Google Adwords Simplifies Ad Placement

Google Adwords advertisers often wonder why their ads aren't showing up in Google search results. There are numerous variables to evaluate and it may take a series of changes to reinstate optimal ad visibility. Ad performance, or an ad's click-through-rate, is often to blame. In the past, Google penalized these ads and reduced their frequency. Now, advertisers who meet minimum bid requirements override any performance bans and should see their ads regardless of their click-through-rates. Read more about these changes at Search Engine Watch.

More Eye-Tracking Info from Google

Hi There! I'm back from vacation and ready to get back to the nitty gritty of SEM!

Just this morning, I was talking to a client about conversion on his site and relating my previous post on eye tracking. Then this new article came in with confirming data and a little more info.

100% of users, will look at the "golden triangle" of a search engine results page (SERP). The survey shows that most people go to a search engine looking for Natural search results but about 30 percent of searchers started scanning first in the top sponsored ads, and 50 percent in top organic results. Another interesting statistic they uncovered is that about 14 percent of the time (on first visits to a search results page) searchers click on a top sponsored link before they get to the Natural search results.

Now, this is very interesting when you are considering your sites listings in the search engines. Yes, you want to be in the first Sponsored listings as well as "above the fold" in the Natural search listings. But this eye tracking information applies to your own site too! Have you taken a good critical look at your front page lately? What appears in your "Golden Triangle"? If it isn't information that clearly tells your visitor what you have to offer, you may want to rethink that page.