Paid Search Marketing

What is Paid Search Marketing?

Paid search marketing is a direct response advertising model that allows advertisers to purchase premium placed ads of their choice on search result pages, advertising networks as well as content sites such as blogs, news sites, etc.

While main tactics include PPC ads, banner advertising and classified listings, PPC ads, as part of the large paid network programs, is one of the main profit centers for WSI Consultants as well as their clients.

How Does PPC Advertising Work?

Paid search programs allow site owners to "bid" on the terms they wish to appear for. You agree to pay a certain amount each time someone clicks on your listing. Websites that utilize PPC ads will display an advertisement when a keyword query matches an advertiser's keyword list, or when a content site displays relevant content.

Such advertisements are called sponsored links or sponsored ads, and appear adjacent to or above organic results on search engine results pages, or anywhere a Web developer chooses on a content site.

 

Pay-Per-Click Advertising Lets Companies...

• Reach prospects when they are actively looking for information or products and services related to their business
• Run cost effective advertising campaigns, as this type of advertising is less expensive than any other type of traditional advertising and lets business owners have control over their budget.
• Have flexibility and control. You can edit your campaigns and ads at any time (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Ads start running for the first time almost immediately after you activate your account with your credit card or direct debit information. (Advertisers in certain countries can pay by bank transfer. In this case, ads run when the first payment is received.)

Industries That PPC Works Well In:

Heating and Air Plumbing Electricians Dentists Cosmetic Surgeons

Auto Glass Auto Repair Garage Doors Laser Hair Removal Car Dealers

Carpet Cleaners Day Spas Restaurants Carpet Cleaners Maid Service

These are all services that people need immediately and used to go to the Yellow Pages to look for.

Paid Search Marketing Platforms

Although many PPC providers exist, Google AdWords, Yahoo! Search Marketing, and Microsoft adCenter are the three largest network operators, and all three operate under a bid-based model. Cost per click (CPC) varies depending on the search engine and the level of competition for a particular keyword.

Learn more about our ABCs of Internet Marketing Success.