Geo Targetting

[itgl72]

I currently am only marketing locally on adwords. I have a 30 mile radius around my office set as my target for all RE campaigns. I was wondering what other folks do to set their local targeting? Do you do more than 30 miles or less? Thanks for your feedback.

[RonnieG]

Adwords geo targeting is unreliable and worthless. Geo target with your keywords, and don't expect Google to do it for you. It won't.

[itgl72]

Wow! Thats suprising to hear. Based on what? I mean from what I have tested using keywords that dont zone in on just GA my ads seem to come up.

[RonnieG]

Experience. Statewide is OK, most of the time, but a mileage radius is generally beyond Google's ability to accurately determine. Google does geo-targeting by the IP address of the ISP, and really has no idea where the consumer may be, especially in cases where IP addresses are dynamically assigned when users log on. As far as Google is concerned, all AOL users are in VA or one of the other AOL data centers. MSN subscribers are all in WA. Many other large ISPs are in CA. For broadband users, geo-targeting is somewhat better, as long as the broadband ISP issues permanent IP addresses to its subscriber's cable modems, and lets Google and the other SEs know what IP ranges apply to what geo areas. but still not reliable enough. Trust me, do your geo-targeting with your keywords.

[itgl72]

Well "geo-targeting with your keywords" just threw a monkey wrench into my campaign and put the fear of the internet gods into me. LOL.

Statewide is OK you think, but... you think google will still think all AOL users are in VA or one of the other AOL data centers. MSN subscribers are all in WA, etc etc?

I could always shoot it down to GEORGIA, or just GEORGIA, ATLANTA REGION. That still may hinder by what you are saying above.

[drewnick]

I'm with Ronnie - don't expect this targeting to work too well. If you target Atlanta you'll pickup a lot of the Southeast because ISPs in the southeast often have registered IPs in Atlanta at the NAP.

[mmedia]

You will also miss out on alot of potential traffic. If Google can't determine the IP address (30-40% of the time) they won't display a geoT ad. You are missing alot of visitors and probably paying too much in the end.

[itgl72]

I been busy, I need to adjust my campaign. I have left it as is but really brought down MAX CPC until I get things situated.

[BrandonSternfield]

I'm currently targeting America by IP's.

Figure that's a safe bet Then like previously mentioned, go ahead and let your keywords do your specializing for you.

i.e. set google to only show your ads to America.

Then put Georgia in your keyword.

Theoretically, only people in the USA who search for georgia will find you.