Google Ads on AOL?

google ad results on AOL

[Kael_me]

We have a campaign set up with Goolge and overture on key words and terms.

Oddly, on the results are different from what we see on Goolge vs AOL. Google backs AOL, but the PPC sponsor links that display on AOL does not show our ad, yet on Goolge it shows us as the second advert.

Why is it AOL, which is backed by google, does not show the same ads ranked in the same order as Google does. Oddly, our advert. didn't even appear on AOL and we saw another ad on AOL that isn't even on Goolges results.

Any idea's what's happening?

[edited by: heini at 5:14 pm (utc) on Oct. 2, 2003]
[edit reason] no specifics, please. Thanks! [/edit]

[roitracker]

For your AdWords to appear on AOL, you need to have:

1. "search partners" distribution selected ("on" is the default setting), AND
2. be in the top 4 AdWord rankings for your keyphrase, AND
3. your ad must be reviewed and accepted as suitable by a Google editor (takes 2-4 days).

Only then will your ad show on AOL.

[Kael_me]

- Oddly we are within the top 4 ad listings (ranked #2)
- The term was approved at least a month ago
- search partners is selected

Additionally, AOL shows an PPC listing in the top results which doesn't even show up as a Google Ad.

- comments?

[edited by: heini at 5:14 pm (utc) on Oct. 2, 2003]

[roitracker]

It's probably to do with geotargeting in that case. Have you selected US as a target country? If so, might be worthwhile asking google support to assist you.

[Kael_me]

Good point. I'll check

[Kael_me]

Yep..targeting all geographic locations.

Any other ideas?

[archie goodwin]

AOL doesn't generally show ads that go to Amazon.com. Instead, they show all other ads, and add a small Barnes and Noble banner on the right.

I don't know if you're directing users to Amazon.com or not, but they may have other similar policies that protect their interests as they see fit.

[Kael_me]

No, it's not even close to being specific to Amazon or Barnes and noble. We're dealing with Industrial equipment.

Odd, the website now appears under teh term...I wonder if AOL randomly rotates these sponsored links on their engines throughout the day?

Ever heard of that?

This is an interesting one I tell ya.

[engine]

It's possible that the ad will not be shown if you have a low daily budget setup, it will be shown at intervals throughout the day.

[Kael_me]

Good point..that could be it! Something to do with it's frequency.

Thanks

Unless there are any other ideas?

[Kael_me]

Good point..that could be it! Something to do with it's frequency.

Thanks

Unless there are any other ideas?

[AdWordsAdvisor]

OK, well, I may be able to shed some light here:

The original question:

Why is it AOL, which is backed by google, does not show the same ads ranked in the same order as Google does. Oddly, our advert. didn't even appear on AOL and we saw another ad on AOL that isn't even on Goolges results.

Followed by this right-on-the-money post from roitracker

For your AdWords to appear on AOL, you need to have:
1. "search partners" distribution selected ("on" is the default setting), AND
2. be in the top 4 AdWord rankings for your keyphrase, AND
3. your ad must be reviewed and accepted as suitable by a Google editor (takes 2-4 days).

Followed by this post:

- Oddly we are within the top 4 ad listings (ranked #2)
- The term was approved at least a month ago
- search partners is selected

What catches my eye is the line "The term was approved at least a month ago". Please note that it is not the term that matters here, but the ad.

I am guessing that you've made changes to a previously approved ad, Kael_me. When you do this the ad has new content that must be approved before the ads can be shown on partner sites. So the ad is removed from all partner sites until the ad is reviewed and approved.

To your point about different ads showing: this is not at all unusual, as different ads can show on AOL from moment to moment. This can change in the instant due to differences in position & approval status which can also change in the instant. And budget is a factor too of course, as pointed out by engine.

Ok, I'm gonna say it. I hope that helps. ;)

[Kael_me]

Definately. Thanks people. Much appreciated.

Ok, one more question while I have your attention. Other than Google and Overture as the leaders in PPC.

1. Are they the leaders just here within North America...or globally?

2. Who are the 3, 4 and 5th most popular companies that provide PPC?

Thanks.