WordStream
Acquired by LocaliQ (formerly Gannett)Simplifies paid search and social advertising management for SMBs and agencies through automated optimization, workflow efficiency, and actionable recommendations that improve campaign performance without requiring expert-level knowledge.
Last updated Feb 13, 2026 by AI Enrichment
- Industry
- PPC Management & Optimization
- Business Model
- SaaS
- Target Market
- SMB
- Employee Count
- 51-200
- Funding
- $65.1M
- Parent Company
- LocaliQ (formerly Gannett)
- API Available
- Limited
Market Position
Leading SMB-focused PPC management platform with strong educational content and free tools driving user acquisition
Overview
WordStream is a leading provider of online advertising software and services designed to help small and medium-sized businesses manage and optimize their paid search and social advertising campaigns. Founded in 2007, the company developed a cloud-based platform that simplifies PPC (pay-per-click) management across Google Ads, Microsoft Advertising, and Facebook Ads. WordStream's software combines automation, workflow tools, and performance grading to help businesses and agencies improve their advertising ROI without requiring deep technical expertise. In 2018, WordStream was acquired by Gannett (now known as LocaliQ) for approximately $150 million, becoming part of a larger digital marketing services portfolio. The platform is particularly known for its 20-Minute Work Week methodology, which helps users manage their PPC accounts efficiently, and its free tools like the Google Ads Performance Grader, which has been used by millions of advertisers. WordStream serves both direct SMB customers and a network of marketing agencies, positioning itself as a bridge between enterprise-level advertising technology and accessible tools for smaller advertisers.
Products & Features
WordStream Advisor
Core PPC management platform for optimizing Google Ads, Microsoft Advertising, and Facebook Ads campaigns with automated recommendations and workflow tools
Google Ads Performance Grader
Free audit tool that analyzes Google Ads accounts and provides actionable recommendations for improvement
Facebook Ads Grader
Free diagnostic tool for evaluating Facebook advertising account performance
WordStream Advisor for Agencies
Multi-client management platform designed for agencies managing multiple advertiser accounts
Key Features
20-Minute Work Week workflow methodologyAutomated bid management and optimizationCross-platform campaign management (Google, Microsoft, Facebook)Performance grading and benchmarkingKeyword research and negative keyword suggestionsAd text optimization recommendationsQuality Score improvement toolsCustomizable alerts and notificationsMulti-client management for agenciesMobile app for campaign monitoring
Use Cases
Small business PPC campaign management and optimizationAgency multi-client PPC managementGoogle Ads account auditing and performance improvementFacebook advertising optimization for local businessesCross-channel paid advertising coordinationPPC budget optimization for cost-conscious advertisers
Customer Segments
Small businessesMedium-sized businessesDigital marketing agenciesLocal service providersE-commerce businessesFranchises