That has all changed with the slickest integration of long/lat targeting that exists.
To access the function, go into campaign settings, edit location, customized option. You'll see a map and below that 'advanced features'. Follow that link.
This brings you to a map that you can zoom in/out, view satellite, map, or hybrid.
At this point in time, zoom into your target region.
Double click on any point to add a point.
Double click on another point to connect the line.
Just enjoy clicking around, manipulating lines, and watch the coordinates auto populate in the targeting box.
You can have many lines, shapes, only limited by your clicking ability.
Only two issues so far:
1. The same issue as the FAQs, it doesn't have the proper SSL set into place - so you'll see warning boxes about viewing secure and non-secure content on every single page (please fix this AWA - it's the same issue we talked about at a previous conference).
2. The page has a pretty big minimum width, obviously coded on large resolution monitor, so if you're using a small laptop/screen - you'll have to do a bit of horizontal scrolling to see what you're doing.
Overall, an amazing integration. I've very impressed with this new feature. Local businesses should take advantage of this option in drawing out their exact market area.
With this use, I'm not sure how the geographic area will show on search ads (i.e. like 'Chicago' or 'Illinois' etc appear right now below the ad text).
Note: Google also has a new demo for local targeting (not specific to this feature).
Warning: It's in Flash:
[services.google.com...]
[edited by: eWhisper at 6:32 pm (utc) on Nov. 22, 2005]
If Google has to rely on IP addresses due to a lack of locality keyword then you'd be just as good throwing a dart at a map (blindfolded). In my experience only 10 to 15 percent of UK IP's are anywhere near their users real location.
I think the coming step will be to enable AdSense users to implement long-lat in their JavaScript code to target their ads when they have geo-targeted content.
best
One day this will be amazing though. Imagine being able to geo-target specific buildings (or close to it). It would allow you to get pretty close to targeting specific companies.
