

For a digital marketing company, it is important to be able to obtain the title as a Google partner, also known as Google Partner. Officially, Google itself will provide a certificate to companies or agencies that are deemed eligible to be designated as Google Partners. The benefits of the Google Partner program include exclusive guidance materials and advertising certification by Google.
For a clearer understanding of what Google Partner is, its benefits, how to obtain it, and some other important points, read the following review.
Google Partner is a special marketing program provided by Google to businesses, digital marketing agencies, or third parties who run or manage their clients' Google Ads. Google Partner status is only given to businesses that meet certain criteria according to Google's requirements.
It is important to note that Google Partner status is not related to Gmail, Search Engine Optimization or SEO, Google Adsense, Google Analytics, etc., except for Google Ads. Google also does not provide commissions or advertising incentives to Google partners.
There are several Google ad networks that can be utilized to display ads, namely:
1. Google Search
Google Search is Google's most widely used search engine service in the online world. Every day, hundreds of millions of queries come in from internet users looking to find out about everything. Google Search is one of Google Adword or Google Ads ad networks, where ads will be displayed on Google search engine based on keywords and text.
2. Display Network
Display Network is a Google ad network that utilizes sites within the Google Display Network or GDN. Sites included in the GDN are sites that display Google Adsense on their sites. Ads on GDN usually come in video, text, flash, or image formats.
A simple example is when you open a website, and an ad banner appears on the website page. This is what is called the display network ad network.
3. Youtube
One of the popular Google ad networks is Youtube. Through videos played on Youtube, you can place ads in the form of text, images, videos, or flash. Usually, ads on Youtube will be displayed in the middle of the video. Some types of ads that appear on Youtube include TrueView Ads, Non-skippable Ads, Bumper Ads, and Non-Video Ads.
Becoming a Google Partner can provide various benefits, especially for business owners or digital marketing agencies. Here are some benefits you will enjoy if you successfully obtain Google Partner status:
1. Latest Information Updates on Google Ads
Until now, Google has almost always changed their ad algorithms. This means that you also need to follow these changes so that the ads you manage can be maximized. If you have joined as a Google partner, you will automatically receive updates on changes in Google Ads.
You will also be given the opportunity to attend training and certification exams from Google. This way, you can offer better value to your clients with updated information and new advertising strategies.
2. Business Credibility
You understand that in the business world, certification is very important in building client trust. When you successfully obtain Google Partner status, it means you have also proven your experience, company performance, and expertise in managing your clients. Automatically, this will improve the assessment of your company in the eyes of clients.
3. Better Connection with Google
When you officially become part of Google Partner, you are directly connected with Google. What are the benefits? Of course, it provides ease of communication when you encounter issues or problems related to the ads you manage. This cannot be easily obtained by other companies that are not registered as Google partners. They generally have difficulty contacting Google, especially when they face certain challenges.
Currently, Google has three types of memberships for Google Partners, namely:
• Badge Member
• Google Partner Badge
• Google Premier Partner Badge.
To obtain Badge Member status, you only need to register your company or business using the Google Ads manager account owned by the company. There are no specific requirements to be met, whether it's company performance, certifications, or spending.
Meanwhile, to obtain Google Partner Badge and Google Premier Partner Badge status, a company must meet several requirements or criteria. The criteria for obtaining Google Partner Badge and Google Premier Partner Badge also have slight differences, namely:
1. Company Profile
Both Google Partner Badge and Google Premier Partner Badge require you to create and complete the company profile, including having an official website and an AdWords admin account.
2. Certification
To become a Google Partner with Google Partner Badge status, your company must have at least one person with an Adword certificate and include information about the Academy for Ads account.
For a company to become a Google Partner with Google Premier Partner Badge status, your company must have at least two people with Adword certificates and include information about the Academy for Ads account.
3. Spending
To qualify for Google Partner Badge or Google Premier Partner Badge status, you must show that the company is active with spending indicators of more than US$10,000 on all managed accounts.
To become part of Google Partner, there are several steps you need to follow, including:
1. Register to Become a Google Partner
The first step you must take is to register your company or business to become a Google Partner. Before registering, make sure you already have a Google Manager account. Then you can register as a Google Partner and will be reviewed by Google.
2. Take Certification Exams
To qualify as a Google Partner, you must take at least 2 certification exams out of the 6 available exams. These six exams include Google Ads Video, Google Ads Fundamental, Google Ads Shopping, Google Ads Search, Google Ads Mobile, and Google Ads Display Network.
These exams must be taken at least once a year and can be taken at the Academy for Ads.
3. Meet Advertising Spending Requirements
The next step is to meet the advertising spending requirements for 90 days. Within 90 days, your company must meet a spending budget of US$10,000. This is to determine whether your company is active or not.
4. Ensure Good Company Performance
To qualify as a Google Partner, you must also ensure that your company's performance meets the requirements according to Google's standards. Google will usually evaluate your company's performance based on the following 4 criteria:
• Clients have subscribed to your services for the past 12 months.
• Clients have increased their advertising budget.
• The number of clients is increasing and growing.
• Overall company revenue.
For more information on how to join as a Google partner, read here
Choosing a business partner who has Google Partner status is a must. But besides that, there are also other tips when choosing a partner to run and manage your ads, including:
1. Check Google Partner Status
Before choosing Google Partner as a business partner, it is better to first check the status of the Adword service provider. It is better to choose a partner who already has Google Premier Partner Badge status, or at least Google Partner Badge. Why? Because each stage of status given by Google to its partners also reflects the competence of the Google Partner itself. The higher the status, the more competent they are. Moreover, Google also provides privileges to Google Partners who have achieved Google Premier Partner Badge status. Additionally, each Google partner usually has a public profile and certifications from Google.
2. Ensure the Scope of Google Partner Services
If you position yourself as a client, make sure you choose a business partner who can provide comprehensive services. Certified Adword service providers should be able to provide complete advertising services including ad planning, keyword selection, competitor analysis, ad creation, ad monitoring and optimization, and report creation.
3. Transparency in Management
The selected Adword service provider should also provide transparent reports on ad management. These reports should at least include total ad views, ad CTR, the number of clicks obtained, and the average position of an ad. Adword service providers should also provide regular reports, followed by analysis and suggestions for clients to improve their business performance.
You may wonder, what is the difference between Google Partner and Google Premier Partner. Aren't they both Google Partners?
Google Partner
Basically, a company can receive Google Partner status because they have met and exceeded various requirements set by Google. They also consistently demonstrate success in achieving requirements, from Usage, Certifications, and Performance.
Google Premier Partner
As for Google Premier Partner, they are not only required to meet and exceed Google's requirements. They must also maintain all the latest certifications within their team. The standards to meet the requirements are higher and more difficult to achieve. That is why Google Premier Partner has more advantages compared to other partner statuses.
As you know, business competition is more prevalent in the digital world, one of which is through Google Ads. To make your business successful and known to the wider public, you should also utilize Google Ads services. In addition to enhancing branding, using ads through Google Ads can also be used to expand market reach, which is expected to expand your business network.
So, why use a Google Partner? Because they are the ones who understand the ins and outs of Google ads. You may be good at business, but you may not necessarily understand how to create and analyze a digital ad. That's why you need to work with a Google Partner as your business partner. In addition to being more professional in management, this will also be a step towards efficient ad budgeting. Google Partner will place your ads with a measured budget according to your needs.
WEBARQ is one of the digital marketing agencies in Indonesia that has become a Google Partner with Google Premier Partner status. WEBARQ meets several criteria set by Google and has obtained certifications from Google. See their certifications here.
