Google Content Network reaches 80% of the internet users globally, serving more than 6 billion ad impressions each day and making it the number 1 online advertising network in the world.

Are you taking advantage of Google Content Network?

Here are some tips from real Google employees for Google Content Network.

1. Seperate Your Search & Content Campaigns



2. Try Google Content Campaigns with 3-5 Keywords




3. Keep Keyword Lists Small & Tightly Themed



4. Site Exclude Low Performing Sites



5. Implement Conversion Optimizer in Your Search & Content Campaigns



6. Use Clear Call to Action on your Display Ads



7. Use Similar Messaging on Search & Content Network Ads



8. Learn to Love the Placement Performance Reports for Better ROI



9. Do not use Keyword Insertion on Google Content Network Ads

Introduction to Google Adwords Content Network

Google Adwords Content Network Optimization Tips

Here are some good resources, articles and guides to learn more about Google Content Network and optimization.

• Google Content Network Official Getting Started Guide
• Here are some good tips for Google Content Network Success.
• Did you know that Google Content Network has its own Youtube Channel?
• Here are two good reads from PPCHero; How to Restructure Your Content Campaign to increase the impressions, and Google Content Network & Relevance.
• What is a Google Content Network Blast?

Are you profiting from Google Adwords Content Network?

Google Adwords is launching a new feature called “Automatic Matching”.  Previously, Adwords had three keyword match options; Exact, Phrase, and Broad.

Automatic matching is a wider option than the broad match.  In broad match, if you bid for jordan, your ads might show for keyphrases like “jordan shoes”, “michael jordan”, “capital of jordan”, “president of jordan”, etc.  With the use of negative keywords, broad match might be a good option for some campaigns.

When I start a brand new adwords campaign, depending on the case, I might turn the broad match option on, and use conversion tracking to analyze the converting keywords, and come up with a list of negative keywords to add into the campaign later on.  But I have never been a big fan of broad match.

Unless, you are seasoned PPC marketer, you have to be very careful about broad match, especially with the new feature “automatic matching”.  Let’s go with an example;

You’d like to promote michael jordan brand and products.  For the keyword you enter “Michael Jordan”, but if the automatic matching feature is on within your campaign, your ad might show up for basketball related searches such as “MVP NBA”, “Basketball”, “legendary basketball players”.  Because Google’s algorithm will see these keywords laterally related to “Michael Jordan”, and will try to spend your unspent ad budget with these keywords.

As I said, if you are seasoned PPC marketer, you might come up with several ideas to use this feature, but if you are not, I’d highly suggest turning this feature off within your campaigns.  If you like to try it, you have to implement Google Conversion Tracker and track each keyword’s ROI.

If you’re account is eligible for the new automatic matching; Go into your account campaign settings, in the advanced options settings there is a new option for Automatic Matching. Check or uncheck the box where it says ”Show ads on more search queries without adding keywords”.  Here’s a screenshot:

Google Adwords is all about the ROI and numbers game.  You have to follow the new features, and updates closely in order not to lose any money.  Also remember to track your campaigns within keyword level.  That’s how you will get the best buck out of your advertising budget.