Pay per click facts for kids
Pay Per Click (PPC) is a type of advertising used on the internet. It means that advertisers, like companies selling products, pay a fee each time someone clicks on their online ad. Think of it like a mini-auction every time you search for something online!
This kind of advertising is very common on search engines such as Google and Bing. When you type something into a search bar, you might see these ads at the very top of the search results or sometimes on the side. They often look similar to regular search results but are usually marked with a small "Ad" or "Sponsored" label.
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What is Pay Per Click (PPC)?
PPC stands for Pay Per Click. It's a way for businesses to get their websites and products seen by people who are actively looking for them. Instead of paying a fixed amount to show an ad, they only pay when someone actually clicks on it. This makes it a very efficient way for companies to spend their advertising money.
How Do PPC Ads Work?
When you search for something online, a super-fast auction happens behind the scenes. Many companies might want their ad to show up for your search. They bid on keywords, which are the words or phrases you type into the search engine. The company that wins the auction gets its ad displayed.
Where Do You See PPC Ads?
You most often see PPC ads on search engine results pages. On Google, for example, these ads can appear right at the top of the search results. They might have a small label like "Ad" next to them. Sometimes, they also appear on the right side of the page. These ads are designed to look like helpful links, guiding you to what you're searching for.
Why Do Companies Use PPC?
Companies use PPC because it helps them reach people who are already interested in what they offer. If you search for "new video games," a game company's ad might show up. This means they are advertising directly to someone who wants to buy a video game. It's a very targeted way to find potential customers. It also allows them to control their budget, as they only pay when someone shows interest by clicking.
Who Are the Big Players in PPC?
There are several companies that provide PPC services. The three largest and most well-known are:
- Google AdWords: Now called Google Ads, this is the biggest PPC platform. It allows businesses to show ads on Google search results and other websites.
- Yahoo! Search Marketing: This platform helps businesses place ads on Yahoo's search engine.
- Microsoft adCenter: Now known as Microsoft Advertising, this service places ads on Bing and other Microsoft-owned websites.
These platforms help millions of businesses connect with customers every day.
See also
- Pago por clic para niños (In Spanish)
