5% CTR, still need optimization?

[dzcap]

Recently took over a site from my friend with a 5% CTR. There is still a lot of optimization possible. So my question is should I optimize or just be satisfied with the current CTR? At what point do you stop optimizing?

Gets about 3 cents a click but should get a lot more for this niche. So I am planning to rewrite the entire site and give each page a new file name to bring in higher paying relevant ads, does G allow you to redirect index.htm to index2.htm? And other pages, like widget.htm to widget2.htm?

[trillianjedi]

5% CTR is good, I'd leave it alone. Get more traffic.

In terms of higher paying keywords, do you feel that google is mistargetting?

[humblebeginnings]

5% CTR? D*mn that's good.
Again, I am just a beginner, but I am very happy with 0,5% CTR. See there is still a lot of work to be done for me...

[dzcap]

This is kind of weird for me. I have another site that is about the same thing and the clicks pay a lot more.

Site 1: About 5% CTR, poorly blended.
Site 2: About 2.5% CTR, very well blended.

I guess I'll leave the blending alone, but definitely I will do something about the low $$$ per click.

So is it allowed to redirect index.htm to index2.htm?

[dzcap]

I didn't disclose the actual CTR, only an estimation, this complies with the TOS right?

[Sweet Cognac]

Do NOT give each page a new file name.

[dzcap]

OK, not all the pages, what about just index.htm? One of the ad block is showing some irrelevant ads, and I think the majority of the clicks are coming from that block.

I am curious about your comment about not changing all the pages. Do you mean it is against adsense TOS or are you against it because it may hurt SERP?

[Zygoot]

Changing filenames may indeed hurt search engine ranking.

[sailorjwd]

I agree. Don't change filenames! It has caused nothing but trouble for me.

Sounds like you have multiple ad blocks.. Consider having 1 336 4-up ad block in the visual hotspot. That often maximizes CTR.

If your targetting is off then confirm your Title, Description, H1, H2 and intro sentence of the appropriate variations of the keyword phrases you are targetting. Go to Google and search on various combinations and see which combination has the most advertisements on the right side - this will maximize EPC (normally).

[dzcap]

The ads are targeted well and only sometimes irrelevant. Optimized the positions a little, will see if it increase CTR. Thanks!

[trillianjedi]

The ads are targeted well and only sometimes irrelevant.

You can't ask for much more than that coupled to a 5% CTR.

You're looking to improve areas which are not deficient. You're possibly lacking in traffic, or you're in a market space which will never earn very much per click.

I would be tempted to leave it well alone, and just continue to promote and market it.

Fresh content, inbound links.

TJ