services.

There are three tabs once signed in, Dashboard, Google Adwords Express, and Offers. Clicking Google Adwords will display a message with the updated address (above). From this page, I can share an update on my Google Plus page, see the top search queries for my existing ads, and so much more. On the right sidebar, in the "improve your listing" section -- I see the option to "create a listing." If at anytime I am confused or left with no answer, I see my Google Customer ID at the top right hand corner of the screen to get me to an operator.

Sidebar: I was also informed that by utilizing paid Google services, customers can use their customer ID to get answers to other Google questions they may have unrelated to Adwords Express.

***If you sign in directly from their webpage: http://www.google.com/adwords/express/ -- this is what you will see:

From the dashboard I am able to see my current ads performance, as well as manage my ads with a click of the mouse. As you choose your ad category, the headline, budget, and which contact information is to be displayed, the preview is on the right. 

Your minimum budget will be based on the category the ad is in. Writing any part of the ad in all caps will delay the ad from running, as this is against the rules and ads are approved before running. The character limits for each line of your ad really helps you get creative and narrow your target. You can also choose whether clicking the ad will take leads to your G+ page or your website. Other options on this page include, call monitoring, map preview, and the ability to deactivate or pause current ads. 

Overall, I like this much better than previous Adwords experiences; including Google and other major search engines. I can contact my representative and know that I will be called back. My ad is priority, and my time is valuable -- no verbose explanations or super long hold times either. Additionally, I like the ability to tweak my ad at will and use the dashboard suggestions in conjunction with Google Insights, to have the most targeted audience for my keywords

As a part of a new campaign for internet marketing professionals, named Google Engage, I have more than a couple of FREE $100 credits for new clients only. Please visit my website, and see which services best suit your needs. 

Do you use Google Adwords? Do you like it?

Focus Your Content Marketing Efforts

The consumer is not the only one favored through the free market system. As small business owners come online more and more, they can benefit as well. Market research is more available than ever before, and growing daily. It is not difficult to see who reads your content the most, their age, gender, and most importantly, their needs. Carving out your niche and pursuing it is where the most benefit lies. No more do you only concentrate in your ideal customer, but also your present ones.

Carving out a niche through the language you write in is easier with long tail keywords. This concept means that your content marketing efforts are more aligned with how people actually search for products and services online.

For example, nonprofit organizations solicit volunteers, donations, and businesses to donate their products or services. When people are in need of their resources, they will likely search terms like 'local charities' or "where can I get help with my bills?" google makes this even easier with their search box that instantly updates as you type.

On the other hand, small businesses will likely need to focus more on reviews, customer feedback, and their online customer service. Their content should include terms that describe their product or service: 'cheap websites' or 'where to buy low cost iPhone cases.'

Competition in your market becomes less when you focus on your niche. Concentrate on the clients you want to consult with or the industries that will need your services. What is their lingo? What sites do they frequent (message boards, social media)? And, what problem can you help them solve?

It is not better to be the jack of all trades, but master of none.

Easy Newsletter Steps for Small Business

When consulting with small businesses about this form of content marketing, I am often surprised at how little value they place on it. The investment is very small in comparison to the rewards available for business owners.

A systematic approach to a newsletter is the best way to keep readers engaged and willing to open yours instead of marking it read, moving it to spam, or worse -- unsubscribing. If someone has subscribed to your newsletter, it is likely they are eager to learn something or solve a problem that they may have.

Honest and Informative Headlines are always the best way to go! Catchy headings are great, but if someone clicks the link to open the newsletter, and the information within is not in line with the headline, your audience is less likely to continue reading or stay subscribed. Don't use keywords that will only draw people in, but disappoint them once they began to read.


Get To The Point Quickly and readers will be more willing to stay subscribed and actually read what you spent so much time compiling. Similar to a press release in that the major details should be mentioned in the first paragraph, then explained; it is important that you not take your readers time for granted. Let them know immediately what they are to gain by reading your weekly, monthly, or quarterly periodical.

Be Consistent. This can be the most difficult if you are doing the newsletter on your own, but more engagement and return on investment is available when prospective and current customers know when to expect your newsletter. Easier said than done, but definitely worth the time. This can be the start of a new habit that will bring forth residual rewards.


