Google & Other Search Engine Advertising Info

I'm in the process of changing my advertising around to include more advertising on the internet. I've talked to some companies about advertising on Google and other places but I have no clue what I'm doing. Does anyone know of any good books or sites that might be of help in this area or does anyone here work in that field. Its not cheep so I'm trying to learn what I can before making a decision. The companies I have talked with have the same sales info so they are not allot of help.

first, i cant help you too much on that but out of curiosity, what is your business?

I have an insurance agency.

Here is a decent breakdown: Online advertising - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_advertising)

For Google, go straight to the source.
http://adwords.google.com

Here is a decent breakdown: Online advertising - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_advertising)

For Google, go straight to the source.
http://adwords.google.com

See thats my problem. I know I can build my own add on google and pay everytime some clicks on my add or I can go with a company that pays google for better placement. They get better placement because of their volume and I pay one flat fee per month. When you pay per click you have to pay a good amount per click to get decent placement and then your paying just if someone clicks on your add.

What I'm looking for is someone who knows the ins and outs of advertising on the net thats not trying to sell me advertisement. I'll pay for their info/book, etc on how to advertise. When it was yellow pages and that stuff I knew all the best ways to advertise but now that I'm crossing over I'm not sure. Maybe its like my past advertising I'll just have to waist money until I find what works.

I have an insurance agency.


Not Redneck Fish Charters?

You can do it yourself with Google...don't pay anyone to do what you can do yourself. It's easy to use AdWords...you sign up...specify your business and a few search terms you want people to be able to find your business with, and specify how much money you want to spend each day on ads.

p.s. If you have big insurance companies in the area you may not be able get the best words for cheap.

You can do it yourself with Google...don't pay anyone to do what you can do yourself. It's easy to use AdWords...you sign up...specify your business and a few search terms you want people to be able to find your business with, and specify how much money you want to spend each day on ads.

p.s. If you have big insurance companies in the area you may not be able get the best words for cheap.

Thats what I'm debating right now. I know about doing the adds on my own but I'm not sure if that is the best bang for the buck. The only way I know of right now is to try both and track my results. If I use a provider I do have co-op money I can use that will pay for half of the cost.

Not Redneck Fish Charters?
you are learning:)

What's your competition like around there? Are they using AdWords?

When you search for the terms you want to be recognized for where are you showing up in the results? Link to your website? PM if you'd rather.