7 replies to this topic

[Conspicuous]

I'm curious how many people here have taken the time to get "certified" as a Google Adverting Professional or a Yahoo Search Marketing Ambassador and if you feel this is a worthwhile use of time and money in the pursuit of "branding yourself as an expert."

Yahoo charges $50 for the privilege of taking the tests until you finally pass. Google seems more legitimate because you just have to manage a decent sized portfolio over a period of time in order to qualify.

I imagine the buttons can look impressive on a web site for a prospective client who doesn't know anything about anything, but what do you think?

[nethy]

I'm curious how many people here have taken the time to get "certified" as a Google Adverting Professional or a Yahoo Search Marketing Ambassador and if you feel this is a worthwhile use of time and money in the pursuit of "branding yourself as an expert."

Most people who offer the service have taken the time to get certified.

Why are you so skeptical about the whole thing? seems like a natural proggression in a maturing industry. You are offering consulting/management/reselling related to their products. They recomend that a client looking for this service know XYZ. They don't enforce it, just recomend. Its true that many providers resselling PPC give a crap service. this reflects badly on the whole industry.

A little unenforced quality control shouldn't be offensive. Its not like you're locked out of the game. You are free to get ceritified.

[jehochman]

Last month I was asked what Google could do better. I suggested that they offer additional certifications, such as:

• Consultant knows how to use Google Webmaster Tools to debug a site.
• Developer knows how to build a site that complies with Google Webmaster Guidelines.

There's nothing wrong with testing people to see if they understand things, but the certificates should be specific and not make overly broad assertions. This will help professionalize the industry and allow the public to see who is committed to maintaining high standards, and who isn't.

If you are good at managing Adwords, you'll have no problem passing the test. The preparation and testing will probably teach you a few things you didn't know, and that will help you provide better service.

[nethy]

If you are good at managing Adwords, you'll have no problem passing the test.

When did you take the test? it has gotten more comprehensive last year or so.Many things you'll need to know that you may not normally encounter.

[Conspicuous]

Why are you so skeptical about the whole thing?

I don't think I'm skeptical about it. I was just wondering how much it was actually used. I'll be honest that the lack of response on this posting is surprising.

Last month I was asked what Google could do better. I suggested that they offer additional certifications

Agreed. I would personally like to see more direction on becoming a Google Analytics certified professional. According to Google their are only about 33 in the entire world right now.

[BlueSky]

Put it this way: Do not judge someone that has not completed the tests - they may or may not have a certain level of knowledge about the AdWords and/or YSM platforms. However, for those that have passed the tests you can know that they have demonstrated a certain level of competence in using AdWords and less so, YSM (the Yahoo test is much much easier).

The real question is whether someone can make AdWords and/or YSM work for your business... and I'd take a wager that there is a reasonable chance that those who have completed the tests can do so, although it is never a sure thing (but, then, what is?).

In my opinion: Those who specialize in PPC should complete these tests -- they're so easy to pass if you have the experience.

[jehochman]

I took the test in June. My idea of "good" may be much stronger than some other folks. In New England most of us are understated. "Decent" means "good" and "good" means "great". Then you have those weirdos from Boston who always say "wicked" and "awesome". I don't know what they're talking about.

If you are a pay per click consultant, I think the tests are all but mandatory. For $50 and a few hours of time, you get Google to vouch for you.

[George]

I agree with Jonathan's wicked cool statement.

I took and passed both by simply registering and answering the quizzes. I don't think any magic dust floats into your business as a result of doing either, but it does show a client, partner or vendor that you have rudimentary knowledge regarding their PPC programs. I especially like the fact that Google's requires an annual renewal. I honestly think that is a good way of keeping people engaged with new programs or changes.