Google Adwords Overhaul!

If any of you were looking at Google Adwords the past few days, you may have noticed a few interesting things. Google has decided to add some new features into the mix. Because relationships with advertising agencies are changing, they find it only fair that they shift and change with it. in regards to the GAP Program:

The GAP (Google Adwords professional) program will now be replaced with a Google Adwords certification program- with more extensive, up to date and comprehensive strategy focused training. The certification exam will now consist of more practical applications rather than just a memorized test like one you would do in college just to get it over with. You actually have to know your stuff.
Advanced level exams for the certification, which will highlight your competency for things like reporting, search, analysis and display.
There is a redesigned ‘Certified Partner’ badge!! Everyone loves a redesign.

One big thing I noticed, visually, was the “category” section in the keyword selection tool area. There’s tons to select from.

Aside from this, Adwords API pricing has been introduced. This means that Google Adwords certified partners, who manage client Adwords accounts, will be able to use the Adwords API free, depending on their managed client spend. If you’re interested in applying, please make sure that you have an active agency profile and that you are complying with the Adwords API terms and conditions.
Thanks Google! :)

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Google Adwords Overhaul!

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Social Media Time Saving Tip

What I am going to share with you is not new, but I am surprised at how many people do not use this time saving source. Ping.fm is a resource that I want everyone to know about. If you aren't using it then you need to rethink the reason why. If you are using this wonderful tool then maybe I can share with you some more helpful tips to help in your successes.
In there own words:

"Ping.fm is a simple and FREE service that makes updating your social networks a snap!"

To me the best part is that the service is free and you can post from anywhere with their mobile, instant messenger and email apps. They also work along with hundreds of other 3rd party apps to make updating your status simple and fast. Ping.fm was recently acquired by Seesmic making the service much more powerful. You can send an update and it can be submitted instantly to 50+ social networks including Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Ning, WordPress, TypePad, Yammer, Status.net and many more.
My favorite part about using this valuable resource is that I can post from my iPhone from anywhere sharing with my friends and family something cool. For example, I recently sent an update to all my friends to over 20 of my social networks right from my phone. The update was sent from the beautiful mountains of Utah stating that I had just finished a Half Marathon.
Here is a very short video I created showing how easy it is to sign up and start using Ping.fm today:

There is also a trick to update your Google Buzz account via Ping.fm and here are the steps:
1. Of course you must have a Ping.fm account, sign up here – http://ping.fm/
2. Add Gtalk by clicking "Add Network" at the http://ping.fm/networks/ page

3. Next enter your email address and password associated with your Google buzz account then click submit:

4. And for the last step, you need to add Gtalk as a connected service by logging into your Google Buzz account. See images below for steps:

That is it, your Ping.fm posts will now automatically post to your Google Buzz account. Most other social networks are much easier to add as you can see in the video I shared above.
There are some things you need to know with using Ping.fm as a social media tool. You need to remember that it is simply a tool that will help save you time. It is not an automated tool that will make you millions or get you more followers necessarily. I see many people abuse the tool to the point that they are not being social anymore with their friends and followers. As we know, Social Media is all about the conversation and being social. If all you are doing is submitting updates and not a part of the discussion then you will loose out on what social media really is.
Here are some helpful tips and reminders to save time but still be social:

Only use Ping.fm as a status update service and not your only means of connecting to your social networks
Post your status updates and make sure you still login to your social network profiles to be a part of the dialogue
Don't overdue it with your submissions, you will loose a lot of friends and followers this way
Use other tools to help you in the conversation (e.g. Seesmic, Hootsuite, or Tweetdeck)

In conclusion, Ping.fm is simply a tool for us as marketers and individuals to use to help us save time when conversing and sharing stuff with our friends and followers. This free resource has the ability to help us be more productive if we use it correctly and wisely. Bear in mind that any tool can be abused, so just be careful. Also always remember to have fun.
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Social Media Time Saving Tip