How related are SERPs and Adwords campaigns?

I finally made it to #1 - should I pause my Adwords or leave it alone?

[bnhall]

There's been some discussion on Google tweaking their algorithm based on data they may garner from Adwords, i.e. throwing in some .edu's and .org's at the top of high-Adword-usage keywords. I suppose no one knows for sure how true this is - but it raises a good question:

After languishing for months in the 9th or 10th page for most keywords, I've tried to be good and honest and follow Brett's steps to create a good site with no nasty stuff. In the meantime, I've been advertising somewhat heavily on Adwords. Well, with this recent update I've finally made it to the first page on all my top keywords, with quite a few #1's and #2's thrown in.

Question: would it be dangerous to pause my Adwords campaign now? Is it even remotely possible Google has increased my ranking due to Adwords spending? Am I paranoid?

I'd be interested in your opinions. Thanks.

[Mike_Mackin]

Pause it and keep it as an insurance policy.

[GoogleGuy]

AdWords is completely unrelated to our search results. If you want to advertise, that's great, but it won't affect your ranking either way.

I just like to repeat that every so often so people know. :)

[vitaplease]

paranoid we are all, just follow the discussions..

Google has what you call a "Chinese wall"

similar to investment banks where the advising stock analysts are seperated from the bankers actually handing out loans and seeing company results, through this wall, information never is exchanged, ever....;)

I am more paranoid for the following:

if I advertise whilst having, say a number six ranking position, while nobody else is advertising for this search query, am I not inviting my competition to do the same..? Is it not better to try to reach number 1,2 or 3 position and keep quite and not advertise?

just my paranoying cents.

[NFFC]

We have alway used ad words, not listed, killer rankings, penalised, banned, ok rankings, killer rankings, it makes no difference.

>Pause it and keep it as an insurance policy.

I'd keep it going ranking or not, keeps those who can't rank out of the game.

[bnhall]

Good info, thanks.

Thanks GG for the reassurance, around here, with all the talk of full moons, dance on Halloween, and mystical changes one gets a little superstitious....:)