What is Pay Per Click?
TL;DR
An advertising model where you pay each time someone clicks your ad, Google Ads, Facebook Ads, Microsoft Ads. PPC provides immediate visibility unlike Organic Traffic from Search Engine Optimization, but costs accumulate quickly. Effective PPC requires ongoing optimization of Quality Score, targeting, and Landing Pages. It complements but doesn't replace SEO.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pay Per Click
Should I use PPC or SEO?
Both serve different purposes. PPC gives immediate visibility but costs money per click. SEO takes months but builds lasting organic traffic. Most businesses benefit from both, PPC for immediate leads while SEO builds over time.
How much should I budget for PPC?
Depends heavily on your industry and goals. Some businesses succeed with $500/month; others need $10,000+. Start small, track results carefully, and scale what works. Never spend more than you can afford to lose while learning.
Is PPC worth it for small businesses?
It can be, but requires careful management. Small budgets mean less room for error. Focus on highly targeted keywords with clear intent. Track conversions religiously. Consider professional help, mistakes are expensive.
Why are my PPC costs so high?
Common causes: competitive keywords, low Quality Score, poor ad relevance, broad targeting, or underperforming landing pages. Review your Quality Score, narrow your targeting, improve ad relevance, and optimize landing pages.
How quickly can I see PPC results?
Ads can start showing within hours. But meaningful data takes weeks. Don't judge campaign success in days, you need enough data for statistical significance. Budget for a testing period before expecting reliable results.
Terms Related to Pay Per Click
Cost Per Click
The actual amount you pay when someone clicks your ad. CPC varies dramatically by industry, legal keywords can cost $50+...
Read definition PPCGoogle Ads
Google's advertising platform (formerly AdWords) for Pay Per Click ads in search results, display networks, YouTube, and...
Read definition SEOOrganic Traffic
Visitors who find your website through unpaid search results rather than ads. Organic traffic is the primary goal of Seo...
Read definition PPCAd Rank
The calculation determining where your ad appears in Google Ads results. Ad Rank = Bid × Quality Score × Expected Impact...
Read definition PPCCost Per Acquisition
The total cost to acquire one customer or lead through advertising. CPA = Total Ad Spend ÷ Number of Conversions. CPA is...
Read definition PPCQuality Score
Google's rating (1-10) of your ad's quality and relevance, affecting both Ad Rank and Cost Per Click. Quality Score is b...
Read definitionPPC Articles
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