PPC On the Go: 2018 Edition

by Andrea Taylor | Apr 25, 2018 | AAA Needs Updating, Agency Life, PPC Industry | 1 comment

A few years ago, I wrote a post on tips for PPC pros on how to remain productive when you’re on the go. Since that article was published in 2016, I have learned even more about working while traveling.

Here is an updated list of tips to help with productivity while traveling and to help make being away from your office a little easier.

Make Your iPad an Additional Screen

If you’re anything like me, you really enjoy having a second monitor in your office setup. In my previous post, I wrote about a handy USB-powered external monitor that I love. (I still love it.)

But for folks who have an iPad, the app Duet can easily turn your iPad into a second monitor. The app was designed by previous Apple engineers. When I have used it, I have not noticed any lag and the resolution was great! It can be used on iPads and iPhones with iOS 7 and newer; PCs with Windows 7 or newer; and Macs with OS X 10.9 and newer. (I have a fairly old iPad and it still worked like a charm for me.)

If you have an iPad at home, download the Duet app and watch your productvity increase on your next trip.

Out of Office Replies

This might seem obvious when you’re on vacation or taking a sick day. However, an out of office reply can also be useful if you’re traveling and are not completely available over email. If you’re able, leave an email and name of a coworker or manager whom contacts can get in touch with should the matter be urgent.

Podcasts

When traveling, there can be a lot of downtime. One of my favorite uses of this kind of time is to download industry podcasts to listen to when I’m on a long car ride or traveling by air.

I like to download mine in the Apple Podcast app, which allows me to listen without internet connectivity.

As for the Clix team’s favorite digital marketing podcasts to listen to, there is a list below:

1. The PPC Show by AdStage
2. Edge of the Web Radio
3. Perpetual Traffic
4. Marketing Smarts Podcast
5. PPC Rockstars
6. Jumpstart by Jeffalytics

In-Air Wifi

This is a technology that was around during my post in 2016 but was limited and often spotty. Since then, in-air wifi has come a long way and has been added to many more flights. It has also become faster and more reliable (at least in my opinion).

I highly recommend checking with your airline to see the cost and restrictions of their in-air wifi services. Sometimes, purchasing it ahead of the day of takeoff can save you some money. You’ll also want to see if your purchase will carry over to other legs of your journey that same day.

Sure, in-air wifi has a long way to go still, but if you’re looking for a way to get some work done while 30,000 feet up, this is a great way to do it!

Travel-Friendly Devices

In my last post, I mentioned noise-canceling headphones. In addition to that, if you’re going to be traveling a lot, it may be useful to invest in some travel-friendly devices. Things like phone chargers, extension cords, a travel mouse and keyboard and if you can swing it, a wifi hotspot for airports and places with a spotty connection. Sure, these devices aren’t necessary, and you’ll definitely survive without them, but if you’re looking for maximum productivity, these definitely help.