AdWords Express is a new offering from Google that allows businesses to advertise in the local “map” area that is at the top or towards the top of Google search results page.  Like AdWords, businesses are only charged when a potential customer clicks on the Ad, but unlike AdWords, AdWords Express helps businesses make informed decisions on how much to budget for a successful campaign.  It can be extraordinarily effective for local businesses.

In an AdWords Express campaign, when local customers are searching for your products or services, your ad will appear above the search results as well as on Google Maps.  While surrounding businesses will be marked with a red pin, your business will be highlighted with a blue pin to further differentiate your business from your competition.

Just like with AdWords, AdWords Express allows you to set spending limits for each campaign you run, and your account will never be charged more than you budget; you are in complete control of your campaign costs.  Additionally, you are only charge when a potential customer actually clicks your Ad, not each time it is displayed.

Here are a few things you need for a successful AdWords Express campaign:

1. A plan, realistic goals, and ability to fulfill orders.
2. Effective AdWords Ad containing relevant keywords and a call to action.
3. A website landing page that is directly related to the product/service you are offering.
4. An address.  If your business has a physical location, and you receive customers there, that is the address you use.  If you work from home or have a mobile business, you can choose to make the address private.

There are some differences between conventional AdWords and AdWords Express.  Below is a chart that indicates the differences between these two powerful platforms.

                                                          Adwords Express                            Adwords

Pay Per Click                                                     x                                                 x

Full control of campaign                                    x                                                 x

Ads appear on search, Maps & mobile devices      x                                                 x

Geographically targeted ads                             local                                           global

Campaign management                                 automated                                   customized

Tracking & reporting tools                             standard                                 additional tools

Additional ad formats (display/video)            automated                                       included

AdWords Express allows you to get started quickly – within an hour, your campaign can be created and visible to your potential customers.  For as little as $50.00 a month, you can start attracting local customers to your business and increase your profitability.  Your AdWords Express account provides for prominent display when customers search for your keywords.  Remember, either choice has the potential to drive customers to your website or your local business, however, it is vital that your website function as a sales person.  Information on your landing page as well as your home page must be crafted to be relevant and valuable to turn visitors into buying customers.

Push Local specializes in online marketing for small businesses including Servpro Franchises.  Our services include search engine optimization, pay-per-click advertising, map marketing, and local directory submissions.  Some of the organic terms we go after for Servpro franchises include: Carlsbad mold, San Marcos mold, San Marcos water damage, Vista water damage, Carlsbad smoke damage, and Carlsbad water damage.  Push Local has shown continued success marketing for Servpro franchises with a number of clients currently ranking number one for their targeted organic search terms.