Building Your Business with Google for Dummies (For Dummies (Computers))

You might not need this book. To find out, go to Google's website, and create an account. Look at the FAQs, testimonials and the help areas. Much of what's in Hill's book is logical, but is organized in as sensibly as any I have seen. I need this book for that reason. It saved me time from having to learn this information to slow trial-and-error way.

You'll learn a few important things about Google, and how to help them help you attract traffic, sell products, or create interest in your website.

AdWords
I have an online e-commerce site, and need to know Google. As a smaller business, I can't compete with the major companies in being listed in categories I feel are important. That's where Google AdWords comes in. It allows me, for a fee per click, to compete.

Hill's explanation of strategies and process is solid. There are ways to lose money, and he helps show how to test keywords, use ad groups, edit ads, and how to bid intelligently. He also looks at the premium service that allows big businesses to use oogle with less worry about click-through rates.

AdSense
AdSense, the tool that places Google ads on websites based on the page's content. While I only make a few cents when a vistor clicks through an ad, it helps me provide a service to my customers who do not feel my site met their needs.

Hill explains how AdSense makes money, and warns against cheating.

Increasing Your Page Rank
No one knows Google's formula for ranking pages. The most important factor is having useful information, being linked on other like-minded sites, not abusing the process.

Hill tells you what page rank means, and how to avoid mistakes many webmasters make. This includes tips on design, domain choice, keyword use.

Using Froogle and Google Catalogs
These are two features I have never used. Hill gives a good overview of this Google tool, which provides exposure to those websites selling products in a catalog-style, or through AOL and Yahoo shops.

I fully recommend "Building Your Business with Google For Dummies" by Brad Hill.

Anthony Trendl


This book could seriously improve your wealth!   February 1, 2005
NICOLA GRIMSHAW
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

I got this book out of the library and will have to resort to buying my own it is so good (and I still haven't finished reading it yet). I can't quite decide between the book or the e-book (decisions, decisions). Essential reading for anyone thinking of or running on online business. Loads of handy hints and tips. You will not be dissapointed. If you have a good website and a decent product, read, learn and prepare to expand your business.


A HANDY BOOK   March 9, 2007
Atha Fokias (Leuven)
I found this an excellent book for beginners but as a mesage to professionals is that the obvious simple stuff is never out of fashion; it changes with time but so does business. Business models change and it adds to the mesage to keep content current.
Hill knows his trade and it was blessing to read something in a readable fashion.
Published in 2006 its uptodate and a worthy inclusion on your bookshelf.