AdWords

AdWords is a pay-per-click (PPC), or cost-per-click (CPC), ad service. Google launched AdWords in 2000 as an advertising service giving small business owners the opportunity to have their ads shown on Google SERPs (Search Engine Result Pages) and the Google ad network. By bidding on search terms and optimizing landing pages for those keywords, advertisers attempt to achieve higher positions for their ads. The AdWords control panel allows advertisers to create and manage their campaigns. The Google Advertising Professionals program rewards advertisers who apply and pass an exam by certifying them as qualified AdWords individuals or companies.

Google AdWords ads are typically displayed along the right side and at the top of search result pages at Google and its partner network. According to Google, 86% of Internet users are reached through the network, which includes sites like AOL, Ask.com, Shopping.com and more.