Back in 2012, Lisa Raehsler wrote an article on 6 Super Time-Saving Tips to AdWords PPC Management, in which she presented some of the new time-saving features of AdWords. In the last 6 years, there have been many changes to the AdWords dashboard and a revolution in the other tools and software you can use to save time when managing your account(s). You can now use a combination of the following techniques/features:
This article will just focus on how to save time by using the features and functionality of the AdWords dashboard, though some of these features may also be available at the MCC level. Time-saving functionality within the AdWords dashboardThe updated AdWords dashboard was rolled out through the later months of 2017. During this process, many features were gradually moved across from the old dashboard. Currently, it is still possible to switch between the old and new interface; however, the old dashboard is expected to be retired by the end of 2018. The new dashboard (shown above) has received a mixed response from long-time users. However, it does have the advantage of some new functionality, which was added in the first half of 2018, such as:
The time-saving functionality can be divided into three areas:
Displaying and analyzing dataUsing the new Overview sheet for insightsThe new Overview tab replaces the old Home tab. It has a number of summary cards, each with a link allowing you to click through to more information. The cards are based on information that Google thinks will be useful, rather than saved filters from your account, which were used to create the old Home tab. The cards are also more graphical than the tabular data of the old Home tab. Here are examples of cards from the new Overview tab, with data taken from a number of different accounts.
Comparison of the old and new dashboard (for the keyword tab)In the two screenshots below, we have compared the features and marked the same features in each version of the dashboard (using color-coding). The old dashboard uses a lot of text links, while the new dashboard relies on more graphical icons or symbols. From this comparison, you can see that some of the functionality does not seem to appear in the new screen (e.g. the Edit button). However, once you select (or tick) keyphrases, then additional options appear in the form of a blue action bar: Methods to display data to aid analysisUse of filters is similar functionality to the old dashboard and can be found using the funnel symbol. There are now over 100 metrics to filter. Use of segments and dimensions combines the segment and dimensions tab functionality in one place and can be found using the bar chart symbol.
The Dimension tab appears to have disappeared from the dashboard, but it is hidden within the reports icon at the top right of the dashboard – as a ‘Predefined report’. Use of standard and customized column has similar functionality to the old dashboard and can be found using the 3 vertical columns symbol. Although there are over 100 metrics to choose from, not all have been copied over from the old dashboard. More features within the main display panelThe remaining symbols are as follows:
More features (three-dot symbol)On the campaign and ad group tabs
On the keyword tab
Notes (for whole account, campaigns and ad groups) This is a new functionality only available in the new dashboard. Once you open the notes panel you can see any existing notes or create a new one.
Keyword diagnosis The first part of a test is to define the test conditions (language, location and device), which is the same as the old dashboard. The second part is new and allows you to define the format of the file for your results. This is also different in that the results can be saved and are not live in the dashboard. In the old dashboard you could filter the results as shown below: The downloaded report can be found in the reports tab (using the small graph symbol in the top right corner). Below is an example of a downloaded Diagnosis report with examples of different keyword status. Creating and making changesEditingThe Editing function on each of the main tabs has changed quite a lot. The biggest difference is the need to select a row before the edit function will show (as a new blue bar) and the removal of bulk editing functionality. If you want to copy and paste individual elements (like a keyword or ad), you will need to select the individual row and the new blue edit bar will appear allowing you to edit. You can click paste from here and then go to the campaign or ad group where you wish to paste the items. There is a paste option in the more menu (with three dots). Comparison of the editing functionality between the old and new interface
Bulk editingThe bulk editing facility is no longer within the Edit functionality on the main pages (see old versus new screen shots above). There is now a separate section in the main heading called Bulk actions (see the next section). In addition to the bulk action area in the main header, it is also possible to upload a sheet for editing by pressing the symbol with three dots, when on the other tabs (i.e. the campaign, ad group, keyword and ads tabs). Bulk actions (replaces Bulk operations)The previous interface had a Bulk operation section, which was found in the left-hand sidebar beneath the shared library. This had four operations (see below). ‘Bulk actions’ is the name for this functionality within the new interface. It currently has three operations; Rules, Scripts and Uploads. There have been a couple of changes in the new version:
RulesThe Rules screen will show a log of all the Rules that are currently active, who created the rule, the frequency that they run and any scheduled emails. It is also possible to create new rules from this screen. There are currently 12 Rules categories and each typically has four to six types of rules (such as pause, enable, send email, change bids). You can see some examples in the table below.
ScriptsScripts can be used to automate a range of tasks. By clicking on the Scripts feature, you can see any scripts that you are currently running, or you can create a new one. Scripts require a working knowledge of JavaScript and should not be added to automate your account without some prior research or training. However, you will not necessarily need to create a script from scratch, as you can find free scripts at sites like Free AdWord Scripts, or reviews of scripts. In addition, many PPC management tools (such as Optymzr.com) provide a range of free scripts as part of their monthly package. UploadsUploads can be accessed from the individual tabs by selecting the three dots or from the Bulk Action menu in the top. The old and new screens are shown below:
Drafts, experiments and new ad variantsThe drafts and experiments functionality are like the old feature, which was previously in the left-hand menu bar above the shared library. Drafts can be used to create test versions of campaigns before putting them live. Experiments can be used to test changes on a proportion of the traffic, for example a new ad or bidding option.
In addition to these legacy features, there is a new functionality called Ad variations, which is only available in the new interface. This is designed to test new elements of ad and apply across your whole account or selected campaigns. This makes ad testing much easier.
The Recommendations Tab: using Google to identify Opportunities and changesThe Recommendations tab replaces the old opportunities feature, but there have been additional cards that have been added. There are around 20 recommendations at the account level and even more at the MCC level. These are divided into different categories: Account level
MCC level
Examples of Recommendations
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AuthorPleasure to introduce my self i am Sean Webb i am 27 years old from Manchester, UK.I am doing affiliate marketing and have spend lots of time learning how to rank easy to medium competition keywords. I have recently started PPL and Video Marketing and learning more about it. ArchivesNo Archives Categories |