Best way to import ads to MSN Adcenter

[skuba]

Hi,
I am trying to figure out the best to import ads to MSN adcenter. I know they have an import function, but so far what I have been able to do is upload ads separetely for each order and also upload the keywords separetely.

So basically each orders need 1 upload of ads and 1 upload of keywords. I don't see how this can help so much in terms of expediting the process.

Each order is basically what we call a category in YSM or an ad group in Google. The ideal situation would be to be able to import ads for multiple orders at the same time. Don't you agree?

Same thing for keywords.

What are your thougths and how have you been doing this?

Thanks so much,

[kea12345]

I agree automation of uploads of both ads and keywords would be a huge improvement.

The limit of 100 keywords is also a bit of a pain.

My other major concern is that you should eb able to add campign negative keywords, rather than just at the individual ad level.

[skuba]

Was anybody able to find out about this?
I called them and they said "You can import with an excel spreadsheet.." and that's all they know.

I know I can use a spreadsheet, but how do I import to different orders at the same time? How do I import keywords and ads at the same time.

Did anybody find out?

Thanks

[adCenter411]

skuba,
a couple things here. first, to import keywords, go to the manage keywords page. in the keywords tools dropdown, choose import or export keywords. you'll see a template you can download, fill in, and then import. you do need to import keywords and ads separately, as well as orders separately - unfortunately.

second, i'm concerned that support wasn't able to help you to your satisfaction. if you'd like, sticky mail me the ticket # and i will follow up with them to see what happened. we're trying to make this experience better for everyone.

kea12345,
it's correct that you cannot add negative keywords at the campaign level, but you are able to add negative keywords at the order level. on the manage keywords page, in the keywords tools dropdown, choose "add multiple excluded keywords". enter your negative keywords, click "add to keyword list", and they'll be added to each of your keywords.

hope this helps, let me know.

thanks,
adCenter411

[skuba]

adCenter411, thanks for your response.
I actually know how to add keywords and ads to MSN. But I don't think that having to add them separately and for each order really help with time saving at all.

It would be great to add kewyords and ads for several orders. I think this would be good to MSN also. I mean, wouldn't it be great for MSN also, if we could all just import all google or yahoo ads?

The way it is currently, it will take me a few days to add all my ads manually. It's really a hassle.

And we plan to spend like $9k a month, but we can't have someone from MSN help us out? It doesn't make sense.

Thanks

[TerriGW]

I uploaded all my ads at once following these instructions:
[advertising.msn.com...]

[skuba]

TerriGW,

I assume you are not so familiar with what I am talking about here. If you uploaded all your ads using the methodindicated, you probably uploaded all of them to the same ad group, or order how MSN calls it.
Each order is supposed to be a different ad.
What google calls ad groups, MSN calls orders.
And what google calls ad creatives, MSN calls ads.

So, what you actually did was import different creatives into the same ad.

I am actually trying to find a solution to import different ad groups to MSN. Do you understand what I mean? Importing a whole campaign into MSN.

[TerriGW]

I imported my entire list of 22 Adwords Campaigns, with their individual AdGroups (some have 5 or 6) and individual keywords for each AdGroup to Microsoft adCenter using this method. Everything was identical to Adwords, except the negative keywords did not import.

I thought I understood you, but perhaps I did not. It was very easy to mirror Adwords this way except for the negative keywords which I input manually. I would cringe at the thought of having to add everything manually.

[skuba]

How did you specify what ads where going into each order in that feed? There is no column for something like the order name or a category.

Even the instructions say we have to choose the order first and then upload the ads for that specific order.

Importing your keywords into Microsoft adCenter:

1. Login to Microsoft adCenter.
2. Click the Orders tab.
3. In the Order List section, in the Order ID column, click the order for which you want to import a keyword list.
4. Click the Keywords tab.
5. Import a keyword list in one of the following ways: From an Excel (.xls) or comma-separated (.csv) text file
1. From the Import/Export drop-down list, select Import from a file.
2. In the Import Keywords from a File dialog box, click Browse.
3. Locate the appropriate file in .xls or .csv format, and then click Import.

