PPC Keywords for affiliate

[Aiyo]

Hi,

I just want to do get an idea from your experience, what convert better for PPC keywords? as an affiliate, should I concentrate on buying merchant name (lots of trademark issues and restrictions) as keywords or generic keywords such as "baby diaper", "valentines flowers", "bridal shoes" etc? Do you want to share you experience?

Thanks

[growingdigital]

Merchant names can convert well if you get a good position and can offer some added value to the consumer. However, 99% of merchants don't allow you to bid on trademarked terms. It's best to check with the Affiliate Manager first, or read their TOS (terms of service). If you don't, you will run the risk of pissing the merchant off, or even getting kicked out of the program.

When bidding on industry-related terms I recommend you get as specific as possible. For example, don't bid on the keyword "new car", bid on the keyword "2005 Ford Mustang". When a consumer is in "browse mode" they will use more general terms to search. When a user is in "buy mode" they will use more specific terms.