Update – Our friends at Google tell us that the Authorized Google Reseller Program will change but not go away.
According to a recent post on Screenwerk, Google is considering dropping the Google AdWords Reseller Program. We have a stake in the game as JGSullivan is one of the 30 or so authorized resellers according to this list on the Google site.
Hopefully, Google will fix the problem they see with the program and continue on. Here’s a Google quote also posted by Screenwerk,
Using Google Local Search for SMBs is of tremendous value to these small businesses. The problem is that Google’s benefit is difficult for a small retailer to understand and there is no one around to help him/her execute, monitor and improve the buy. The reason is because the cost is so low no one wants to bother to help them on a commission basis. However, a local newspaper rep, a couple of radio reps, the TV salesperson and outdoor salesmen are in routine contact with the small retailers selling their mediums. No one walks in and says, “Hi, I’m from the Internet let me tell you about our ROI.”
The Google AdWords Reseller Program helps solve that problem by authorizing companies like ours to reach lots of smaller retailers and sell them on the benefits and Google makes it worth our efforts by providing us the best expertise, training and resources, so it’s easier for us to setup and monitor lots of accounts.
If the problem is “transparency” as resellers charge varying fees for monitoring and value-added services and SMBs aren’t always sure how much of their budget is going to the actual media buy, then let’s solve that problem. We’re already completely transparent and judging by the great companies listed here, they would all be willing to do the same.