If you’re running a pay-per-click (PPC) advertising campaign, you’re probably aware of the importance of keeping your cost-per-click (CPC) under control. CPC is the amount you pay each time someone clicks on your ad, and it can quickly eat into your budget if you’re not careful. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to reduce your CPC and get more out of your advertising budget. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most effective ways to lower your CPC.
By following these steps, you can reduce your CPC and improve the performance of your Google Ads campaigns.
Use long-tail keywords
One of the most effective ways to lower your CPC is to use long-tail keywords. Long-tail keywords are extended, more specific phrases that target an ecological niche audience. While they may have a lower search volume than broader keywords, they are often more targeted and more likely to convert. And because they are less competitive, they often have lower CPCs.
For example, if you’re selling running shoes, a broad keyword like “running shoes” is likely to have a high CPC because it’s so competitive. But a long-tail keyword like “men’s trail running shoes” or “women’s lightweight running shoes” is likely to have a lower CPC because it’s more specific.
To find long-tail keywords, use keyword research tools like Google’s Keyword Planner or Ahrefs. Look for keywords that are relevant to your business and have low competition and search volume.
Improve your Quality Score
Another effective way to reduce your CPC is to improve your Quality Score. Quality Score is a metrical used by Google AdWords to measure the significance and quality of your ad. A higher Quality Score can lead to lower CPCs because Google rewards advertisers who provide a good user experience.
To improve your Quality Score, focus on creating relevant, targeted ads and landing pages that provide a good user experience. Make sure your ads are closely related to your keywords and that your landing pages provide valuable information to your visitors. Use ad extensions to provide additional information about your business and make your ads more useful to users.
Use negative keywords
Negative keywords are a powerful tool for reducing your CPC. Negative keywords are keywords that you don’t intend your ads to screen up for. By excluding these keywords, you can prevent your ads from showing up for irrelevant searches, which can improve your click-through rate (CTR) and reduce your CPC.
For example, if you’re selling running shoes, you may want to exclude keywords like “casual shoes” or “dress shoes” that are not relevant to your business. You can add negative keywords to your ad group or campaign by going to the “Keywords” tab in Google Ads and selecting “Negative keywords.”
Optimize your landing pages
Your landing page is the first thing that users see after clicking on your ad, so it’s important to make sure it’s optimized for conversions. A well-designed landing page can improve your Quality Score, which can lead to lower CPCs.
To optimize your landing page, make sure it’s relevant to your ad and provides a good user experience. Use a clear, concise headline that matches your ad, and make sure your page loads quickly. Use images and videos to make your page more engaging, and include a clear call to action (CTA) that tells users what to do next.
Use ad scheduling
Ad scheduling is a powerful tool for reducing your CPC by displaying your ads only during the times when your target audience is most likely to be searching for your products or services. By reducing the number of clicks from people who are unlikely to convert, you can lower your CPC and improve your ROI.
To use ad scheduling, go to the “Settings” tab in Google Ads and select “Ad schedule.” You can then select the days and times when you want your ads.
Use ad extensions
Ad extensions provide additional information about your business and can increase the relevance and performance of your ads. By using ad extensions, you can improve your Quality Score and reduce your CPC.
Monitor your campaigns
Regularly monitor your campaigns to identify underperforming ads, keywords, or placements. By identifying and addressing issues, you can improve the performance of your campaigns and reduce your CPC.
