PPC Conversion Rates for Site Related Services?

[leadsupplier]

I have to test this for myself to be sure, but wanted to ask you guys anyway.

I'm looking to offer my own service, and want to advertise through PPC. It's not an SEO service, but in pretty similar category.

I realize that the KW bid prices are pretty high, and i'm wondering if it's unrealistic to expect a 3% CVR rate for something like this. Obviously LP design and ad copy will play a huge factor as well. But i'm just looking for some input from people that have done something similar, what i can ballpark a CVR rate to be.

 

[dogfighter]

Hope you're going to give your clients a better pitch

Need to know more about what constitutes a 'conversion' in this case, as well as where you're getting the traffic. Yahoo traffic, 7Search traffic and AdWords traffic are all going to perform differently. Content network or Search? Managing expectations in the ad copy? You trying to get them to request a quote? Trying to get them to buy a product on the spot? Sign up for a newsletter? Download a whitepaper? Request a call back? Call you directly? Is this something they're likely to shop around for? Is this something they're likely to request/get/buy more than one of?

Sight unseen I'd have to say 3% is unrealistic.

 

[pocketrockets]

Hope you're going to give your clients a better pitch

Need to know more about what constitutes a 'conversion' in this case, as well as where you're getting the traffic. Yahoo traffic, 7Search traffic and AdWords traffic are all going to perform differently. Content network or Search? Managing expectations in the ad copy? You trying to get them to request a quote? Trying to get them to buy a product on the spot? Sign up for a newsletter? Download a whitepaper? Request a call back? Call you directly? Is this something they're likely to shop around for? Is this something they're likely to request/get/buy more than one of?

Sight unseen I'd have to say 3% is unrealistic.

^^ pretty much this.

A lot depends on the competition level and how your margins compare to others in the space. You may never be profitable on the front end but if you collect emails and start a newsletter then it may pencil out.

If it's a relatively new product/service/trend with just a few advertisers you can be very profitable right out of the gate.

Play with a PPC calculator to get different scenarios.

Generally, I shoot for 1% conversion and go from there.

If I can breakeven from the start it's a great sign and I can tweak from there...

 

[flaw3d]

Depends on your service honestly. Also LP/Ad copy and not to mention are your buyers immediate buyers or just shopping around?