• November 18, 2008

Google confirmed Monday that it will setup a certification program in South Africa for five key agencies. The free certification program, which launches in 2009, aims to prevent fraud.

Some agencies in the country have been accused of tacking on an additional 17% to 37% for Google AdWords campaigns, hiding the real value of the programs from clients.

The program will offer the South African agencies support, such as AdWords training, similar to that offered to U.S. firms. It also will train marketers and agencies in search engine optimization (SEO) and keyword advertising.--Laurie Sullivan