My First CPA + PPC Experiment

129 replies
Hi Warriors,

After going through a lot of stuff, I have finally decided to go ahead with my first thrift with CPA. I am not sure I will be able to earn a lot of money with this but, it at least will be a learning experience for me.

So, here is what I plan to do...

CPA Network:

I am currently a member of only one CPA Network i.e., Vcommission.

CPA Offer:

I have chosen to promote the best converting offer at VCommission which is a Free Restaurant Gift Card for those who take the Best Pizza Survey. It converts at 136.36% per lead and pays $1.12 per lead.

Technical, I don't know how anything can convert at 136.36%. That's just too good to be true, but I am going try it anyway

Advertising Method:

PPC on Google

Keywords Chosen:

pizza and cafe
sports bar pizza
pizza and wine bar
pizza and steak
pizza and seafood
pizza and restaurant
pizza and coffee
pizza and bbq
pizza and bar
bistro and pizza

Estimated Avg. CPC

0.05$ But, I will pay $0.07

Global Monthly Search Volume

12950

Global Monthly Daily Search Volume

431.6666667

Estimated Clicks

It depends on how appealing my Ad is. I am myself a beginner so I am not sure, if I will get any clicks at all in the first place. :rolleyes:

Keywords Tool:

Google Keywords Tool

Estimated Income

Let's assume, I get 50 clicks from 431.6 impressions, I will lose $3.5.
However, if those clicks actually convert as per the conversion estimate of VCommission i.e., more than %100, I will earn $50.

So, investing $3.5 to earn $50 is not a bad thing. Is it?

But, lets not count the chickens before they hatch.

I still need to prepare my landing page (which I am not so experienced at), setup my domain forwarding. So, there is a lot of work to do. I will update the other things, once my campaign gets started.

OK. Let me go and kick some butt with my Frontpage.
#cpa #experiment #ppc
  • Profile picture of the author khalifamueen
    Banned
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    • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
      Well! as I said earlier, I am doing an experiment. So, I am telling you everything I am doing. It is up to the individuals to believe me or not. Once I setup everything, I will give you the screenshots. I hope at least then, you will believe me. BTW, I do not know for sure, if everything will work as intended or not.

      I collected these keywords using the Google Keywords tool. Just type in any phrase in Google Adwords tool and you will get some good suggestions from Google. I don't know what you mean by dead keywords. They do have search volume but, not competition.
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  • Profile picture of the author lovesazu
    well is it really worked for you ? surely wait for a few weeks, n see the result, if its really work for you then do share with us howz the result surely everyone will be intrested to spending a money if geting more in retrn
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    • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
      Update

      Here is an update for everyone:

      1. I created a landing page in Microsoft Frontpage just by compiling the resources provided by the Advertiser. I did not use any sales pitch as such.

      2. I uploaded the page to my web hosting account using my FTP client Filezilla.

      3. I got got a Free domain name and redirected it to my landing page that I had just uploaded via FTP.

      The Next Steps:

      1. I need to setup a new Google Adwords Account with US Dollar Currency

      2. Refine my Keywords

      3. Write an attractive Ad

      Will update you with the progress soon.
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    • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
      Forgot to mention:

      Here is my landing page, in case you want to see.

      In case you live in US, I don't mind you taking the survey
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      • Profile picture of the author FredFarnes
        Originally Posted by SacredWealth View Post

        Forgot to mention:

        Here is my landing page, in case you want to see.

        In case you live in US, I don't mind you taking the survey

        You landing page does not look good in Firefox, see attached.
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        So, you want to sell me another way to easily make "X" dollars in "X" days? ROFL too funny! IM success requires hard work and lots of time. Most newbies do not survive the steep learning curve. Anyone who says otherwise is probably selling you a fantasy.

