Tips for the Content Network

Conversions spotted in the wild

[ps801rk]

Received wisdom is that the Content Network converts very poorly. Until recently, I'd said exactly the same thing.

However, I've recently had some success, using substantial negative keyword lists (3-500 keywords) and blocking MFA sites.

However, I'm at a loss for more ideas to optimize campaigns to improve CTR. Anyone care to share their suggestions?

[Great White Shark]

How can negative keywords make such a big difference in sales?

[netmeg]

by not using up your budget on irrelevancies?

I have one client (out of 7 who have me managing their AdWords for them) who actually converts and gets sales off the Content Network. Why just this one and nobody else - I can only attribute it to the nature of his product.

[ps801rk]

Exactly. For example, I don't want my widget ads showing on sites about trying to fix broken widgets or complaining about the widget maker.

As I understand it, ads are displayed on sites based on ad group themes, rather than individual keywords. That means you don't have keyword CTR to measure success against. Aside from endless ad copy rewrites, I'm short of ideas to improve CTR.