It looks like Google are starting a referral program for AdWords. Check it out at the Join the Google Referral Program page:
‘The Google AdWords referral program (beta) is for web sites whose customers and visitors include small to medium-sized businesses, and who want to help those companies become more successful by running Google AdWords. The program works by giving approved sites unique links to Google, then compensating the referring site for passing on a new AdWords advertiser.
Joining is easy, and free
1. Apply.
2. Once you’re approved, place a Google AdWords referral program link on your site.
3. Earn $20 for each advertiser you refer.’
You can learn more about it here and apply here. It’s by invitation only at the moment but you can apply and be notified when they expand the program.
What’s it all mean? It seems Adsense are on a recruiting drive for new Advertisers and they’re willing to pay for them – the competition must be heating up.
Thanks to Mark for the notification of this.
Update – looks like Google are getting ready to roll all this out soon – as they’ve updated their policy page to accomodate it as Jen has just posted.
