How do we ensure our team is trained on the latest features and updates in Bing Ads?

Ensuring that your team stays updated and trained on the latest features and updates in Bing Ads is crucial for maintaining effective and competitive advertising campaigns. Here's a structured approach to keep your team informed and proficient with Bing Ads:

### **1. Establish a Training Program**

**a. Regular Training Sessions**:
   - **Scheduled Workshops**: Organize regular training workshops or webinars focusing on Bing Ads updates and new features.
   - **Vendor-Specific Training**: Arrange for training sessions provided by Microsoft or Bing Ads experts.

**b. Certification Courses**:
   - **Microsoft Advertising Certifications**: Encourage team members to pursue Microsoft Advertising certifications, such as the Microsoft Advertising Certified Professional.
   - **Online Courses**: Utilize online platforms that offer courses and tutorials on Bing Ads.

**c. Onboarding for New Features**:
   - **Feature Rollouts**: Implement training sessions whenever new features or updates are rolled out to Bing Ads.

### **2. Utilize Official Resources**

**a. Microsoft Advertising Blog**:
   - **Subscribe**: Subscribe to the Microsoft Advertising blog for updates on new features, best practices, and industry trends.
   - **Regular Reading**: Encourage team members to read and discuss blog posts to stay informed.

**b. Help Center and Documentation**:
   - **Official Guides**: Use Bing Ads' official help center and documentation for detailed explanations of new features and updates.
   - **Knowledge Base**: Regularly review the knowledge base to keep up with the latest changes.

**c. Webinars and Events**:
   - **Microsoft Events**: Participate in Microsoft's webinars, events, and conferences that focus on Bing Ads and digital marketing trends.
   - **Industry Conferences**: Attend industry conferences where Bing Ads updates are discussed.

### **3. Implement Continuous Learning**

**a. Regular Updates**:
   - **Internal Newsletters**: Create internal newsletters summarizing recent Bing Ads updates and features for your team.
   - **Team Meetings**: Dedicate part of your regular team meetings to discuss recent changes and their implications.

**b. Encourage Self-Learning**:
   - **Learning Platforms**: Provide access to learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or Udemy, which offer courses on digital advertising and Bing Ads.
   - **Knowledge Sharing**: Foster a culture of knowledge sharing where team members who attend external training can present their learnings.

**c. Practice and Experimentation**:
   - **Test New Features**: Create a sandbox environment or test campaigns where team members can experiment with new features without affecting live campaigns.
   - **Feedback Loop**: Implement a feedback loop where team members can share their experiences and learnings from using new features.

### **4. Collaborate with Experts**

**a. Agency Partnerships**:
   - **External Training**: Work with advertising agencies or consultants that specialize in Bing Ads to provide specialized training and updates.
   - **Workshops**: Arrange for expert-led workshops or seminars.

**b. Networking**:
   - **Industry Groups**: Join industry groups, forums, or LinkedIn groups focused on Bing Ads and digital marketing.
   - **Peer Learning**: Network with other professionals to exchange insights and strategies.

### **5. Monitor and Assess Competency**

**a. Skills Assessment**:
   - **Regular Testing**: Conduct regular skills assessments to evaluate the team's understanding of Bing Ads features and updates.
   - **Certification Renewal**: Track certification status and encourage renewal or additional certifications.

**b. Performance Review**:
   - **Campaign Analysis**: Analyze campaign performance to ensure the team is effectively utilizing Bing Ads features.
   - **Feedback**: Gather feedback from team members on their training needs and areas where they require additional support.

**c. Update Integration**:
   - **Implementation Check**: Ensure that new features and updates are integrated into campaigns effectively and are reflected in the team's strategies.

### **6. Leverage Microsoft Resources**

**a. Microsoft Advertising Community**:
   - **Forums**: Engage with the Microsoft Advertising community forums to discuss features and updates with other professionals.
   - **Expert Q&A**: Participate in Q&A sessions with Microsoft Advertising experts.

**b. Direct Support**:
   - **Account Managers**: Utilize account managers or support contacts at Microsoft Advertising for insights and training on new features.
   - **Personalized Training**: Request personalized training or consultations if available.

### **Example Implementation**

**Scenario**: Your team needs to stay updated on Bing Ads' new features and enhancements.

**1. **Training Program**:
   - **Action**: Schedule quarterly workshops led by a Bing Ads expert. Encourage all team members to attend and participate in hands-on sessions.

**2. **Utilize Resources**:
   - **Action**: Subscribe to the Microsoft Advertising blog and set up a weekly internal newsletter summarizing key updates and changes.

**3. **Continuous Learning**:
   - **Action**: Allocate time during team meetings to review recent updates and discuss their impact on current campaigns.

**4. **Collaborate with Experts**:
   - **Action**: Partner with a digital marketing agency to provide specialized training and workshops on advanced Bing Ads features.

**5. **Monitor and Assess**:
   - **Action**: Conduct bi-annual skills assessments and performance reviews to ensure the team is effectively using Bing Ads features.

**6. **Leverage Microsoft Resources**:
   - **Action**: Engage with the Microsoft Advertising community and utilize support from account managers for personalized insights and training.

By following these strategies, you can ensure that your team remains knowledgeable about the latest Bing Ads features and updates, allowing for more effective campaign management and optimization.