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        • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
          Originally Posted by FredFarnes View Post

          You landing page does not look good in Firefox, see attached.
          Thanks for pointing out. But, I tested it in FF, IE and Chrome. Its working well for me in all browsers. Not sure, why its like that for you.
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  • Profile picture of the author Solidsnake
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    I think directing the visitors to CPA product page is more effective..
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    • Profile picture of the author FredFarnes
      Originally Posted by Solidsnake View Post

      I think directing the visitors to CPA product page is more effective..
      I think this the big "G" will not allow this? Must have a bridge page, landing page.
      Signature

      So, you want to sell me another way to easily make "X" dollars in "X" days? ROFL too funny! IM success requires hard work and lots of time. Most newbies do not survive the steep learning curve. Anyone who says otherwise is probably selling you a fantasy.

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    • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
      Originally Posted by Solidsnake View Post

      I think directing the visitors to CPA product page is more effective..
      The CPA tracking URLs are too huge and generally cannot be used with a Free Domain name. In addition, we cannot use tracking URLs with Google Adwords. So, had to go with the landing page option. It's anyway an experiment. Let me see what happens.
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  • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
    A surprise for you guys...my landing page URL has got indexed on Goolge only in a few hours. If you search with my free domain name. You will get the first and only result which my little landing page. If you use a Keyword Phrase "Free $500 Pizza card," you will find it to be the second result out there.

    That's cool. Is it not?

    Now, let me go and setup my Google Adwords account and sorry for the delay. There was a power cut at my home.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kim Davis
    I get the same view in IE....I hope you do well with it....your call to action is not very clear....You should know within seconds what the page is about and what you are so supposed to do....I found it too busy to figure it out in seconds...my eyes weren't sure where to go first.....I know you didn't ask for my opinon but I thought I would mention it.....
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    • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
      Originally Posted by Kim Davis View Post

      I get the same view in IE....I hope you do well with it....your call to action is not very clear....You should know within seconds what the page is about and what you are so supposed to do....I found it too busy to figure it out in seconds...my eyes weren't sure where to go first.....I know you didn't ask for my opinon but I thought I would mention it.....
      Kim, thank you so much for your advice. I value it.
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  • Profile picture of the author 4thstreet
    If you are going to use G you will have to add a privacy & an "about" page. You may also want to add some type of articles or recipes for pizza - more value to visitor - less cost with G and less chance to have your campaign shut down.
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    • Profile picture of the author GeorgR.
      Originally Posted by 4thstreet View Post

      If you are going to use G you will have to add a privacy & an "about" page. You may also want to add some type of articles or recipes for pizza - more value to visitor - less cost with G and less chance to have your campaign shut down.
      always add "contact us", "privacy policy", "terms of service".

      Its a little work...but what do we all do for good QS

      I usually use their email-templates (if available)...or use a BIG banner and i make some site with it. And i add some "personal stuff" like "look what i found. This site has the best XYZ..you just need to fill out some simple forms and get a FREE XYZ"... also make sure to use title and H1 headlines to get your quality score up.

      The other idea is framing the real site (eg ZIP submit)..so people actually get the submit-form right away on your landing page.
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      • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
        Originally Posted by GeorgR. View Post

        always add "contact us", "privacy policy", "terms of service".

        Its a little work...but what do we all do for good QS

        I usually use their email-templates (if available)...or use a BIG banner and i make some site with it. And i add some "personal stuff" like "look what i found. This site has the best XYZ..you just need to fill out some simple forms and get a FREE XYZ"... also make sure to use title and H1 headlines to get your quality score up.

        The other idea is framing the real site (eg ZIP submit)..so people actually get the submit-form right away on your landing page.
        Thanks for your suggestions George. Is there any place where I can find some Generic Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions Statements which can be used on all Websites?
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  • Profile picture of the author Solidsnake
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    There's a slight problem with firefox but all in all, you have a fantastic landing page..
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    • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
      Originally Posted by Solidsnake View Post

      There's a slight problem with firefox but all in all, you have a fantastic landing page..
      Thank you Solidsnake!
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  • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
    Here's an update

    I have setup my add on Google:

    © Free $500 Pizza Card
    Just Tell Us Your Best Pizza Place
    & Get A Free $500 Gift Card Now
    www.PizzaSurveyFreeGiftCard.co.nr
    Currently, I am using only 10 Keywords:
    pizza and cafe
    sports bar pizza
    pizza and wine bar
    pizza and steak
    pizza and seafood
    pizza and restaurant
    pizza and coffee
    pizza and bbq
    pizza and bar
    bistro and pizza
    Currently, none of the above Keywords have any sought of Advertiser competition associated with them (unless, my fellow warriors decide to steel some of them ).

