How do I show my ads above the search results?
The highest ranking AdWords ads appear in the top two positions. Rank is determined by an ad's clickthrough rate (CTR) multiplied by the maximum cost-per-click (CPC). The ad rank formula gives advertisers an equal and fair opportunity to attain their desired ad positions and offers greater relevancy for Google users.
so does this mean that my CTR is lower than theirs? I mean, even if a set a super high Max CPC it doesn't work. My CTR is around 5%. ?
Can some one offer an explanation for why this happens?
Icedout, there are a bunch of past threads on this very subject, so a site search will net you a lot more detail.
Very briefly, however, in order for ads to go to the top, they need to have met an additional performance standard which focuses on the relevance of your ads as judged by users. This is measured with your CTR.
If no ads meet the additional standard, then the ads will all be at the right.
So, to go to the top, you'll have to have a particularly good CTR. Simply spending more, or setting a higher Max CPC, will not cause you to be 'promoted' - and there is also not a way to guarantee one of the top spots.
So, my best advice is to work towards creating really targeted ads/keywords, which earn excellent click through rates.
Lastly, only ads which have been reviewed and approved may go to the top. So if you are appearing in one of the top spots, and then make changes to the ad, it will go over to the right. Once reviewed and approved, it may or may not go back up top, depending on if it still meets the additional standard or not.
Hope that gives you enough info to go on. ;)
AWA