Read Latest Blog
SERVICES PERSONA BLUEPRINTS OUR COMPANY MARKETING TIPS - BLOG CONTACT US
Understanding Pay-Per-Click and How it Works

Understanding Pay-Per-Click And How It Works

Click. Click. Click. Every day, online ads generate leads. Your advertisements can run continuously, reaching potential customers on websites, social media channels, search engine results pages, and other platforms. You go to sleep at night knowing your ad is out there. Getting clicks. Leading customers to your products. Or is it?  For all you know, your online ad is out there in cyberspace doing nothing. Not drawing in the right customers at the right time is a huge concern. The thing is, whenever your ad is clicked, you pay. No matter what actions they complete on your website or how qualified they are. This is the foundation of Pay-Per-Click (PPC), you pay for every click that your ad gets. With Art Unlimited’s expertise, you can rest easy, knowing your ad strategy is designed to deliver results.

Targeting Your Audience

PPC lets you focus on your ideal customers—those who share common demographics, interests, or behaviors. Platforms like Google Ads and Microsoft Ads offer tools to fine-tune your targeting by boosting spending in high-performing areas and reducing it in underperforming ones.

How PPC is Different

PPC differs from other paid ads because you pay only for clicks, not views. Using keyword lists, PPC lets you target specific markets. Relevant keywords tailored to your product or service help optimize your ads, ensuring they connect with the appropriate audience. This method prevents wasting your budget on unverified impressions and guarantees real interactions.

graphic of a dollar sign and a cursor "clicking" on pay-per-click ad
graphic of a clock to indicate fast results from PPC ads

Where PPC Ads Appear

PPC ads often appear at the top or alongside search engine results pages (SERPs). Placement depends on factors like keyword relevance and user interest, which are determined by algorithms. Some platforms also display your ads on trusted third-party sites, such as news organizations, or as display cards on websites visited by potential customers.

Fast Results

While organic marketing builds traffic over time, PPC delivers quick results. PPC ads attract qualified leads, helping customers find you faster. They’re measurable, localized, and cost-effective—you only pay when someone clicks. Algorithms ensure ad relevance, turning clicks into conversations and conversions.

Directing Your Ads with Keywords

Google Ads, the largest PPC platform, allows advertisers to bid on keywords that target specific searches. These keywords connect your ads with customers looking for your products. The more closely your keywords align with customer queries, the better your chances of generating clicks and sales.

When Do You Pay?

With PPC, you can choose whether you pay per click or impression. Impressions track who sees your ad, providing valuable data to measure its effectiveness. You may choose either option, depending on the goals you are trying to achieve.

Filtering Who Sees Your Ads

vKeyword selection is critical for PPC success. Bidding on relevant, specific keywords ensures your ads reach the right audience. Google Ads enhances targeting with options like device, audience, and location filters. These tools help you display ads on chosen devices, in specific locations, and to audiences that match your criteria.

graphic of an add finding its way to a person
Art Unlimited logo in green

Need Help with PPC?

Have questions about implementing PPC campaigns into your marketing strategy? Art Unlimited can help. Contact Art Unlimited today to learn how we can optimize your marketing efforts and drive success.

Scroll to Top