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Has anyone used Google AdWords - YES!!! HR

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  • #1

    Has anyone used Google AdWords - YES!!! HR

    I just signed up for Google Adwords advertising, has anyone else done this before with an equine business? and if you have was it successful? I'm talking about stables, like boarding, retirement, training. Not just an equine type jewelry item, etc...
    Last edited by grandprixjump; Dec. 5, 2009, 07:42 PM.
    " iCOTH " window/bumper stickers. Wood Routed Stall and Farm Signs
    http://www.bluemooncustomsigns.com
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  • #2
    I'd be interested in responses to this too. I tried Citysearch, BIG MISTAKE!
    www.ncsporthorse.com

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    • #3
      Not for an equine business, but I set it up for my dad's energy company and it brought in over $1 million in business opportunities in 4 months...

      IMO, most horse companies haven't quite figured out how to utilize online advertising, so most keywords you buy are going to be fairly cheap per click, especially if you make them area-specific, and since AdWords lets you set a budget per month, it is DEFINITELY worth it.

      Basically, it's like this: People are on Google because they are specifically trying to find something (vs. being on a site like COTH and potentially ignoring ads). And since Google has 70% of the search market, being one of the first few listed in the search results means that you are meeting potential customers right where they want you to meet them, and THAT is almost priceless.
      "My shopping list is getting long but I will add the marshmallows right below the napalm." -Weighaton

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      • #4
        Ditto what LearnToFly says.

        The most important thing to remember is RELEVANCY. Don't use target keywords you *hope* will bring in business, use the keywords that best describe what you do.

        For example,

        My business, Equine Art Works. I would use keywords like Fine Art, Design, Graphics, web, marketing, advertising, photography etc. BUT! I am also a pt caterer so logic would tell me to throw catering in there too so I could drive business to myself. Don't do it...because catering really has nothing to do with the site content that is there. Also, as much as we would love to all have a huge national client base it is best to target your actual location and the nearest metros. Eventually as your rankings grow you can expand your reach.

        Keep it tight, toned and relevant and keep it targeted to the area you serve.
        I Loff My Quarter Horse & I love Fenway Bartholomule cliques

        Just somebody with a positive outlook on life...go ahead...hate me for that.

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        • #5
          We started using it this fall for our rescue. We were surprised to realize how many larger rescues are already doing so and some of our desired key words were already rather pricey. We allow $3 per day in our budget, and we average right on that figure. We started at $1.50 per day (so $45 per month total budget) and got a ontice from google that they were only displaying our ads about 5 hours per day to maintain our budget.

          We, too, tightened our words. we also tried several different versions of the ad using the exact same keywords and locations -- so we could see what is driving traffic.

          I can't confirm exactly how much it has affected our adoption rate -- but our adoption INQUIRY rate is up by about 150%. (granted, we normally have an increase from october 1 to dec 1 -- bit this is up beyond that.)

          So, it has been quite helpful for us.

          Intersetingly, it DID NOT help us at all with a seminar series we were doing. The ads brought in NO attendees to the seminars. If we do the seminars again next year, we will rethink how we advertised them (you get VERY few words so that made it challenging) to see if we can get it to do any better.
          AnnMarie Cross, Pres, Crosswinds Equine Rescue, cwer.org
          Sidell IL (near Champ./UofI/Danville IL/IN state border)

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          • #6
            PS: does anyone use te photo option for googleads? I've looked at it sevearl times, but don't quite get how it works or WHERE it works, specifically. so i'm looking for others' thoughts....
            AnnMarie Cross, Pres, Crosswinds Equine Rescue, cwer.org
            Sidell IL (near Champ./UofI/Danville IL/IN state border)

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            • #7
              I used it for an equine classifieds site I used to have.

              It was very expensive and absolutely not worth it, for that particular project. I'd think long and hard before I wasted money on it again.
              Family Partners Welsh Ponies - Home of Section B Welsh stallion *Wedderlie Mardi Gras LOM/AOE http://www.welshponies.com
              Click here to buy: A Guide To In Hand Showing of Your Welsh Pony

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              • #8
                We've been using adwords for a couple of years now.

                I've played around with our words, tightened up on placements and looked at the reports but it's hard to quantify results. Right now I'm thinking I'm better to channel that money into other advertising.
                where am I, what day is it, am I still having a good time?

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