    I am paying $0.07 per click to Google and hope to convert all clicks. Ofcourse, it all depends on how compelling visitors find my landing page and a lot of other things.
    All in all, whether I succeed or not, I am sure, it will be a good learning experience for me and for all those who are following this thread.
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  • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
    Good News

    I got a OK (7/10) quality score for all my Keywords. I am curious to see how they perform over a day or 2.

    BTW, I am working on my Privacy and other pages that some of the other Warriors have recommended. Thank you all for your suggestions. Please keep them coming. I need to learn a lot.
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    • Profile picture of the author Mark 2
      Sandeep, you caught me... I never spent too much time on any single page. Would you believe I have read every single word and line you are doing.

      Best of luck, and looking farward positive results from you.
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      • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
        Originally Posted by Mark 2 View Post

        Sandeep, you caught me... I never spent too much time on any single page. Would you believe I have read every single word and line you are doing.

        Best of luck, and looking farward positive results from you.
        Thanks a lot Mark for your encouraging words.
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  • Profile picture of the author vpatodi
    Sandeep All the Best,

    I am doing IM for last one year and not even accomplished any success.

    You have inspired me
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    • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
      Originally Posted by vpatodi View Post

      Sandeep All the Best,

      I am doing IM for last one year and not even accomplished any success.

      You have inspired me
      Thanks for your best wishes. If this experiment works for me who is a complete newbie, it will practically prove once and for all that CPA + PPC Works.

      I am not going to stop, even if I fail. I will keep trying till and after I succeed.
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  • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
    I have now started getting impressions for my keywords. Only six till now, but I am excited about the possibilities after 24 hours.
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  • Profile picture of the author Flyingpig7
    I like your landing page. I think your brave sharing this with us but I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn from your experiment as I shall follow it with great interest. I have always wanted to know the nuts & bolts of running a CPA campaign. I wish you great success, (& ROI) Sandeep.

    By the way where did you get a free domain from?


    Cheers Keren
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    Have a great day

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    • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
      Originally Posted by Flyingpig7 View Post

      I like your landing page. I think your brave sharing this with us but I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn from your experiment as I shall follow it with great interest. I have always wanted to know the nuts & bolts of running a CPA campaign. I wish you great success, (& ROI) Sandeep.

      By the way where did you get a free domain from?

      Cheers Keren
      Hi Keren,

      Than you for your compliments and best wishes. I hope I do well too.

      I got the free domain name from this website

      Just do search on Google with a Keyword "free domain names" and the first result you find should be the Free domain providing website. It's a lovely service they provide.
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  • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
    Ok...I am going to bed now...will post more updates tomorrow morning..hopefully no sad news.
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  • Profile picture of the author Samos
    I subscribed to the thread. Great to read I'm also a newb who is starting with ppc and cpa only had a little succes yet.

    My best traffic is from SEO.
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  • Profile picture of the author J Bold
    Wow, that's crazy that you're throwing all your keywords and strategies out there. I wouldn't be so trusting, but anyway...
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    • Profile picture of the author mosilager
      Good luck with your experiment, it's always nice to see a newbie try something....I'm new at CPA as well, and just finished my 1st month where I made $19 , nothing to write home about, but I'm excited and can't wait to build on it...
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  • Profile picture of the author John34
    Your landing page is down,thats the problem with free domains.
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  • Profile picture of the author Paul Clutterbuck
    Hey there, keep up with the testing.
    Have you tried direct linking???

    I use direct linking to find profitable campaigns before i start building pages. could be a waste of your time.
    But hey, keep testing.
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  • Profile picture of the author amitcor
    Hi man, good luck, hope you succeed on your first attempt.

    - you can always find privacy statements and any other statement you need. just search. if you don't find i can send you anything that you need. spreadsheats that you can use.

