When did AdWords launch?

Asking the experts

[Nikke]

I'm researching an article on AdWords. And I just cannot find a date for the first version of sponsored links on Google. Could any AdWord expert in here help me out?

Thanks in advance

[edit_g]

Looks like around August 2000 - [google.com...]

[keywordguru]

My brain is a little rusty yet it was anywhere around 2000 or before for sure. I want to say that Overture was around 1998 as GoTo, and google followed thereafter.

Again, this is rusty info:)
Maybe someone knows the specifics
KG

[Nikke]

Thanks!

I was thinking early 2002, and that was way off...

[AdWordsAdvisor]

Fascinating topic to me, as it proves that my memory is a bit fuzzy on the matter of dates! Basically, I love working with AdWords so much it seems that I've been here my entire adult life, but I guess that is not really the case.

Heheh.

One thing worth noting is that the first advertising product was based on a CPM (Cost per Thousand Impressions) pricing model, and that the CPC component was added, with AdWords Select, in early 2002. (See the timeline linked-to by edit_g.)

AdWords Select then evolved to become the AdWords we know and love (at least some of us!) today. ;)

So, you were quite right, Nikke - in the sense that an essential change occured in early 2002.

AWA

[Nikke]

Thanks AWA.

And yes. It is strange with dates and the web? Time flyes on the web, and it's almost impossible to remember dates. (The last time I tried to compile a CV it took me so long I just gave up and never applied for the position.)

[Tropical Island]

I just checked our accounts.
We joined AdWords March 1, 2002 so we were one of the early ones. Our business has gone straight uphill ever since.