Conventional wisdom is usually not wise. That’s why thinking outside the box is so important in PPC affiliate marketing. Take for instance, the content network. I don’t know how many times I have heard “experts” say don’t use it whatever you do. The fact is, the content network can and does work.
Case in point:
I have an education offer that I have been experimenting with for about 3 months now. I have 2 identical campaigns running on Google; same keywords, adgroups, and ads. All is the same except 1 campaign is on the search network and 1 is on the content network. The results are surprising.
Search 3 Month Conversion Rate = 8.23%
Content 3 Month Conversion Rate = 13.87%
The content network sends about same volume as the search network. But the content network is converting 5.6% better than the search network. That’s right, content is converting better than search! Plus my bid prices are about 40% less for the content network. Of course every single offer and campaign is different, which is why testing is key. If I would have paid attention to the “experts” I never would have found this little goldmine. In this particular case, my results clearly disprove the notion that the content network doesn’t work for affiliate campaigns.
I’m not a ppc’er but the only thing I’ve ever heard for newbies is turn off the content network should be the first thing you do.
Great reminder to think differently with stats.
you made a good point.. but as always this varies per target and niche.. some stuff goes awesome on content others just suck the money out of you.
I heard that same crap. These must be the “experts” that “reveal” all their secrets.
That is very true I also had heard chatter about not using content network and some saying it is a viable option. Now your study shows that content network has potential.
IMO Only way to find out is by testing.
Thanks
Vijay
Actually, the Content Network is performing 68.5% better than the Search Network. 10% compared to 5% isn’t 5% better, it’s 100% better.