    - could it be that your free domain ending (co.nr) is working against you and damaging your CTR? I'm not sure if i would want to click something that is not *.com . not sure though. also i think that if it start working for you - change your landing page. it's not even semi-professional ( duhhh )

    -How did you get an approval to a CPA network without a site? did you talk to them on the phone? did you write an email? what did you say? i understand they can be hard to deal with.

    Great work man, thanks for sharing!
    Looking forward to updates

    -
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  • Profile picture of the author GeorgR.
    uhm...what search volume do these KWs have?
    Who enters "pizza and coffee"?

    As for the privacy policy stuff, yes:

    Privacy Policy / Terms Of Service Generator
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    • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
      Originally Posted by amitcor View Post

      Hi man, good luck, hope you succeed on your first attempt.

      - you can always find privacy statements and any other statement you need. just search. if you don't find i can send you anything that you need. spreadsheats that you can use.

      - could it be that your free domain ending (co.nr) is working against you and damaging your CTR? I'm not sure if i would want to click something that is not *.com . not sure though. also i think that if it start working for you - change your landing page. it's not even semi-professional ( duhhh )

      -How did you get an approval to a CPA network without a site? did you talk to them on the phone? did you write an email? what did you say? i understand they can be hard to deal with.

      Great work man, thanks for sharing!
      Looking forward to updates

      -
      Hi Amitcor,

      Yes, my free domain could be working against me. So, I have decided to buy a new generic .Com domain. By the way I do have a decent website of my own. Its called ArtworksManiac.com. Currently, I am approved in only one Network VCommission.com. The offers are not that good, but what can I do. No one else is approving me. Having said that, I have not applied for more than 6 Networks. latest I have applied for is Hydra and had a chat with them last night. The lady sounded pretty rough. I am curious to see the status of my application.

      Originally Posted by GeorgR. View Post

      uhm...what search volume do these KWs have?
      Who enters "pizza and coffee"?

      As for the privacy policy stuff, yes:

      Privacy Policy / Terms Of Service Generator
      Thank you for the links to PV and POS Generator. It will surely help me out.

      As per Google "pizza and coffee" has a search volume of 240 per month.
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      • Profile picture of the author Achilles1963
        Wow, this is so cool of you to do, a lot of us newbies don't have the time and money to experiment with everything at first, now we can learn from your experience...i will be watching closely. P.S. -Too many peopled worry about you getting your (experimental) niche stolen, this is stupid, in sales any niche is as good as the salesman working it, any niche can be a good niche.
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        • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
          Thanks Achilles. I know people are worrying too much about my niche getting stolen. In fact some people cant believe that I am sharing my keywords. I don't mind it because I am just learning. The fact is that I would not know of my mistakes if I do not transparently tell what I did. Since, I showed everything I am doing, Warriors are able to point out my mistakes and that is helping me learn rapidly. This forum is a great learning place for me.
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  • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
    A Quick Update

    I had 82 impressions in the last 12 hours and just one click for the keyword " pizza and seafood." The CTR is 1.22%. It may be disappointing, but again its just a first attempt.

    Following can be the reasons for my low CTR:

    1. My Ad is not compelling enough to click.
    2. Users do not want to click on a .Co.Nr domain.

    As far as the conversion ability of the landing page is concerned, can't say much because I just got one click which did not convert. But, I guess I can take a word from some of you warriors according to whom it is bad.

    For ow, I have decided to do direct linking for this campaign. In addition, I am thinking of starting a new Adgroup with a different set of keywords.

    Here are action items:

    1. Buy a generic .Com domain name to promote Free Stuff offers
    (Especially for Zip & e-mail submits). I already have web hosting.
    2. Create separate Subdomain for each offer.
    3. Create better landing pages
    4. Create Privacy & TOS pages.

    I will get back to you soon with further updates.
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    • Profile picture of the author amitcor
      Originally Posted by SacredWealth View Post

      A Quick Update
      For ow, I have decided to do direct linking for this campaign.
      I would like to know if this is working for you, as i'm having difficulties getting any impressions in google with direct linking to the affiliate selling site.
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      • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
        Originally Posted by amitcor View Post

        I would like to know if this is working for you, as i'm having difficulties getting any impressions in google with direct linking to the affiliate selling site.
        Since, I did the direct linking, I did not get a single impression

        Also, I created another Ad group with much more popular keywords without any competition as per the Google Adwords tool and I got a quality score of 10/10 this time, but no impressions are showing up yet for this Adgroup.

