MatchCraft (www.matchcraft.com), a leading provider of local search engine marketing (SEM) and automated bidding technologies, announced today that it has been approved for Google Preferred AdWords API pricing. This approval will result in reduction and, in many cases, elimination of API fees for MatchCraft’s clients, based on the level of SEM spend being managed. 

The Google Preferred AdWords API Pricing Program is a new initiative that reduces or removes fees associated with third-party API interactions with AdWords and Google Display Network services. To qualify for preferred API pricing, a platform provider like MatchCraft must be a Google AdWords Certified Partner, and its tools and reporting capabilities must meet Google’s standards.

“We’re proud to be among the first SEM technology companies to qualify for this program,” said Uzi Eliahou, CEO of MatchCraft. “Our selection is the result of our engineering team’s commitment to innovate, develop and implement the latest in local SEM solutions.”

In the highly competitive SEM industry, MatchCraft has distinguished itself with its superior technology, a focus on solutions for local search and small and medium-sized business (SMB) advertisers, and a commitment to maximizing each client’s SEM investment.

“Our qualification for this program is another product milestone that will maximize our clients’ ROI through increased efficiencies,” said Alex Dionysian, MatchCraft’s VP of Engineering. “We expect to continue this momentum with a range of initiatives, including ongoing improvement of our automated bidding technology and advertising management platform.”

MatchCraft works with local media companies in the U.S. and around the world, including two of the top 10 Yellow Page publishers in Europe. The company is currently provisioning SEM solutions in 10 countries and in 12 different languages, with plans to launch in several other countries over the course of this year.

Attendees of next week’s EADP Congress, Sept. 15-17 in Venice, are invited to stop by booth #13 to learn more about MatchCraft’s local SEM solutions for directory publishers.