What do you know about Google AdWords Express?

Google offers a variety of marketing options for businesses throughout its search engine networks. The main ones are Google+ Local page (an online one-page business summary of your business that includes business name, hours of operation, short description and photos) and Google AdWords (an online advertising program that can target a local or international audience based on search keywords).

There is also another advertising program called, Google AdWords Express. This is a much simpler, more localized version of Google AdWords.

Features of Express Ads include:

• Target a geographic region up to 40 miles from your business location
• Setting up an ad takes around 10 minutes
• You do not pick keywords - you rely on Google to automatically do that for you based on your geographic location
• Pay by cost-per-click (CPC) on your ad
• There is a call forwarding number option (cost is $1.00 per call)
• You do not need a web site

What is the difference between Express Ads and AdWords Ads?

Are Express Ads right for your business?

If you have a small marketing budget, don’t have a website and/or have a localized customer base, Express Ads might be worth trying for your business. Express Ads also appear on mobile phones and tablets - which is great for foot-traffic businesses.

To help figure out if Express Ads might work for your business, offer specific promotions or deals that are only offered via these ads to help track their effectiveness. If you feel you can afford this promotion, test the waters for a couple months (there is no long-term commitment required).

As with any marketing aspect of your business, create a plan and budget. If you feel it fits with your overall promotional goals, you can afford it and you can offer a unique message via the ads, try it and see if Express Ads may be that hammer you were looking for in your advertising tool belt.