New to ppc - any suggestions?

What to look out for on test budget

[mysterynme]

I've got a test budget for ppc and am debating whether to test on Overture or FindWhat. I'm also wondering how many keywords to start with. Any suggestions?

It seems to me money won't get sucked up on FindWhat nearly as fast as on Overture, but I'd hate to give up the potential exposure.

Any direction, suggestions, or help would be most appreciated.

Thanks

[Mike_Mackin]

If you choose one or both, bid in at #10 and work your way up until there is discomfort [if any] and until rank no longer increase ROI

[JamesR]

my opinion: start small and keep tight track of your visitor to sale ratio. Start building stats to find out how much each visitor is worth. Once you have enough data, you can increase your PPC budget safely, get more data, refine your ratio and so on. You will always know how much you can spend on a visitor safely while still making money.

...and your boss will love you after you display all this data in weekly PowerPoint presentations :)

[Robert Scott]

Go with as many keywords as you can manage and follow Mike's suggestion and start about #10, then work your way up. I would try both Overture and FindWhat.

SavePerClick is an excellent automated bid manager that displays all top 10 positions, and their free 7 day trial would be perfect to run your test.

[mysterynme]

Thanks to all who are posting replys - I appreciate the help!

Deb

[Michael Weir]

Being in the top 3-4 has it's obvious advantages..showing up on partner/sponsored listings on other search engines. The trick is to find search phrases that are somewhat popular, yet cheap per click. Oh...then you have to get them to accept your phrases, but that's another story... :)

[mysterynme]

I see a lot about Overture rejecting keyword bids. Any input on using their paid account service to prepare them for me? I assume they wouldn't reject their own submissions.