What is Pay Per Click (PPC)
When looking into ways to market your business online, one term you will come across is “PPC” advertising. Pay per click (PPC) is an Internet marketing model used on search engines, advertising networks, and content websites, such as blogs, that requires advertisers pay a set amount when a user clicks on an ad.
Why businesses choose to use PPC is because it works. With PPC, you can expect your ad to be seen by your targeted audience. Data shows PPC drives revenue and has a positive impact on getting customers to click-through on organic search results when your company name is seen.
PPC & Search Engines
There are many PPC providers, including Google AdWords, Yahoo! Search Marketing, and Microsoft adCenter.
When it comes to search engines and PPC, businesses typically bid on keyword phrases relevant to their target market and use those words in an ad. When a user is searching and types in a keyword that matches the company’s keyword list, or views a webpage with relevant content, then the ad may be displayed.
These ads show up as sponsored links or sponsored ads, and appear adjacent to or above the “natural” or organic search results on the search engine results pages, or anywhere a webmaster or blogger chooses if listed on a content page.
Very popular search terms can cost much more on popular search engines. Benefits with PPC is that its effectiveness can be tracked, based on the number of clicks received. Conversely, it also is open to abuse through click fraud, although Google and other search engines have implemented automated systems to guard against abusive clicks by competitors or corrupt webmasters.
Cost Per Click (CPC)
Content websites commonly charge a fixed price for a click rather than require advertisers bid for phrases. It is a specific price per click.
Cost per click (CPC) vary depending on the search engine and the level of competition for a particular phrase or keyword list—with some CPCs as low as $0.01.
Marketing Strategy
PPC or CPC campaigns can be an essential part of an overall website marketing strategy. Our Web Development team can advise you on the best approach for your company.
If you are interested in implementing a PPC / CPC campaign and want more information, contact our Internet marketing professionals at Icon Website Design today!