Quick conversion rate test on 4 PPC services

Before I started in internet marketing, I ran experiments in a Biology lab. I think applying the scientific method to PPC marketing has really helped me become a successful affiliate. I am always running several tests of one thing or another. I thought it would be interesting to start sharing some of results on the blog. (without giving out the actual niche).

This quick test was designed to compare 4 PPC networks to find the conversion rates. All other variables were kept constant, including keywords, ad copy, and landing pages, and domain. I ran the test for 24 hours on Google, Yahoo, MSN, and 7 Search. Offer is in financial services area.

Results:

I expected MSN to be the conversion leader of the big 3, and with a 11.35% CR they were. The big surprise of the test was 7 Search, with a whopping 17.39% rate. Of course the volume on 7 search was much lower, as you expect with any 2nd tier network. It’s also important to note that these amounts of clicks aren’t enough to be statistically valid, but they are enough to start seeing trends and making decisions about what direction you want to start heading with the campaign. At this click rate, I would probably need to run this test for a week to get >500 clicks for statistical validity. Based on this short test, I would definitely push forward with full scale campaigns on MSN, Yahoo, and 7 search. The Google conversion rate was very close to the break even point.

Are these results what you would expect from those 4 PPC engines?

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Posted in 2nd Tier PPC, Pay Per Click, Testing by Chad on 02|13|08
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11 Comments »

2008-02-13 08:02:25

[...] Original post by CDF Networks [...]

 
Comment by Tihomir
2008-02-13 08:15:26

Well, I think the results are normal. 7search has improved traffic quality so conversions are good but volume is low. Also bids on 7s are way lower, so better ROI can be maintained.

 
Comment by Teach Me $$
2008-02-13 16:25:23

Hi,
With my tests and campaigns I would say MAC has more conversions and Google and Yahoo both compete for the 2nd spot.
I never tried on 7 search, after looking at your stats will give it a test run.

Vijay

 
Comment by Gagan
2008-02-13 16:35:14

Nice test Chad. Right now I only use adwords and YSM. Need to open up an account with MSN and scale my campaigns.

 
Comment by David
2008-02-13 17:36:32

How many days was this over?

 
Comment by simon
2008-02-13 17:50:38

yes, totally, and i think that google cost clicks should be a lot more low, because adwords in general has low conversion, so much restrictions, but its cost are absurdly so much hight ,¿what do you think ?

 
2008-02-13 18:01:46

Thanks for sharing. I’m a strong advocate of testing and tracking, so it’s good to read a comparison of networks like this.

It looks like I’m another person who will be giving 7 Search a try.

 
Comment by Andrew Cho
2008-02-13 19:45:15

I’ve tried 7search for a couple months and I was breakeven at best. Then, I had a stretch where I spent almost $100 with very little conversions and I decided to stop advertising with them. If you decide to try 7search, my advice is to start very small before ramping up the campaigns. Just because the CPC is lower, doesn’t mean you’ll always get a better ROI. Just my two cents.

 
Comment by ChadS
2008-02-14 03:15:24

Nice little comparison there. I’m surprised that 7Search converted so well.

 
Comment by chuks ugoji
2008-02-14 22:24:43

no, its surprising

 
Comment by Matt
2008-02-19 00:50:17

good work. I will sure want to follow every result you are kind to share with us here. Thanks

 
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