Analyzing PPC conversion data is where most B2B search marketers spend their time. They monitor and change their bids to make sure that their top converting keywords are funded adequately.
This strategy is the norm, but it may not be the most effective or efficient strategy. The best B2B marketers will also focus on optimizing their campaigns based on ROI and not just an immediate conversion. Explore more PPC management options.
Google Search Funnels
Looking into the Reporting and Tools section of Google’s AdWords you will find conversion information such as Search Funnels.
Generally, search funnels can show you some of your searchers behavior over a period of time. You will be able to see key terms, ad groups, and campaigns that help generate conversions.
If you use this information properly, you will be able to better control your budgets and bids, improve your ROI, and get a leg up on the competition.
Understanding Searchers
Understanding how prospects and customers search is critical to B2B marketers, especially those selling high-consideration, complex products and services. Business buyers engage in a research, comparison and buying process.
A long term multichannel sales process is fueled by the Internet, search engines and your company’s website. To really understand customer behavior through the whole buying process, B2B firms should be utilizing search funnels.
If you’re new to search funnels, initially I recommend that you review these 3 reports:
1.Path Length
2.Time Lag
3.Assisted Conversions
How Many Clicks Does It Take?
Begin by understanding the average path length. How many times will a prospective customer click before they convert?
It is important to understand that prospects who are just starting their buying process probably won’t download a whitepaper the first time they click on your PPC ad.
For example, you may find that the average prospect clicks on 3 ads before they are willing to “convert” and complete an online registration form.
How Long Will This Take?
Next, you will want to review the Time Lag Report. This report should give an estimate of how long it takes for users to convert.
Quite a few consumer-focused campaigns call for inexpensive, impulsive purchase decisions. When dealing with this type of campaign, conversion paths aren’t long and there isn’t much time-to-conversion to speak of.
However, for high-consideration business decisions, conversion usually involves multiple impressions/clicks and the time required to persuade a prospect to convert (even simply completing an online registration form) may take weeks or months. Get more information on PPC services.
What Is A Typical Search Process?
Third, review the Assisted Conversions Report. This analysis will show you what prospects search for before they convert.
In the case where there are a bunch of impressions and clicks before users complete the desired action, you should dig in and find out what prospects are doing prior to conversion and adjust bids to favor high converting keywords.
Review At Least Once A Month
At this time, assist data is not included in the AdWords interface at the keyword level. B2B marketers should use Search Funnel Analysis, review all of that data, and then decide where they want to make changes to campaign based on the information from the report.
You may not have the time to review these reports daily or weekly, but reviewing them at least once per month should give you some real insight into how your customers behave and how you should adjust your campaign.
Ensure You Provide The Correct Funds To High Converting Keywords
The goal here is to find which keywords are helping conversions, but aren’t really converting themselves. By not checking your search funnel reports, you are probably not giving those crucial keywords enough funds.
Focusing on these assisting terms as well as your top converters, can set your PPC campaign ahead of your competitors and give you a strategic edge.
In many cases, these less obvious keywords command cheaper bids than popular top converters. Explore more PPC management options.
Look At The Big Picture
Nearly all B2B marketers focus on conversion activity presented in their PPC accounts. These days this is a benchmark, essential PPC optimization process.