Impressions = match

How does AdWords count impressions

[Mandrake]

Hi,

I'm new to WebmasterWorld and have a basic question. Say my ad is on search results page 3. The searcher
never clicks on to page 3, i.e. he never sees my ad. Does it still counts as an impression? If I understand it right, at Adwords an impression is the same thing as a match (regardsless of if the searcher sees the ad or not). A pageview (that the browser downloads the actual page with my ad on it) is not necessary to register the impression.

[AdWordsAdvisor]

Great question, Mandrake.

Using your example - if your ad is on the third page, and the 'searcher' does not go to the third page, an impression is not counted.

[Mandrake]

Thanks for clarifying, AdWordsAdvisor

If I understand it correctly, you need a pageview to register an impression, just as in "traditional" online advertising. When I talked to AdWords' customer service, I got the answer that impression = match, and that a pageview wasn't necessary. Hmm.

[Opportune Moment]

I have wondered about this myself, great post.

[AdWordsAdvisor]

Hmmm indeed, Mandrake.

I will confirm my information with a tech person on Wednesday and post again. Sorry for the mixed message.