VERY FRUSTRATING!
Thanks,
Tom
I think I made a wee error there: the clickthrough numbers are for all search sites, but the 0.5% rate applies to only google search results.
I think.
...I can't figure out why using the keyword "jeff gordon" eventually turns up as disabled yet other vague keywords run day after day with no clicks. When "jeff gordon" is active when I create a new ad it gets tons of click and a high CTR .....about 2-3%. I've read all the optimization tips and can't come up with a conlcusion. Some other relavent keywords such as "nascar" end up getting disabled despite decent CLR's. I'm at a loss why the remaining keywords remain active despite only get 20 or so impressions a day with NO click thrus.
jtubb, I'm pretty sure it's not customary to mention actual keywords on WebmasterWorld - so they may end up being edited by a Moderator at some point. But since they're still here now, I'll see if I can offer some insight on why they may be getting disabled.
I think you'll find keyword such as the one's you mentioned are pretty hard to keep running, because they are very general.
Let's take the keyword 'nascar' for example. While it is certainly 'relevant', it is also simply too general. If you've used it as a broad match, then you have the potential to show for any search that includes that word. So if I searched for 'history of female drivers nascar' your ad would show - and I suspect your ad and site would not be relevant to that user's interest. So no click - and that means a lowered Click Through Rate.
And while the name of the driver 'jeff gordon' may seem really targeted at first glance, it's still quite general. For example, if a user searched for 'vintage jeff gordon coffee mug' your ad would show. And if the ad doesn't speak to vintage coffee mugs, then no click.
The trick it to use really targeted keywords, which describe exactly what users will find on your site.
Another tip is to use negative keywords to your advantage. So if you don't want your ad to show for searches for vintage or used Jeff Gordon items, you would include those as negative keywords. If you don't have free items, then use free as a negative keyword. In fact anything that you don't actually offer, or speak to, on your site should be a negative keyword.
-used
-vintage
-free
-autograph
-race used tires
-race used spark plugs
and so on...
The list of negative keywords should be as thorough as you can make it - as they'll protect keywords that might otherwise be disabled.
Here is some info that you might find useful, as you learn the AdWords ropes:
What are keyword matching options?
[adwords.google.com...]
How do I choose negative keywords?
[adwords.google.com...]
What are the steps to creating a keyword list?
[adwords.google.com...]
Optimization Tips
[adwords.google.com...]
...the clickthrough numbers are for all search sites, but the 0.5% rate applies to only google search results.
BTW, argots is correct on this point.
AWA