        When I did a diagnosis for each keyword, Google asked to contact supported as the automatic system was not able to give me any suggestions as to why ads were not appearing.
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  • Profile picture of the author Matt Wolfe
    This sounds great. I can't wait to see the results. I've experimented with PPC to CPA a little bit. I spent about $50 in a day and made about $10. The $40 loss scared me and I went back to my SEO work that actually has been profitable...
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    • Profile picture of the author Mark 2
      Sandeep,

      It's your start. 82 impressions 1 click and zero conversion is not bad at all. Most of the impressions I guess would be from the warriors to whom you showed the landing page. But I have checked you are expanding your activities too fast...!!! keep it up
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  • Profile picture of the author gareth
    Heres a tip for quality score - when in your adwords acct check wht keywords google finds your landing page relevant for.

    Only use those keywords for that page and your QS will be excellent.

    Optimize a different page for other keywords and check in adwords for relevancy first. This way you wont get slapped for QS on your keywords.
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    • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
      Originally Posted by gareth View Post

      Heres a tip for quality score - when in your adwords acct check wht keywords google finds your landing page relevant for.

      Only use those keywords for that page and your QS will be excellent.

      Optimize a different page for other keywords and check in adwords for relevancy first. This way you wont get slapped for QS on your keywords.
      Hi Gareth,

      In my case, the quality score is excellent. Its 7/10 for one Adgroup an 10/10 for another. Also, the bid amount is not a problem. But, the ads are still not showing up on Google for my second Adgroup.

      I have contact Google in this regard. They will take around 24 hours to respond I suppose. Till then, I will go buy a couple of good domain names for Free Stuff kind of offers.
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  • Profile picture of the author BrockSoft
    LoL, 136% conversion rate is not to good to be true.

    It's mathematically impossible.
    Out of 100 people that enter the site, 136 buy ?
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    • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
      Originally Posted by BrockSoft View Post

      LoL, 136% conversion rate is not to good to be true.

      It's mathematically impossible.
      Out of 100 people that enter the site, 136 buy ?
      Yeah! I know its impossible...but, that's what my CPA Network quotes the conversion rate as.
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      • Profile picture of the author MKons
        Originally Posted by SacredWealth View Post

        Yeah! I know its impossible...but, that's what my CPA Network quotes the conversion rate as.
        Never look at those numbers when deciding what offer to run. Also for zip/email submits - google content all the way. and rotate 5-10 offers.

        good luck.
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  • Profile picture of the author amitcor
    lol 136%.
    next time only go for 310% offers
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  • Profile picture of the author Rob Howard
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    • Profile picture of the author Achilles1963
      Nice landing page, but i had a hard time reading the "summary of program requirements" because it was transparent, also i was thinking...do your stats (CTR etc.) take into account the traffic from this thread visiting your site?
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      • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
        Originally Posted by Achilles1963 View Post

        Nice landing page, but i had a hard time reading the "summary of program requirements" because it was transparent, also i was thinking...do your stats (CTR etc.) take into account the traffic from this thread visiting your site?
        Thanks Achilles. With regards to the traffic, I do not have much of an idea at the moment.
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    • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
      Thanks Rob. That was very helpful.
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    • Profile picture of the author suraja
      I'll watch this thread
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    • Profile picture of the author cheree
      wow, so nice to see someone willing to tell everything from step 1. i'm new too & haven't yet started, so congrats for getting to where you already are & best of luck!
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      • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
        Originally Posted by cheree View Post

        wow, so nice to see someone willing to tell everything from step 1. i'm new too & haven't yet started, so congrats for getting to where you already are & best of luck!
        Thanks cheree.
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    • Profile picture of the author ceeport8
      Originally Posted by ccmusicman View Post

      Hey,

      I'm not here to burst any bubbles or to discourage anyone from taking action...however, I think some realism is needed to be injected in this thread...

