Google Certification Explained
Have you ever set up and managed a Google Adword campaign?
It can be a great way to make a lot of money for your business, but it can also be a fantastic way to set a lot of money on fire if you aren’t sure what you’re doing.
In today’s digital age, a well-crafted Google Ads campaign can be the difference between a business thriving online and getting lost in the vast sea of search results.
It’s not at all unusual for business owners to look for help setting up and managing their Google Ads. It you have, you may have run across digital marketing agencies who say they are “Google Certified”, but what does this really mean? Does it really matter?
Understanding Google Certification: Two Paths to Expertise
Google offers two main avenues for demonstrating expertise in its advertising platform: individual certifications and the Google Partner program. Let’s delve into each one to understand their unique value propositions.
Individual Google Ads Certifications
Offered through Google’s Skillshop platform, Google Ads certifications are a fantastic way for individuals to demonstrate their proficiency in various aspects of the Google Ads platform. These comprehensive online courses aren’t just basic tutorials; they delve deep into the intricacies of specific advertising channels, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to create and manage effective campaigns.
The beauty of Google Ads certifications lies in their specialization. Unlike a single, broad exam, Google offers a range of certifications focused on distinct advertising channels. This allows individuals to tailor their learning to their specific interests and career goals. Here’s a glimpse into some of the most popular Google Ads certifications:
- Search Ads Certification: This foundational certification equips you with the knowledge to create and manage text-based ads that appear on search engine results pages (SERPs). You learn about keyword research, ad copywriting, campaign structure, bidding strategies, and how to analyze campaign performance metrics.
- Display Ads Certification: Go beyond search with the Display Ads certification. This course teaches you how to leverage the Google Display Network (GDN) to reach potential customers across millions of websites and apps. You’ll master the art of creating visually appealing display ads, targeting the right audience, and measuring campaign effectiveness on the GDN.
- Shopping Ads Certification: Great for e-commerce businesses, this certification dives into the world of Shopping Ads, a powerful tool for showcasing your products directly on Google Search results pages. You’ll learn how to create product feeds, optimize your product listings for better visibility, and leverage features like Merchant Center to streamline your online sales efforts.
- Video Ads Certification: In our video-centric world, video advertising can be a game-changer. The Video Ads certification equips you with the skills to create compelling video ads for YouTube and other partner sites within the Google Ads network. You’ll learn about video ad formats, targeting options, campaign optimization strategies, and how to measure the success of your video advertising efforts.
These are just a few examples, and Google offers a growing selection of certifications to cater to various advertising needs. By earning individual certifications in your areas of expertise, you can demonstrate a deep understanding of specific Google Ads channels and showcase your value to potential employers or clients.
Google Partner Program: A Mark of Excellence in Google Ads
The Google Partner program isn’t just another badge on a website; it’s a mark of distinction reserved for agencies that have demonstrably proven their expertise and success in managing Google Ads campaigns.
Qualifying for the Google Partner program is no easy feat. Google has established a set of rigorous criteria that agencies must meet to be considered. These criteria ensure that Partner agencies possess a well-rounded team with the skills and experience necessary to deliver exceptional results. Here are some key benchmarks:
Individual Certifications
At the core of the Google Partner program lies a focus on individual proficiency. Partner agencies must have a certain number of team members who hold individual Google Ads certifications. This ensures a strong foundation of knowledge across various advertising channels within the Google Ads platform.
Minimum Ad Spend Threshold
The Google Partner program isn’t just theoretical; it requires real-world experience managing successful Google Ads campaigns. Partner agencies must maintain a minimum ad spend threshold across their client accounts. This demonstrates a proven track record of managing significant advertising budgets and achieving positive results.
Consistent Client Growth
Ultimately, the success of any marketing campaign boils down to delivering results for clients. To become a Google Partner, agencies need to showcase consistent client growth through their Google Ads efforts. This metric emphasizes the agency’s ability to translate expertise into tangible benefits for their clients’ businesses.
The Advantages of Partnering with a Google Partner
The Google Partner badge signifies more than just meeting these baseline requirements. Here’s what you gain by partnering with a Google Partner agency like Make It Loud:
Access to Exclusive Tools & Resources
Google Partners are privy to a treasure trove of exclusive tools and resources not available to non-partner agencies. These resources can include advanced campaign management tools, access to beta features, and in-depth performance insights. This allows Partner agencies to further optimize your campaigns and stay ahead of the curve.
Ongoing Support from Google
As a Google Partner, we enjoy a close relationship with the Google Ads team. This translates into ongoing support and access to industry experts at Google. Should we encounter any technical challenges or have strategic questions, we have direct access to Google’s support network, ensuring we can navigate any obstacles and deliver the best possible results for your campaigns.
A Commitment to Staying Ahead of the Curve
The Google Ads landscape is constantly evolving. By partnering with a Google Partner agency, you’re choosing a team that is demonstrably committed to ongoing learning and staying abreast of the latest updates, best practices, and algorithm changes. This ensures your campaigns are always optimized according to the latest strategies for maximum effectiveness.
The Google Partner program is a rigorous vetting process that identifies agencies with the proven expertise and resources to deliver exceptional results using Google Ads. By choosing a Google Partner like Make It Loud, you gain the peace of mind of knowing your campaigns are in the hands of a trusted, results-oriented team.
Remember, Google Ads certifications are not one-time tests. Google regularly updates its platform and best practices, and the certifications keep pace. Earning a Google Ads certification demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning and staying current in the ever-evolving world of online advertising.
Why Choose a Google Certified Agency?
Now that you understand the different types of Google Certification, here’s why it matters when choosing a digital marketing agency:
- Credibility & Trust: In the world of digital marketing, trust is everything. Google Certifications act as a visible mark of expertise, assuring you that the agency you choose has the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of Google Ads. By partnering with a Google Certified agency, you gain peace of mind knowing your campaigns are in the hands of qualified professionals.
- Staying Up-to-Date: Google Ads is a dynamic platform that undergoes frequent updates and improvements. Having a Google Certified team means you can be confident that your agency is constantly learning and adapting to the latest strategies and best practices. This ensures your campaigns leverage cutting-edge techniques to maximize their effectiveness.
- Performance-Driven Results: At the end of the day, what truly matters are results. Google Certifications aren’t just badges on a website; they represent a commitment to ongoing learning and staying at the forefront of Google Ads. By choosing a Google Certified agency, you’re increasing your chances of experiencing significant improvements in key metrics like clicks, conversions, and return on ad spend (ROAS).
Final Thought
In the competitive world of digital marketing, choosing the right agency to run your ads can make all the difference. By partnering with a Google Certified agency like Make It Loud, you gain access to a team of experienced professionals who are passionate about staying ahead of the curve in Google Ads. Our certification is a testament to our ongoing commitment to excellence, ensuring your campaigns are in the best possible hands.
At Make It Loud, a leading digital marketing agency in the Atlanta area (but working with clients all over the country!), we understand the power of Google Ads and leverage it to drive real results for our clients.
