How to Gain Access to a Pre-existing PPC Campaign

There may be times when one inherits a client from a search engine marketing firm but, despite many best efforts, the firm will not provide access to the client’s existing PPC account.

According to Google’s terms and conditions, however, if you can answer a series of security questions about the AdWords account, Google will grant you administrative access. If your client’s credit card is responsible for the click charges, you likely will be granted access. Whoever pays for the clicks, technically owns the account.

An AdWords representative outlined the actual security questions they ask in order to give you administrative access. Below are the questions, grouped by topic:

1. Payment Information

If the account is billed via credit card or direct debit, Google needs the exact amount of the last charge and the date on which the payment was made.

If the account is billed via invoicing, Google needs the exact amount and date of the last invoice.

If the account is billed via bank transfer, Google needs the reference number and amount of the last transfer.

2. Payment Instrument Details

If the account is billed via credit card, Google needs the name of the card issuer, the name as it appears on the card, and the expiration date. Google does not need the credit card number.

If the account is billed via direct debit, Google needs the bank name and bank code. Google does not need the account number.

3. Google needs the billing address listed in the AdWords account.

4. Google needs the display URL of one or more of the campaigns.

5. Google needs sample keywords for one or more of the campaigns.

These security questions shouldn’t be difficult to answer, especially if your client is involved in any way with the PPC account. Answering these questions successfully should gain you admin access to the account.