I also talked with 2 different reps at MSN support and they said that we have to do each order separately. Even the adCenter411 said above that we have to do them separate

you do need to import keywords and ads separately, as well as orders separately - unfortunately.

So, let me be clear. Were you able to import all your adwords campaigns AT ONCE? Or you did each order at a time?

Thanks so much,
Skuba

[TerriGW]

I used QuickLaunch, I ran the report, emailed it to my rep and he had it uploaded very quickly... within hours of talking to me our ads were live. And now I am reading it was part of the pilot program, so I am guessing it is not available to everyone now?

Sorry!

[skuba]

Thanks TerryGW,
now it makes sense. Without the help of a rep it's not possible to get it done.
I am still trying to get a rep, but they haven't responded to my quick launch request.

Thanks

[NetPro]

Posted by Adcenter411
it's correct that you cannot add negative keywords at the campaign level, but you are able to add negative keywords at the order level. on the manage keywords page, in the keywords tools dropdown, choose "add multiple excluded keywords". enter your negative keywords, click "add to keyword list", and they'll be added to each of your keywords.

But you're only allowed 1022 CHARACTERS for negative keywords per order. Firstly, that's not enough space. Secondly, this is no substitute for campaign level negative keywords. Why must we add the same group of negative keywords for each order?

[breny]

Also, if you add a new group of keywords to an existing order you have to go back and copy any negatives you already added to put them with the new keywords.

If you discover a new negative you'd like to add, there is no easy way to easily add the new negative to the keywords already saved to the order.

1022 characters is nowhere near enough for negatives.

[shmoo]

Well, we are ready to spend 2 or 3 thousand a month to start, if we could get a rep to do one of those "Quick Launch" specials and import all our Google Campaigns at once. (hint)

But there is no point in us spending days and days at it, we will just have to wait, I guess....., (hint-hint) for the rep assisted quick import function.

It's too bad this interface was not made functional and simple, why MSN went with this overwrought LookSmart style clone - rather than something simple - is WAY BEYOND ME.

And yes I agree the 1000 characters for Negatives KWs is way small, and needs an option to cover all keywords/adds with a single entry, like a big umbrella.

The way it's set now is another HUGE time waster.

[snag]

What is quicklaunch anyways? I really can't believe that Microsoft had two companies to copy from, and this was the best they could come up with. The above linked instruction page isn't even accurate. It says:

1. Download the import file from the Keywords screen in Microsoft adCenter.

Well, the only place I could find anything named keywords is under an order, and on that page there are zero links to download any templates. There's a link that says 'import or export ads' on the create ads page, but it gives you an excel file with different columns than the instruction page shows. The instruction page shows a column for keywords for you to copy and paste to, but the importAds.xls that you download from that page has only ad title, text, display and destination URLs.

I'm frankly amazed anyone could get this to work.

[TerriGW]

QuickLaunch was a program they had available during pilot testing. Basically you made a report of all your information from Google or Yahoo, then a rep imported it to adCenter's interface. It was fast and only required a few minor tweaks on my behalf.

To adCenter: I would suggest making QuickLaunch available to all potential clients whose monthly spend potential is great enough... Because using the services of QuickLaunch gets all the campaigns ready quickly and with the least effort which in turn generates the client and MSN income faster. If I did not have QuickLaunch available, I would have only added a few campaigns at a time until I had it built up to match my other internet advertising.

[skuba]

Quick Launch is still available. I am able to apply and got a call from them 48 hours after.

They are already working on getting all our ads up.

[ddogg]

MSN is so unbelievably stupid for not having a simple import tool. "Click here to import your Google/Overture campaigns into adCenter". DUH!

Drives me crazy. MS really does not get it at all, they have made many bone-headed design decisions on adCenter. I don't think anyone over there even has an AdWords account.

[adCenter411]

hey there,
Quick Launch is still available...it's a program where a media specialist can help you get your campaigns migrated over to adCenter. you can fill out this form (https://advertising.msn.com/microsoft-adcenter/quicklaunch/signup), and you should be contacted about 48 hours after they receive it.

thanks,
adCenter411

[snag]

Thanks adcenter guy, I got a reply from the quick launch and this looks a lot easier :)