I doubt there’s anyone who doesn’t know or hasn’t heard about Google AdWords. For those of you who really don’t know, it is a program for advertisers provided by Google. Here’s how it works (not exactly in sequence).

1. Sign up for AdWords and choose the keywords or phrases.
2. Write a short two line copy for your advertisement.
3. Choose whether you want to display your ads within Google Search and/or the network of Google publishers.
4. You can also geo-target. This means that you can select countries relevant to your target market.
5. Remember to set your daily budget.
6. Voila, your ads will be displayed instantaneously. Display of ads is absolutely free, you only pay when someone clicks your ad.

I have been using Google AdWords with some success and for budget advertisers it is a good option as it allows setting of daily limits and geo-targeting. If you are a skeptic (like I was) then you can get started with a free account, Google is giving away $50 plus 9 very good tips on how to increase revenues this holiday season for businesses. The details are here.

I also got started with a $50 free account a few months ago and I haven’t used it up completely yet (stingy me). So go ahead and give it a spin, it is quite useful (and yes, Singapore residents are eligible just fill up the form and they’ll get back to you).

Photo Credit: www.sxc.hu