Question about average placement [Archive] - Search Engine Watch Forums

dayandnitedoors

08-19-2008, 01:08 PM

I launched AdWords about a week ago and have gotten some good response.
My question is,
Why my average placement on certain keywords is 5 or higher but the average CPC is lower than my max bid?

Mel66

08-20-2008, 09:36 AM

Your average CPC will usually be lower than your max bid. Max bid just means that you will never be charged more than that amount. Actual CPC is based on an algorithm that includes your Quality Score, competitor's bids and Quality Score, and other factors.

Raise your max CPC on the low position KWs and see if that helps. You should also review your keywords, ad copy, and landing pages to see if you can improve your quality score, which could be at least part of why you are sitting in such low positions.

dayandnitedoors

08-20-2008, 01:40 PM

Thanks Mell66,
If I am correct you are saying my Google page rank (1-10) & not just my bid amount will affect my placement on AdWords.

So if I out rank a competitor because of my page rank or vice versa who pays more?

Mel66

08-20-2008, 01:51 PM

Quality Score isn't the same as Page Rank, but it is similar, and yes, Quality Score is how your ad position is determined. Max CPC is part of that equation, but not all of it.

If you have a better Quality Score than a competitor, your ad may rank higher, yet you will pay a lower CPC. Since landing pages are a big part of Quality Score, it is always a good thing to improve them. We have found that improving PPC landing pages also may improve SEO rankings as well - it's all about relevancy.

dayandnitedoors

08-20-2008, 02:08 PM

Is there a way to find my Quality Score?

SteveLaLonde

08-20-2008, 02:30 PM

Is there a way to find my Quality Score?

Next time you're in an Ad Group, click "Customize Columns" and choose "Show Quality Score". This will reveal QS for all your keywords.

Steve LaLonde

AussieWebmaster

08-20-2008, 09:30 PM

thanks for the assist Steve... that is how you do it

rensquared

08-21-2008, 10:37 PM

Quality Score isn't the same as Page Rank, but it is similar, and yes, Quality Score is how your ad position is determined. Max CPC is part of that equation, but not all of it.

If you have a better Quality Score than a competitor, your ad may rank higher, yet you will pay a lower CPC. Since landing pages are a big part of Quality Score, it is always a good thing to improve them. We have found that improving PPC landing pages also may improve SEO rankings as well - it's all about relevancy.

In that case sir, if I were to have a quality score, how do I improve my quality score?