Calculating estimates

Any accuracy at all?

[sammyp]

Whenever I create an ad group, whatever bid I put in it calculates that I will be No 1. But once it goes live, its not No 1, but almost everything but. I know that the estimate is only "accurate" at the time its made, but how can it be that wrong all the time. As an e.g, just created a new ad group. A $1 bid estimates I will be No 1, but like a minute later I turn out to be No 7!?

[ugamis1]

I do not know the answer but I will tell you my guess.

I think it is because Google fails to take into account highly advertised keywords located in your targeted keywords.

For example, an obscure set of keywords such as "blue widgets atlanta". It estimates your going to be number 1 by looking at how obscure your and targeted your keywords are, but fails to take into account that anyone bidding really high on the word "widgets" is going to rank higher than you.

[AdWordsAdvisor]

Whenever I create an ad group, whatever bid I put in it calculates that I will be No 1. But once it goes live, its not No 1, but almost everything but.

One thing to keep in mind, sammyp, if you are targeting more than a single country:

The estimates that you're given are figured across all countries you've targeted.

And it is not at all unusual, for example, to appear low on the page in the Country 'A' for 'transparent aluminum widgets', while appearing much higher in in Country 'B' - where the market is much less competitive.

AWA

[PPCBidder]

Country 'B' - where the market is much less competitive.

Mmmm... Country 'B'. I'm finding country B to be quite tasty. Lots of people forget about Country 'B' while they have food fights in Country 'A' ;)

[AdWordsAdvisor]

PPCBidder, how did you know that I needed a laugh just now?

;) AWA

[sammyp]

Only targeting the UK ...... or at least I should be! Better check.