WordStream

A leading SMB-focused PPC management platform, widely recognized for simplifying paid search optimization and operating under Gannett's LocaliQ digital marketing brand.

WordStream is a Boston-based digital advertising software company that provides tools for managing and optimizing pay-per-click (PPC) advertising campaigns across Google Ads, Microsoft Advertising, and Facebook Ads. Founded in 2007 by Larry Kim, the platform was originally built around keyword research and management before evolving into a comprehensive PPC management suite. WordStream's flagship product, the WordStream Advisor, uses data-driven recommendations and automation to help small and medium-sized businesses improve their advertising performance without requiring deep technical expertise. The company gained significant traction in the SMB and agency markets by simplifying the complexity of paid search management. Its '20-Minute Work Week' concept — the idea that advertisers could meaningfully improve their campaigns in just 20 minutes per week using WordStream's guided workflow — became a defining part of its brand identity. The platform also offered a widely-used free tool, the Google Ads Performance Grader, which became a popular lead generation asset and helped establish WordStream as a thought leader in PPC advertising. In 2018, WordStream was acquired by Gannett Co., Inc. (now Tegna's former digital marketing arm) for approximately $130 million, and subsequently became part of LocaliQ, Gannett's digital marketing solutions brand. Under LocaliQ, WordStream continues to operate as a distinct product and brand, serving hundreds of thousands of businesses and agencies with PPC management tools, educational content, and advertising optimization software. The platform remains one of the most recognized names in SMB-focused paid search management.