Before you all say they should fire me and get a new web guy, they hired me because I am a talented web and database designer.
We maybe convert 2.0 - 2.5% at best.
Today, I optimized the keywords into smaller groups. ...and rewrote and redirected my ads.
That is not good enough. Each of your most important keywords should be put in separate ads group, one important keyword=one ads group. You need to do this to properly test your multiple ads copies for each important keyword separately. Trust me on this.
Write and test unending unique ads for each important keyword until you find absolutely best performing ad in regard of clicks themselves for each keyword. Do not mislead, or misinform, or trick your ad viewers, and promise them only what you can deliver. Then lead them to particular keywords group landing page plus give them quick, painless checkout and your conversion will double or triple.
One more thing, create very extensive negative keywords list on the each campagin(s) level to control and limit ads impressions for keywords or keyword phrases that do not lead to conversions.
Relax; good and wise employers never fire smart and hard working people who are determined and willing to learn more to do better job. With your background, you will master PPC soon.
Well said, and almost certainly quite correct.
Still, were I in your shoes, chasehx, I would study up on AdWords as much as possible. In fact, I am doing just that and have agreed with myself to read the entire AdWords Learning Center again, over the next couple of weeks.
It's an excellent (and free) resource - and I do not say that only because I work at Google. ;)
AdWords Learning Center
[adwords.google.com...]
Advertising Fundamentals Exam Learning Center
[adwords.google.com...]
(BTW, you need not plan to take the exams that you will see mentioned in order to make use of the Learning Center.)
AWA
In my opinion, a very useful overview of how to think about Adwords, and how set up an AdWords account effectively, by being very targeted, is found on this page:
Tips for success
[adwords.google.com...]
The fundamental topics covered on the page are these:
1. Identify your advertising goals.
2. Organize your account for maximum effectiveness.
3. Choose relevant keywords and placements.
4. Create straightforward, targeted ads.
5. Optimize your website for conversions.
6. Track your account performance.
7. Test and modify your campaigns to get the results you want.
AWA
follow the advices above and you will surely prosper.
My input: it takes a long time to know what is going on (but I am a slow learner), keep testing all of your assumptions, track important keywords in their own group so you can take advantage of impression share reports, look at the content network - especially graphic ads which are now approaching the ROAS of search in some niches, if you have the volume sign up for Google Website Optimizer. Learn about copywriting for direct marketing.
Ask lots of questions here - it is a great resource and there are some really smart and successful people around these boards.
I've read that same statement multiple times but I'm still not completely clear. What I did was build specific targeted key word ads with 10 to 15 keywords in a group. If I'm reading this right are you saying to build an ad group with a single key word? Or are you saying build an ad group around variations on that key word? If the later what's the cutoff on how many key words per group?
Thanks
What I did was build specific targeted key word ads with 10 to 15 keywords in a group.
Therefore, if particular keyword search volume is worth it:
I build one ad group for one keyword and test multiple ad copies until I get the best CTR (response) ready to test and improve the conversion rate.
It is all about connecting better with the future buyer of your product and making sure that your ad copy presentation delivers what he/she is searching for.
I would say high CTR is a byproduct of the positive response to your ad sale pitch and it improves itself automatically if you improve your ads by testing them over and over.
