Google AdWords Exploration

Admittedly, I’m quite late to the game but the time has come for more than one of my ventures to start playing around with Google AdWords. Fortunately, it is quite simple to set up an account and start playing around.

While there are several great resources for getting up to speed, I particularly enjoyed the explanation given in the AutomateMySmallBusiness podcast, episode 20.

An AdWords account is free and you simply link it up with your existing Google account. Since this is a cost-per-click model, you obviously need to set a budget for your campaign. If you want to dabble a bit, see what works and what doesn’t, you can scour the ‘net for coupon codes/vouchers for a no-risk way to get familiar with the platform.

There are a few places you can get free codes, usually with little effort. One such place can be found here that is currently offering ~$50 vouchers. As I continue my adventure with Google AdWords, I will be sure to document the things I learn along the way.

Beautifying Windows 7

By now, many of you have likely made the move to Windows 7. If not, here is one subtlety that you are “missing out on” or can look forward to if you’re in the former group. Windows 7 allows for “theme packs” which are essentially compilations of of desktop backgrounds, colour schemes etc. In previous versions of Windows these customizations were available but never have they been so streamlined.

When Windows 7 was still in beta I had a look at the offerings du jour and found some mildly interesting backrounds of architecture and the like. Selection was still quite limited. Now, on the other hand, you’ll find many theme packs are available by simply right clicking on your desktop, choosing “personalize” and finding the “Get more themes online” link on the right.

You will then be taken to Microsoft’s Personalization Gallery. During the Olympics I chose to use Samsung’s appropriately themed pack but now that it has concluded I figured something new was in order.

Brief side-step here. For the few remaining that don’t know, Microsoft has rebranded their search by calling it Bing. The story goes that they originally wanted to call it Bingo but that didn’t fly for legal reasons, leaving them “no choice” but to settle on Bing. Er, ok well they had some choice…

How is this relevant? If you’ve ever visited bing.com you know that in lovely contrast to Google’s sparse search page, bing actually uses quite amazing photography that changes. I’ve often thought to myself that it was a shame that I could only see these images when I happen to remember to bing something rather than to Google it.

Ahh, the tie-in. My new favourite theme pack is the “Bing’s Best” that, as the name implies, rotates through some of the best imagery from Bing.

  
Do you have a favourite theme pack? Maybe you took the time to create your own (Microsoft shows you how on their site). If you’re a photographer it could be a great way to showcase your work. Samsung used the opportunity to brand their Olympic theme pack I mentioned earlier to increase their mindshare in perhaps a small way.

Closing thoughts: if you haven’t let Bing into your life for your searching needs, perhaps you can let them beautify Windows for you. Baby steps. :)