Adwords Conversion Rate Dropping

Doesn't remotely resemble last year's CR

[jskrewson]

I'm running e-commerce ads for consumer products. Man, the conversion rates are horrible compared to 2010 and 2011. Usually, at this time of year I'm planning on how to crank up my spend. This year, I'm nervously wondering if I should reduce my spend.

I should be seeing strong profits by now, but instead I'm seeing a loss. Actually, things seemed pretty darn good up until 4-5 days ago.

I can't stand it when trending doesn't follow established patterns. Is anyone else experiencing something similar?

[KimClink]

When you say "e-commerce ads" are you talking about the Merchant Center/Shopping/Product Listing Ads or standard AdWords Search Network ads?

[jskrewson]

I'm running standard adwords search network.

[KimClink]

Thanks.

So the problem started 4-5 days ago? You were seeing normal conversion rates and then things suddenly tanked?

Is your CTR still the same?
Did anything change on your site?
Are you landing visitors on the same page(s) that you were the week prior?
Have you looked at your competition to make sure you are not priced too high?

[rankmaster77]

This has been our experience at times during the Holidays. During the Holidays there seems to be more competitors and they may be squeezing you out. Just a thought

[dickbaker]

I'm experiencing the same thing. I went back in my Adwords account and looked at the first few days in December of 2011 and 2010. I was getting more conversions for a lower CPC. It's terrible this year, and I don't know why.

Adwords is also showing conversions in campaigns for which I've made no sales, which is odd.