TOPIC: Google Adwords

This year suddenly I am getting phone calls and today a mailing (with a $100 coupon) wanting me to advertise with Google Adwords.

I have never heard of it.  What do you guys know?

It's a pay per click deal. You bid on certain keywords. If you are already on page 1 of google, probably doesn't pay, as you are there on your own doing. they are the ads that show up on the sidebar when you search I think. Some guys use it, some guys don't. I'm sure Dom will chime in and explain it better.

You did fine Ian Jay, if you're sites doing well, just keep optimizing it and move up naturally. If you need more work you can try the keywords route.

The $100 is legit (or at least the offer I saw was).

I'm sure the offer is legit but I did not think it would help me much.  I get calls 4 or 5 times a week from people who are going to shoot me to the top of Google, Bing, etc.  Somehow I am on page 1 of Google 5 times, so I am not sure what they are going to do for me.

Exactly. You're already at the top naturally. You can't beat that!

Jay,
I received the same offer. I have never used adwords before, but figured that since it's FREE, and I could definately use more business, what the hey. Got nothing to lose.

I began my campaign the end of January. Through this morning, I have had 188 Impressions, but only 1 click-through. I am set up with approx 90 keyword phrases targeted within a 45 mile radius of my address.   

My primary site is on the first page of Google (#1) and have a few (indirect) from sites I am listed on. I would say on the first 2 pages, my information is linked at least 10 times.

Now, one thing I have noticed while monitoring my and others ads, is that the others are placing pricing in their ads. I do not and will not.

On the advice of someone from another MB, I include my phone number in my ad. I have seen no increase in calls, that I can attribute to the ad.

Is there anyone else that has used Adwords, and was successful with it? And are you willing to share your advice for an effective ad?

Much thanks in advance,
Jeff