Google AdWords™ for Dummies®, 2nd Edition

Chapter 2. Setting Up Your AdWords Account

In This Chapter

• Starting with AdWords

• Navigating the setup process

• Creating your first campaign

• Activating and managing your account

You're about to set up a fully functioning AdWords account! I congratulate you on this momentous step in your online advertising career. I'm so glad I'm here to share it with you.

In this chapter, I walk you through setting up your account. If you already have an existing account, you can skip ahead to the next chapter "Managing Your AdWords Account," where you explore three basic account features: campaign management, keyword selection, and ad writing.

Opening a New AdWords Account

Fortunately, Google has greatly simplified the process for opening a new AdWords account:

1. Open your Web browser and go to http://adwords.google.com.

2. (Optional) Choose a language other than English (US) from the drop-down list at the top right, and Google will translate the page into that language.

3. Click the Start Now button at the top right.

   (Sometimes the button is labeled Click to Begin or Let's Get Started. I've never seen it read Drink Me, but I'm hopeful ....)

4. Select Standard Edition and click the Continue button.

   This step may no longer be part of the process because the Starter Edition is headed toward retirement. So if you don't see this option, relax, remember that AdWords continues to evolve, and skip to Step 5. If you wish to learn more about the Starter Edition or already have a Starter Edition account, you may want to check out ...