How to Optimise Your PPC Advertising for Higher Conversions: A Comprehensive Guide
By Bruce Klaic Tuesday, April 4, 2023
PPC advertising, or pay-per-click advertising, is a digital marketing strategy that allows businesses to place ads on search engines, social media platforms, and other websites. PPC advertising is a highly effective way to drive traffic to your website and generate leads and sales.
However, running a successful PPC campaign requires more than just creating an ad and setting a budget. To get the most out of your PPC advertising, you need to optimise your campaigns for higher conversions. In this article, we'll show you how to do just that.
Set clear goals for your PPC campaign
Before launching a PPC campaign, it's important to set clear goals for what you want to achieve. This will help you stay focused and measure the success of your campaign.
First, determine your target audience. Who are you trying to reach? What are their demographics, interests, and behaviour? Knowing your target audience will help you create ads and landing pages that speak to their needs and interests.
Next, decide what action you want users to take when they click on your ad. Do you want them to make a purchase, fill out a form, or call your business? This will help you design a landing page that guides users toward that goal.
Finally, set a budget for your campaign. This will help you determine how much you can spend on each click, and how long your campaign can run. Be sure to allocate your budget based on your goals and expected ROI.
Do keyword research to find the right keywords
Keyword research is the process of finding the most relevant and effective keywords for your PPC campaign. By choosing the right keywords, you can reach the right audience and increase your click-through rate.
To do keyword research, use keyword research tools such as Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs. These tools will help you find keywords related to your business or industry, and show you how many searches they receive each month.
When choosing keywords, consider the intent behind the keyword. Are users searching for information, or are they ready to make a purchase? This will help you create ad copy and landing pages that match their intent and guide them toward your goal.
Finally, look for long-tail keywords that are more specific and less competitive. Long-tail keywords often have lower search volume, but they can be highly effective at reaching users who are ready to take action.
Create a compelling ad copy
Ad copy is the text that appears in your PPC ads. It's important to create ad copy that is compelling and relevant to your target audience.
Start by using attention-grabbing headlines that capture the user's attention. Use your unique selling proposition (USP) to highlight what makes your product or service different from the competition. Include a clear call-to-action (CTA) that tells the user what to do next.
Be sure to use an ad copy that matches the intent of the keyword and the landing page. For example, if the keyword is "buy running shoes," your ad copy should include the keyword and mention the benefits of your running shoes. Your landing page should then guide the user toward making a purchase.
Design a landing page that converts
Your landing page is where the user arrives after clicking on your ad. It's important to design a landing page that is relevant, informative, and guides the user toward your goal.
Make sure your landing page matches your ad copy and keywords. Use clear and concise language that explains the benefits of your product or service. Include a clear and prominent CTA that tells the user what to do next.
Design your landing page with a clear visual hierarchy, using headlines, subheadings, and bullet points to guide the user's attention. Use high-quality images or videos that showcase your product or service.
Finally, make sure your landing page is mobile-friendly and loads quickly. A slow or unresponsive landing page can significantly reduce your conversion rate.
Optimise your bidding strategy
Your bidding strategy determines how much you pay for each click, and how often your ads appear. It's important to optimise your bidding strategy to get the most out of your budget and reach your goals.
Choose the right bidding strategy for your goals. There are several bidding strategies available, such as cost-per-click (CPC), cost-per-action (CPA), and target return on ad spend (ROAS). Choose a bidding strategy that aligns with your goals and budget.
Use bid adjustments to target specific demographics. Bid adjustments allow you to increase or decrease your bids based on certain factors, such as location, device, or time of day. For example, you can increase your bids for users in a certain geographic area who are more likely to convert.
Monitor your bids and adjust as needed. Keep a close eye on your key metrics, such as cost per click (CPC), click-through rate (CTR), and conversion rate. Adjust your bids based on your results to ensure that you're getting the most out of your budget.
Use A/B testing to improve your PPC campaign
A/B testing is the process of testing two versions of your ads, landing pages, or keywords to see which performs better. A/B testing can help you improve your PPC campaign and increase your conversion rate.
To conduct an A/B test, create two versions of your ad, landing page, or keyword, and split your traffic evenly between the two versions. Measure the performance of each version based on your key metrics, such as CTR, conversion rate, and ROI.
Use data to make informed decisions. Analyse the results of your A/B test and determine which version performed better. Use that information to make changes to your PPC campaign, such as adjusting your ad copy, landing page, or bidding strategy.
Keep testing and refining your campaign. A/B testing is an ongoing process that can help you continuously improve your PPC campaign and stay ahead of the competition.
Monitor your campaign and make adjustments as needed
Finally, it's important to monitor your PPC campaign on an ongoing basis and make adjustments as needed. By monitoring your campaign, you can identify trends and patterns in your data, and make changes to improve your performance.
Track your key metrics, such as CPC, CTR, and conversion rate, regularly. Look for trends and patterns in your data, such as spikes or dips in performance, and try to identify the root cause.
Make adjustments to your campaign based on your findings. For example, if you notice that your CTR is low, try adjusting your ad copy to make it more relevant or compelling. If your conversion rate is low, try adjusting your landing page to make it more informative or persuasive.
By monitoring your PPC campaign and making adjustments as needed, you can optimise your campaign for higher conversions and drive more sales to your business.
Bullet points:
- Use negative keywords to exclude irrelevant searches
- Monitor your competitors' ads and adjust your strategy accordingly
- Consider using ad extensions to provide more information to users
- Use retargeting to reach users who have already shown interest in your product or service
- Use location targeting to reach users in specific geographic areas
FAQs:
Q: How long does it take to see results from a PPC campaign?
A: Results can vary depending on your industry, competition, and other factors. However, you can usually start seeing results within a few days or weeks.
Q: How much should I budget for my PPC campaign?
A: Your budget will depend on your goals, industry, and competition. Start with a modest budget and adjust as needed based on your results.
Q: Do I need a landing page for my PPC campaign?
A: Yes, a landing page is essential for your PPC campaign. A well-designed landing page can significantly improve your conversion rate.
Optimising your PPC advertising for higher conversions requires careful planning, execution, and ongoing monitoring. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a highly effective PPC campaign that drives more traffic, leads, and sales to your website. Remember to set clear goals, do keyword research, create compelling ad copy, and design a landing page specific to your audience and you will be on your way to becoming a PPC expert!
If you are looking for a partner who has already spent years creating successful PPC campaigns across several industries One Orange Cow is here to help, just reach out!
