Google is hoping its latest pay-per-click service will provide local businesses a faster and simpler way to advertise online, but can the new AdWords Express be an effective marketing alternative to its more powerful and complex cousin?

According to Google, AdWords Express (formally called Boost) is designed to help local businesses that aren't already AdWords advertisers create effective pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns. After signing up for the service, the campaign is automatically managed and Google's algorithm decides which searches should trigger an ad to appear and then displays it when these searches occur.

Think AdWords for Dummies.

Of course, Google is trying to tap a larger segment of the local business market. And re-branding Boost under the AdWords umbrella will likely resonate with those SMBs on tight budgets and with limited online marketing resources. The idea behind the platform is to remove any guess work from the often complicated PPC campaig