Maximum clicks - what's the best spot to be?

1-3, 3-5, 5-9, whats the best spot to be in for maximum clicks?

[webhound]

I am working on a test to compare the amount of clicks based on where you are positioned.

I was wondering if anyone else has done such a test and if you'd be willing to share your results.

In addition to pure clicks I will also be looking at CTR, CPC, and of course ROI. I'll be running the test for 4 weeks, starting in position 1, 3, 5 and 7 to see where the best spot to be from all the above perspectives.

Anyone have comments, or suggestions?

Thanks!

[sem4u]

The #1 position should generate the most clicks. However, I have had success with ads lower down with much better (more targeted) titles and descriptions.

Also those positions with the most clicks may not be the ones with the best ROI.

I do have my favourite positions on Overture. It will be interesting to see what your test findings are :)

[webhound]

Yeah I agree number one spots may bring more total clicks, but the lower ones may convert better... Can't wait to see the results.

I am actually going to run 2 concurrent tests, one for 4 weeks as mentioned, then another for 9 weeks testing spots 1-9. See how that one goes too.

[ragtop2004]

I read a report a few months ago that gave stats based on July/Aug 2004 PPC traffic totaling 41 million clicks and 408,000 keywords. As you might expect #1 position was best with significant drops as the position dropped. The report showed Google and Overture separately.

For example if the #1 position got 100 clicks then Google #2 = 60 clicks, #3 = 48 clicks, #4 = 39 clicks. AND Overture #2 = 78 clicks, #3 = 59 clicks, #4 = 42 clicks.

They also measured conversion rates. The unusual thing in this was that in both Google and Overture the conversion rate actually increased with low volume search ads for positions #2-7 in Overture and positions 6-10 in Google. This only happened with low volume search phrases not high volume search ads.

[ElizabethReynolds]

There is an eye tracking study that shows where searchers are looking. it was 100% for the first three on the left (paid 'bonus' spot or natural), then going 10-15 down from there and 50% 40 30 20 10 for the first 5 on the right side. So if you're in the 'bonus' section you have the highest probability of being seen, but not necessarily clicked on. Its an interesting study.

[webhound]

ElizabethReynolds - could you sticky me the details on that test? Love to look at that more closely.

Thanks - Webhound

[ElizabethReynolds]

Links to it are in this thread:

[webmasterworld.com...]

-ER