Ad agencies help bring Google business, and for that, they are now getting some extra love from the search giant.
Google on Wednesday announced Google Partners, an umbrella program meant to consolidate all of the company's other agency programs under one roof. Google already supported ad agencies with a number of programs like Agency Edge, Google Engage, and its agency certification program, and those aren't going away. They are simply rebranded and joining forces under the new Google Partners title.
For Google, supporting ad agencies means supporting small and medium sized businesses that will most likely advertise on the site. Wednesday's announcement puts all of the agency resources Google was already providing in one place to make it simpler for interested parties to find and utilize them.
The agency certification program is the one area where Google has made significant changes with the Google Partners announcement. Previously, agencies could receive Google's stamp of approval for demonstrating proficiency with AdWords, the company's main advertising product. Now, certified agencies will need to re-apply in order to receive a new Google Partners certification badge, and proficiency in Google AdWords will only be part of the necessary requirements.
Google is looking for agencies to demonstrate other qualities like a healthy business, client retention, and best practices surrounding digital advertising. At least one agency employee will need to complete an AdWords efficiency program, according to a spokesperson.
Google expects agencies to spend 30 to 60 days re-positioning themselves to apply for a Google Partners certification, according to a spokesperson. The new umbrella program is live for all U.S. agencies and Google expects to roll out to international markets later this year.
Do you feel these updated certification requirements are a step in the right direction for Google? Tell us in the comments below.
Image: Kurt Wagner/Mashable
news by October 03, 2013 at 03:47AM
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