Use Graphics and Be Original. Readers still place value on what you have to say and what is perceived as genuine versus copied. Clever sayings and graphics that have been recycled on Facebook, Twitter, or in other email lists should never greet your readers eyes. They are giving you their attention, so you can give them something original. Use what you see as inspiration, not for imitation. Graphics are an excellent way to engage the readers other senses as well.

Provide Exclusive Offers or Other Incentives. With the popularity and effectiveness of the newsletter, businesses are adopting them more and more, and for good reason. Why should readers be a part of your list, what makes your information more valuable than others. Give them an incentive for being loyal by providing good content, but also giving them offers not available to others who are not subscribed.

Implementing these steps can be an awesome way of kick-starting your content marketing plan.

The Power of Words

You do not have to be a person of faith to understand the power of words. Even in technology, it is apparent that the words used to search for what we want has to have the proper keywords. Some people even go to the extent of researching long tail keywords because it is more closely related to how we think and search for things. Why is this done? Because we are looking for something in particular, and we want that specific thing or information. 


The same should be applied to business and every day life. But especially in business. The most rich, famous, and sometimes infamous business people are usually considered arrogant and "full of themselves." People can be turned off by them because of what they say about themselves, their craft, or talent. They understand the power of what they say and how it affects their performance and thoughts about themselves. They say what they are looking for -- not what they are; big difference in outcome. Our words influence our actions.

If your business is stagnant or slow, stating this constantly or saying it to others is just as powerful as if you said something positive. Not a lie, but definitely not a defeated confession either. What do you want for your business? What kind of clients do you want to attract? What type of growth do you want to occur? What are you looking for? These are all much more encouraging and empowering than stating facts that will only lead to lack of motivation or procrastination. SEO is an entire discipline built on words. How can that be applied to business?

Just a thought.

Facebook, Politics, and Your Social Media Policy

Business arguably receives the most benefit from 800 million users logging into social networking giant Facebook. Businesses can gather information about their target market's buying habits, preferences, and decisions that influence their purchasing habits, just by having a profile or business page. Companies used to pay top dollar to marketing firms to gain access to such valuable information, and still do.

But business is also dealing with another issue posed by the social networking giant -- disgruntled employees voicing their complaints, unproductive time spent on the company clock, and little to no recourse to fight these issues. Even if social networks are blocked on company networks, employees can gain access through several mobile devices without the employer ever knowing. But is this a valid or smart stance for business?

The issues have become so important that Democratic Congressman Ed Perlmutter drafted an amendment to the Federal Communications Commission Process Reform Act 2012 after several complaints by job applicants that they had to share their personal Facebook passwords. Potentially, anything posted on Facebook would be considered in the hiring process.

The amendment did not have a chance as only one Republican voted in favor of the amendment and a final vote of 236-184. However, this issue will only be escalated as employers who do this can be investigated for breaking federal laws. Social networks are beginning to have more of an impact on business than just marketing. As of today, it is NOT illegal for employers to require Facebook passwords during the hiring process.

If you are seeking employment, it would be a good time to edit any information that could remotely keep you from getting a job. Competition is fierce, and when all else is equal, your social networking activity could affect your job prospects.

Would you as a small business owner support such a requirement to hire employees? Why or why not?

Social Media Privacy Concerns

When the founding fathers of this nation penned the Constitution, there was no such thing as an e-mail, tweet or FaceBook post. They covered almost every area relevant to American life at that time, but had no way to foresee the privacy concerns brought about by social sites like Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, and the use of the internet as a whole. What if your prospective employer required you to turn over your Facebook password as a condition of employment? As a Human Resources graduate, I can immediately see all kinds of risks the employer would be taking by doing this:

• This would have to be a rule for all incoming staff (theoretically) to avoid accusations of discrimination on any grounds.
• Information stored within Facebook profiles goes far beyond the scope of a standard job application. It would be very easy to find something on a Facebook profile that is not relevant and should not be taken into consideration for a job. For instance, whether or not a woman is pregnant, how many children a person has, etc.
• All kinds of EEOC violations..

