The problem with Google AdWords is that it has become very difficult to find keywords at a reasonable price. Bidding on keywords like “make money from home” or something in that range will kill your advertising budget in no time.

So, you have to think out of box, and find a niche.

I use free report from Word Tracker to find those niches. You can sign up for free at Word Tracker, and receive a list with top 500 keywords in your mailbox once a week.

When reading this weeks report, I found a couple of interesting items:

On place 11 on list I found keyword “prom dresses”. A quick search with Overture’s Keyword Selector Tool tells me that there have been 397264 searches for this keyword.

Interesting.

I then launch Overture Bid Tool, to see how much this keyword will cost me.

Only 0.26 for top spot!

I can't answer that questions until I ask a number of questions first.

Do you have an advertising plan?

Are you working on a firm budget?

What are you trying to accomplish with your advertising?

Where are you spending your money now?

Usually by 4th question happy face becomes one of disappointment.

Contractors don't build a building without a plan, and you shouldn't advertise without a plan. The first action is to determine what you want your advertising to do. Most small and medium businesses do not have bucks for long term image, so they focus on a call to action or proclaiming benefits (not features).