Table of Contents
At a Glance
Key Takeaways
PPC & Paid Ads
Conduct Robust Keyword Research
Thorough keyword research lays the foundation for successful PPC campaigns. The right keywords and ad copy can drive your ads' relevancy score and decrease cost per click (CPC). An agency will research not just high-volume keywords but also longer, more specific phrases with higher conversion potential.
For example, a legal services advertiser bidding on the single keyword "lawyer" will fight for relevancy against countless competitors. However, bidding on a phrase like "criminal defense lawyer in Arizona" will reach users closer to converting. An agency will use keyword research tools to find these optimised keywords and build out expansive yet targeted campaigns. They will also refine keywords over time based on performance data.
PPC & Paid Ads
Implement Effective Match Types
The match type you use for keywords impacts which searches can trigger your ads. While broad match casts a wide net, it risks poor relevancy. Exact and phrase matches hone in on more specific intents but miss close variations.
A PPC agency will use a strategic mix of match types to maximise visibility and relevancy. Broad and modified broad match keywords enable discovery of new, relevant search queries to add as exact or phrase matches. The agency will also actively monitor search query reports to find valuable new keywords and adjust match types.
PPC & Paid Ads
Create Hyper-Relevant Ad Copy
Even with optimised keywords, your ads must resonate with users to drive clicks and conversions. Savvy agencies will meticulously tailor ad copy and landing pages to keyword intent. If you target a search like "comfortable work shoes for women," ads should specifically mention comfortable women's shoes.
Agencies also A/B test ad content to determine what copy, offers, and designs perform best. You don't have to guess what resonates most with your audience.
PPC & Paid Ads
Divide Ad Groups Strategically
Organising keywords into tightly-themed ad groups boosts relevancy. For example, a shoe retailer would benefit from an ad group around running shoes, another for heels, one for slippers, etc. Highly specific ad groups allow you to customise ad copy for those exact searches.
Agencies will continually optimise your ad group structure based on search query data. If some keywords receive lots of searches for a related but slightly different intent, they may warrant a new ad group. Keeping ad groups focused improves your quality score.
PPC & Paid Ads
Adjust Bids Strategically
Setting the optimal bids for each keyword is crucial for controlling costs. Bidding too low fails to capture impressions and clicks, while overbidding drives up costs needlessly.
PPC agencies leverage automation and algorithms to set bids based on your targets, but also fine-tune manually. For example, they may raise bids on branded keywords that drive conversions confidently, while lowering bids on new keywords until performance data justifies a higher bid. Agencies also use enhanced bidding tactics like target return on ad spend (ROAS) to maximise conversion value.
PPC & Paid Ads
Refine Targeting Parameters
Basic targeting settings like language, location, and operating system are just the tip of the iceberg. PPC experts also utilise more advanced tactics like:
PPC & Paid Ads
Set Up Conversion Tracking
To optimise for performance, you need to track which keywords, ads, and placements drive the most conversions. Conversion tracking lets you see the true ROI of your campaigns beyond just clicks and impressions.
A PPC agency will implement robust conversion tracking and analytics. They will track not just sales but also calls, form fills, downloads, purchases, and other goals. By connecting PPC data to goals, they can optimise for the highest converting keywords, ad copy, landing pages, and more. This works alongside conversion rate optimisation (CRO) to maximise every dollar spent.
PPC & Paid Ads
Conduct Competitor Analysis
Agencies research the PPC activity of competitors in your space. By examining their ads, landing pages, and keywords, you can gain insights into industry trends and opportunities. Competitive intelligence informs decisions about potential untapped keywords and helps write ads that stand out from competitors.
PPC & Paid Ads
Onboard New Platforms and Features
Major PPC platforms frequently add new options like ad formats and placements. Agencies stay ahead of the curve on emerging PPC developments so they can test and optimise new features right away. They may onboard you to new ad placements, Google Discovery, Amazon DSP, or other channels. With more reach, you gain more impressions and conversions. Our Google Ads specialists stay on top of every new feature.
PPC & Paid Ads
Provide Ongoing Optimisations
The work doesn't stop once initial campaigns are live. PPC requires constant monitoring, tweaking, expansion, and refinement. Key ongoing optimisations include:
PPC & Paid Ads
Access More Analytics
Robust analytics and reporting bring together all the data needed for optimisation. Agencies provide in-depth, customised reporting on all facets of account performance. You gain insights not just into standard metrics, but more advanced analytics like conversion attribution and ROI breakdowns.
PPC & Paid Ads
Focus In-House Efforts Elsewhere
Running successful PPC in-house requires substantial dedicated staff hours. For most brands, the opportunity cost of handling PPC in-house is too high. Partnering with an agency allows reallocation of internal resources to core business operations.
So if you feel your current PPC efforts have become stagnant, partnering with a PPC agency can reignite growth. With constant optimisations, expanded capabilities, and strategic insight, your campaigns can reach their full potential. Book your free strategy session with Business Warriors today and let's supercharge your PPC performance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I spend on PPC advertising?
PPC budgets vary widely based on industry and competition. Most small businesses start with $2,000-$5,000/month. The key is starting with a budget that allows enough data collection for optimisation, then scaling what works.
How quickly can PPC generate results?
PPC campaigns can start generating traffic and leads within days of launch. However, optimal performance typically requires 2-3 months of testing and refinement to maximise ROI.
Is PPC better than SEO?
PPC and SEO serve different purposes and work best together. PPC delivers immediate traffic while SEO builds long-term organic visibility. The ideal strategy uses both channels strategically.
What is a good PPC conversion rate?
Average PPC conversion rates are 2-5% across industries, but top-performing campaigns achieve 10%+. Conversion rates depend heavily on landing page quality, offer relevance, and audience targeting.
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