A lot has been made about quality scores for Google ads. Rated on a scale of 1 to 10 per keyword targeted, the quality score is the ultimate determinant of ad placement on the search results. As webmasters experiment, tips for how to achieve a perfect 10 are emerging in the forums.
Google recently explained why the highest bid on a keyword doesn’t always guarantee top spot to advertiser. It has more to do with the relevance of the ad and the likelihood of being clicked. A big bid with high relevance and high likelihood of making Google money wins. Likewise, a small bid with high relevance and likelihood of being clicked a bunch of times and making Google more money wins.
In the Search Engine Watch forum, a member posted initial success with this recipe:
Take two-word keyword phrase, mix in new domain: word1word2.com. Do not add navigation, ads, or links. Add both words in title tag, write about keywords, run ad for keywords and use new webpage as landing page. Let stand, Google quality score serves 10. Cost: one red cent.
At least at first. It’s unknown if the quality score sticks over time without links or anything else.
At Digital Point, one poster achieved his QS10 score in these ways:
1. Maximum three keywords per ad campaign.
2. Eliminated words Google suggested.
3. Estimated CPC bid to third-spot level
4. Geo-targeted campaigns, limiting to only areas where merchant can sell
5. Limited to timing to periods of peak interest
6. Tested versions of keywords, eliminating what didn’t work well
Well, there you have it, the latest in QS testing. Happy experimenting.
Hat tip to Search Engine Roundtable.