However, in the absence of legislation on the topic, any law or ruling would be after an applicant has given over this information. Why would employers be interested in a persons Facebook profile information?

• There have been many news stories about employee misconduct and violence forewarned on social media sites. 
• Investigation purposes -- when an employee called in sick but posted about calling in for a long weekend; sexual harassment claims in the office; other important information that could be beneficial to minimizing risk in the work place and being aware of any external conflicts that affect the work environment. 
• Bad PR for the company, false claims, etc.

Whichever side of the fence you are on, there are a few rules everyone should apply when using social networking sites:

• Do not post anything you do not want the world to know. No matter how private your profile is, there are several ways someone can steal your online identity or get information from you without your knowledge:
• Facebook photos can be shared and downloaded by anyone with access to your profile.
• Facebook timeline events, photos, and posts can be shared across any of your friend's walls.
• How do you know the person you just added is really that person? 
• Do not share any controversial religious or political views that can be seen as radical or offensive. Yes, it is your social profile and you have the right to post what you like, but who ca see this information? 
• Limit Check-in's and Geo-tagging posts. These functions may be cool but they are also telling anyone with access to your profile where you are and when you are there. It should be fine to post some information related to past photos, but real-time locations is just not safe.
• Utilize the lists to group friends and share information accordingly. Now, you can easily segment your Facebook friends so that certain photos and posts are only visible to those you choose. You can even go back and limit past post visibility, and the audience of the post. 
• Stay away from feuds and threatening posts. Even if you are not the author of such a post, your participation could be questioned. What if it can later be construed as cyber-bullying? This may sound extreme, but it has happened before.

There are many positive attributes to social networking but as with all things, should be used with care and caution. Do not assume everyone is a friend, and do not share anything that you would not mind later being questioned about. 

What rules do you use when using social networking sites? Do you think employers should be allowed access to employers social site passwords? If so, what limits / regulations should be placed on this activity?

Six weeks until 2012, End of Year Business Strategy

Photo Credit: CNN Money 

I have found myself more reliant on my calendar more than ever before. My schedule is busier and busier lately. I began counting how many weeks were left from yesterday until the first week of 2012 and it is six. Yes, only six weeks left of 2011.

I personally feel it should be a time of reflection on the good, the bad, and the ugly. The areas that need improvement and the progress you made based on goals you set for yourself. According to a Brookings Institution study reported by CNN, few businesses have staying power beyond the five year mark.

There are several reasons entrepreneurs are starting businesses these days -- including 35% who are seeking a work and lifestyle change. Nearly 3% of startups were a result of being unable to start a job, but companies that survive have certain goals, attributes, and motivations.

Nearly 30% of the sampled businesses responded that they wanted their businesses to grow big. Despite the fact that nearly 40% were in markets with competitors offering the same items, 22% attribute their staying power to expecting research and development to spearhead their efforts.

End of Year Reflection


Why did you start your own business?
What is it that has kept you successful beyond the five year mark?
What will you focus on to sustain success beyond the five year mark?

• What were my goals this year? How much of them did I accomplish?
• How many unfinished projects am I bringing into the New Year?
• How did this happen? (Life changes, procrastination, illness)
• Could I have done better?
• What could I have done differently?
• Do I have the same goals?
• Did I exceed my goals?
• What growth (if any) have I experienced since last year, this time?

End of Year Strategy

Responses to the above survey will be as varied as the readers of this blog. Each entrepreneur has a unique story for their success or failure. Business failures often come from lack of planning, lack of resources, lack or focus, and inconsistency. On the contrary, business men and woman can experience success by determination, planning, good cash flow, competitive business strategy, and business know how.

What new technologies can your business apply to make processes more efficient? It is likely that each business owner can think of at least three things they would like to try or continue going into the new year. 

Here are sample questions to get your strategy jump started:

1. Write out 5 things you would do differently for next year?
2. Write out 5 improvements you can make to present processes that you have not implemented?
3. Construct an end-of-year survey for your newsletter subscribers to engage them and query their interests. 
4. Tie each new idea you want to try to a direct impact for your business: i.e. utilizing blogging more to reach customers and increase sales.
5. Decide what unfinished projects you will actually do and get rid of the others. Finish what you start!