I am keen to see what it looks like and whether Google will implment any verification system (ala Paypal).
Condiditons for receiving the professional status:
Maybe an email to advise when the 90 days have passed, with a link to the Pro Centre tab would be appropriate upon completing the requirements AWA? I don't normally look in the Pro Centre Tab......
Suggestion: what about a "boilerplate" news release and other such tools in a "congratulations" packet, to go along with things like the PPT you have made available on selling AdWrods?I hate boilerplate PR, by the way. But I've been meaning to have something written up by the time I received my logo. A news release "in the can" may spur folks like me along to tweak the boilerplate to personalize it, then get it out to local media, post on my site, etc. That helps me, and gets the word out about the program from all GAPs. A win-win as we all educate the market about AdWords and AdWords Pros.
I like chrisk999's suggestion - the GAP logo should be able to link to a Google page with a listing of the GAPs (maybe by country) - to verify that the logo wasn't just ripped off another GAPs website.
I'll pass this feedback on later in the day - thanks!
Woot! passed...lookin' forward to my logo!
Congrats, stuntdubl!
Any change the logo will be available in other languages any time soon?AWA, do you have any idea about the number of Pro's and the spreading around the globe? Any idea when the program will officially be announced in other countries?
I'm not certain of the answers to these questions, but I'll find out what I can, and post again later. I know that I'm a little behind in getting answers to a few other questions in this thread as well. ;)
AWA
He couldn't find his hat or shirt either AWR :)
Please know, however, that your many comments and thoughts regarding promotions, press releases, additional 'Pro' materials, international plans, logo translations, logo verifications, etc., have been (personally) passed on to the folks in a position to make a difference - and they've been heard.
I think you'll find some interesting developments in the pipeline, moving forward, very much related to what you've requested in this thread. We do want to make this program great, after all.
And, lastly, regarding what may well be the most pressing (pun?) concern of all, namely hats n' shirts n' stuff: well, I can only say that I think the first bunch o' newly minted Google Advertising Professionals will be pleased, if they'll be patient for a short bit. ;)
AWA
I'm thinking a nice gift would be the ability to offer new clients $50 off to try AdWords... ;)
The official page:
[adwords.google.com...]
The FAQ page:
[adwords.google.com...]
The learning center:
[google.com...]
Thanks for taking our comments and feedback to the 'Plex.
Best regards
Chris
eWhisper I vote for this (or similar) idea :-)
* Coupons to anyone who tried Adwords but quit (presumably because it didn't work for them). The coupon would only be redeemable if the former advertiser hires a QGAP to run their campaign.
* A small discount for using a QGAP, on the grounds that such accounts have lower customer service costs, since they're being managed by professionals.
* Invite the QGAPs to the Adwords affiliate program.
The ability to offer new clients $50 off to try AdWords.
I think ewhisper's idea *would* be a good one...if the coupons were for twice as much:)
Also have a question...I was the primary manager of an old MCC account (actually beta tested with this one)...and took the exam under another new account (2 months old maybe?)
How would it work if someone is the primary manager for multiple control centers?
How would it work if someone is the primary manager for multiple control centers?
I'd love to hear an 'official' answer on this one. I've received very conflicting info on how this will be implemented.
...I was the primary manager of an old MCC account (actually beta tested with this one)...and took the exam under another new account (2 months old maybe?)How would it work if someone is the primary manager for multiple control centers?
I'd love to hear an 'official' answer on this one. I've received very conflicting info on how this will be implemented.
Hey, I can take a hint. ;)
Unfortunately, I am not 100% clear as to what the question really is. So let me provide some information that I think will answer the question, and then ask for a really specific restatement, if I've missed the point.
So - while I don't use an MCC account myself, as I understand it either you or your Rep (if you have one) can link another client manager account to your client manager account.
The following links from the FAQ should cover it:
How do I link to other client manager accounts?
[adwords.google.com...]
How do I manage other client manager accounts?
[adwords.google.com...]
By the way, here are other related FAQs:
MCC FAQs:
[adwords.google.com...]
And finally, here is an interesting quote pulled from an AdWords support email on the subject:
A client manager account is similar to a tree's architecture in that each client manager account can support other branches of individual accounts and client manager accounts. In turn, branches made up of client manager accounts can also produce other branches of individual and client manager accounts, and so on and so forth. To help you navigate through this structure, a breadcrumb located at the top of each account page records how many account levels deep you are.
I hope that at least chips away at the question - and if not, I anticipate hearing from one or both of you, stuntdubl & eWhisper! ;)
By the way, thanks to everyone for the continued feedback in this thread, all of which I am passing on to the right folks.
AWA
Here are a couple scenarios:
1. Someone passes the test and has the logo associated with one MCC. They leave that company(and hence, that MCC) behind.
Does the person have to retake the test or do they tell Google to transfer the logo to another MCC?
2. Someone owns two different MCCs which for various reasons are not linked.
Can they tell Google that they own both - or do they have to take the test twice to get any additional features enabled on both MCCs?
Basically - is passing the test associated with the MCC or the individual who took the test?
Here are a couple scenarios...
eWhisper, I've always been able to count on you for the interesting 'depthy' questions. ;)
(True story: sometimes when I consult on a really interesting detail, my colleague will say someting like: "I'll bet this is for eWhisper, right?" So thanks for making my work even more intriguing.)
