PPC 101: Simple Steps to Grow Your Business with Pay-Per-Click

[00:00:00] Have you ever wondered why your business doesn't show up at the top of Google when potential customers search for products or services like yours? You're probably thinking, isn't that just for big companies with big budgets? What if I told you there is a way to level the playing field and get your business in front of the right people without spending a fortune?

You're It's called pay per click advertising, or PPC, and yes, it can be intimidating if you've never explored it before. But today, I'm going to break it down into simple steps so you can understand how PPC works and why it might be the key your business needs to unlock new opportunities.

 Welcome to Simplified Solutions, your go to resource for [00:01:00] small business owners and entrepreneurs seeking practical advice, innovative strategies, and simple solutions for business, marketing, and technology. I'm your host, Kristina Stubblefield. If you're eager to take your business to greater heights, then you're in the right place.

We're here to help you unleash your business's untapped potential, boost your visibility, and maximize your investments. Let's dive into the world of Simplified Solutions. Stay tuned, and let's simplify success together. 

Today, I want to start with the basics. What exactly is pay per click advertising or PPC for short? In simple terms, PPC is a model where you pay a fee every time someone clicks on one of your ads. The most common platforms for PPC are Google Ads and Bing Ads, [00:02:00] which allow your business to show up at the top of search results when potential customers are actively searching for what you offer.

For example, let's say you're a local bakery. When someone types best cupcakes near me into Google, a PPC ad could put your bakery at the very top of the search results. You're paying for visibility. Right. When someone is ready to make a purchase decision and the best part, you only pay when someone actually clicks on your ad. It's a direct way to get in front of people who are already interested in what you have to offer. Now, why should small businesses consider PPC? Well, there are a few key reasons. First. Immediate visibility. When you set up a PPC campaign, your business can be [00:03:00] seen at the top of search results almost instantly.

Even if your website isn't ranking high organically for small businesses that are just starting out or don't have a lot of SEO traction, this is a huge benefit. Second targeted reach. With PPC, you can target your ads to a very specific audience. You can choose keywords that are relevant to your business, but you can also filter by location, age, interest, and more.

This means your ad is shown to people who are more likely to be interested in what you're offering. Third, control over budget. Unlike traditional advertising, where you might have to spend big bucks up front, PPC allows you to set your daily or monthly budget. You can start with a small amount, monitor your results, and adjust your spending as [00:04:00] you see what works.

And lastly, measurable results. One of the biggest advantages of PPC is that you can track every click, conversion, and dollar spent. You get detailed data on which ads are driving traffic and sales. So there's no guessing whether your marketing dollars are working, you'll know.

Now let's address a couple of misconceptions about PPC that I hear from small businesses all the time. The first is that PPC is too complicated. I'll admit, the first time you log in to Google Ads, it can feel overwhelming. But, once you break it down, it's much simpler to understand. Then it looks the second misconception is that PPC is too expensive for my small business.

This is [00:05:00] absolutely not true. One of the great things about PPC is that you can start with a small budget and scale up. You're in full control of your ad spend. I've seen small businesses start with as little as five to ten dollars a day and get results The key is to start small, test and optimize as you go.

Don't just set it and forget it. The optimizing part is really important. So let's talk about how PPC fits into your overall marketing strategy. Think of PPC as a tool to drive immediate traffic to your website, especially when you're launching a new product service or have a promotion. It's also perfect for businesses that need to attract customers quickly, whether you're filling appointments, selling products, [00:06:00] or promoting an event.

But here's the thing, PPC isn't a magic wand. It works best when it's used alongside other marketing efforts, like organic SEO. Social media marketing and email campaigns. PPC can bring in quick wins while your other efforts help build long term relationships with your audience. The key is to integrate PPC as part of a larger strategy to ensure you're getting the most bang for your buck.

So if you've been on the fence about using Google ads or Bing ads, I hope this information has shown you that PPC can really be a game changer for small businesses. You don't need to be a marketing expert. To start using it and you don't need a massive budget. With the right [00:07:00] strategy, PPC can help you drive more traffic, attract new customers, and see real results.

And remember, the key to successful PPC or any advertising for that matter, really is having a clear strategy. Without one, you might end up wasting your ad spend. And seeing little return. 

If you're feeling unsure about how to create an effective advertising strategy, don't worry, I'm here to help you can visit my website to schedule a strategy session with me and we can work together to figure out the best strategy for your business.

It doesn't matter whether you're just starting with ads, or maybe you've been running ads and you're looking to optimize. I can help you get the most out of your marketing budget. 

 [00:08:00] Thank you for joining us today on Simplified Solutions. If you found value in this episode and want to dive deeper into topics like this, here's how you can stay connected. Join our vibrant Facebook group, Simplified Solutions with Kristina Stubblefield to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and continue the conversation.

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Until next time, remember there are always simplified solutions for your business.