Out of the Fog Marketing

We all know determining the right keywords for your business' natural and paid search ad campaigns is vital. However, the searchers intent can be quite different when it comes to purchasing your goods or services. For example, the term "Michigan marketing" has a higher volume of searches, but we get more business from searches of the term "Michigan marketing firm".

But how can a business evaluate purchase intent upfront? Enter Microsoft AdCenter's Online Commercial Intent tool. Microsoft claims the tool can evaluate a visitor's intention to buy, sell, or complete a transaction. Simply type in your keyword and select "query". We found the data at least qualitatively compelling.

For example, the probability of commercial query for "Michigan marketing" is 35%, while the commercial intent of a user typing in "Michigan marketing firm" is 65% which is consistent with our historical metric tracking.

Labels: google adwords, keyword analysis, online advertising, pay per click, purchase intent

Check out StomperNet's Adwords Triangulation Video which has some great advice for intermediate to advanced Google Adwords users including a great explanation of how to use "embedded match". The training video also has some great advice on writing Adwords ad copy. Thanks to Andy Jenkins and Dan Theis for the amazing content.

Labels: embedded match, google adwords

In an effort to grow the number of creative jobs in Michigan, the state legislature broadened the definition of "creative businesses" allowing more firms to qualify for the state MEGA tax credits. Businesses meeting certain criteria will be eligible for high-tech or high-wage MEGA credits which are credits against the Michigan Business Tax.

Labels: ann arbor, creative jobs, mega tax credits, Michigan business, michigan state tax, service tax