Anyway - I'll need to check with a couple members of 'AWA's Panel of Experts' on these scenarios, and I'll get back to you ASAP - most likely be towards the end of the day tomorrow. ;)
Basically - is passing the test associated with the MCC or the individual who took the test?
The answer to this one is 'the individual', btw. I just want to get more details on the nuts and bolts in your scenarios.
AWA
The answer to this one is 'the individual', btw. I just want to get more details on the nuts and bolts in your scenarios.
Well. I'm usually pretty good about not posting when I'm less than 99.8% sure of the answer. Not so this time, however. Yep, the answer in my post above is incorrect.
So thanks again, eWhisper, for asking your 'depthy' questions - as they've once again resulted in my learning something. And I do apologize for the misinformation.
Back to your questions:
1. Someone passes the test and has the logo associated with one MCC. They leave that company(and hence, that MCC) behind.Does the person have to retake the test or do they tell Google to transfer the logo to another MCC?
OK - as mentioned above, my thoughts were off the mark - and the logo is associated with the MCC account, and not the individual.
This means that the person would need to re-take the test at the new company.
2. Someone owns two different MCCs which for various reasons are not linked.Can they tell Google that they own both - or do they have to take the test twice to get any additional features enabled on both MCCs?
As you'll have inferred from the answer to question #1, the answer here is that you'll have to take the test twice to have both accounts 'Qualified'.
Hope this clears it up. And please feel free to leave your feedback, which I'll pass on to the right folks.
AWA
Tell your contact that I'll owe him a beer at the next conference - if he shows up..
The above answer is exactly what I was looking for - thank you.
The answer to this one is 'the individual', btw. I just want to get more details on the nuts and bolts in your scenarios.
That was a good answer AWA because it SHOULD be the right answer. If I am a contractor and do work for two different companies, it is silly to have to do the test twice. It is especially goofy since the TOS REQUIRE that we mention only the INDIVIDUAL that is certified if the logo is displayed on our site. At the very least, perhaps there should be a waiver fee or vouchers issued for individuals who have passed the test and have to retake multiple times for other MCC accounts.
I guess I am just a little miffed because I am the "exception" falling between the cracks this time, and I just want my pretty logo to dazzle new customers. Help!
My scenario-->
**Note: The first 2 easily meet spending requirements, and the last should in a fairly short time.
Ack! After having to go the dmv/ss office/ and county clerks today as well I'm choking on red tape! :)
(Combined, that is more than any person should be expected to weather in a 24 hour period.)
I'll be passing on the link to this entire thread later this evening, and will also quote you verbatim in the Advertiser Feedback Report I send out. So, you will be heard.
Thanks for your detailed and well-considered comments - and for your patience under red-tape related stress as well. ;)
AWA
The MCC still seems to be certified and the individual is not?
How does this make sense?
Laura works at Agency A on MCC #004 and gets certified. She leaves Agency A and goes to Agency B. What now?
She logs into MCC #004, deletes the previous accounts, changes the email login and password, and populates it with the new accounts. Thus she continues to meet the requirements ($1,000, etc.) Agency A can set up a new MCC, add their clients, and continue their life.
Agency A may claim that they "own" MCC#004, but what they own is the clients, not the MCC. Laura can simply change the login/PW (MCC ¦ My Account ¦ Login Information Edit).
Or she can set up a new MCC at the new agency, populate it with new clients, and ask Google to transfer her certification from the previous MCC to the new MCC.
If Google won't (or technically can't) transfer the certification, then Laura should take a new exam to certify the new MCC. Agency A's certification should be (and must be) removed. However, Google has a 90-day waiting period, and it seems wrong that she should spend 90 days without certification.
As people get certified, they will begin to move around, either from agency to agency, or they leave an agency and start their own services, or they leave the profession altogether and do something else. Who owns the MCC? How does one transfer the certification? The GAW CAP rules don't discuss these situations. GAW should consider this and create rules before the lawsuits happen.
I would guess that on Tuesday morning, agencies will issue rules that the MCC is owned the by agency. It's not, but whatever. The certified workers can change login/PW in six seconds.
[edited by: eWhisper at 7:00 pm (utc) on Mar. 27, 2005]
[edit reason] Fixed Link [/edit]
If the MCC was created on company time, and the worker was being paid while they opened the MCC, and the agency paid for the certification, etc, etc - it can be argued that the GAP can't take the MCC with them.
However, it can be argued that the agency doesn't maintain the rights to advertise that they have a GAP if the only GAP leaves the agency.
Disclaimer: My opinion only - not a lawyer
It's odd that Google built the certification somewhat casually. The logos should be click/verifiable. It's very enticing for people to just paste a logo on their site (the SEO field is filled with far too many shady operators).
Other corps have solid experience with well-established certification procedures. It might be useful for GAW to look at some of those certification programs and avoid problems from arising.
It's very enticing for people to just paste a logo on their site (the SEO field is filled with far too many shady operators)
Yep, I've already heard someone say he'd put the logo on his site, looks good for his customers. Don't know if he actually did it.
Received my "AdWords Qualified Professional" hat, and a pen and notebook today.
Very cool, and nice touch, Google!