      You are probably going to experience around a 5% conversion rate from traffic sent TO your offer. (If you have a landing page, that will drop some).

      Second, best of luck direct linking. You most likely will NOT be able to get google to send you any traffic. If you do, it will probably end up costing you.

      Third, be sure to have a budget to support this. It's going to be expensive. I almost ALWAYS double my bid to twice the expected CPC. I start high, then I lower it down. This gives me super high CTR. When the quality score hits 10, I then lower it down. I take a huge hit at first, but by the time I have a 10, I can lower it down to 25% my initial cost and my spot only drops from 1 to 3. The CTR drops some, but not much.

      After that, I keep dropping until I can't anymore. I aim for spot 4 to 6.

      This whole process takes about a week and I end up spending almost 500 bucks. However, by the time it's done, I'm paying about 15 cents a click, in spot 4 to 6.

      I then send them to an opt-in page, where I can send emails every day for 14 days, sending them to my offer. This gets about a 10% sign up with the CPA and after 2 weeks, I'm in profit.

      You can find out a different method, of course, but realistically, you will NOT experience any higher than a 15% sign up rate at the CPA. So, I would adjust your math a lot:

      100 clicks to CPA at 30 cents a click is 30 bucks. Expect 5 to sign up. If you get paid 3 dollars a sign up, thats 15 bucks. In the hole by 15(This is with direct linking..) If you do a pre-sell page inbetween, expect about 50% to click to the actual site. So, 50 click through, and you still might get 5 people (so a 10%) due to your pre-sell. But more likely it will be 1 to 3 that actually sign up.

      So, you have several options:

      1. Get a squeeze page going and start capturing their info. Then you can sell to them over and over again, offering related offers. You will have a powerful backend funnel and you will make more money.

      2. Obviously, focus on getting a higher CTR on your landing page.

      3. Focus on getting lower bid prices.

      Or, the smartest,

      All three.

      Once you do this, then you'll be making WAY more money, for a lot cheaper.

      Hope this helps,

      Rob
      Hi Rob i really found your post very useful and i wish to know where how you get your landing or squeze pages, do you build them your self or how do you get 'em

      I deeply appreciate your help and time.

      ceeport8
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    • Profile picture of the author kdggdk
      Great post - very informative - Thanks
      Kim
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  • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
    Thanks a lot for your suggestions Rob.
    Signature

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  • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
    Updates

    My ads on Google have now started showing once again. They have dramatically increased once I got the landing page back instead of direct linking. I now have two ad campaigns running with around 200 impressions, but no clicks at the moment, but its too early. One of my ad has a Avg position of 4.5 and another has an Avg position of 3.2, but no one is clicking possibly due to a Free domain name. I will be curious to see the results tomorrow morning.

    For now, here is what I practically learned in this experiment:

    We always need a Landing Page. Never do direct linking. Your ads will not run on Google.

    I am currently trying to create a Freebie website.
    Signature

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  • Profile picture of the author PeterParker
    good luck hopeit works

    Originally Posted by SacredWealth View Post

    Hi Warriors,

    After going through a lot of stuff, I have finally decided to go ahead with my first thrift with CPA. I am not sure I will be able to earn a lot of money with this but, it at least will be a learning experience for me.

    So, here is what I plan to do...

    CPA Network:

    I am currently a member of only one CPA Network i.e., Vcommission.

    CPA Offer:

    I have chosen to promote the best converting offer at VCommission which is a Free Restaurant Gift Card for those who take the Best Pizza Survey. It converts at 136.36% per lead and pays $1.12 per lead.

    Technical, I don't know how anything can convert at 136.36%. That's just too good to be true, but I am going try it anyway

    Advertising Method:

    PPC on Google

    Keywords Chosen:

    pizza and cafe
    sports bar pizza
    pizza and wine bar
    pizza and steak
    pizza and seafood
    pizza and restaurant
    pizza and coffee
    pizza and bbq
    pizza and bar
    bistro and pizza

    Estimated Avg. CPC

    0.05$ But, I will pay $0.07

    Global Monthly Search Volume

    12950

    Global Monthly Daily Search Volume

    431.6666667

    Estimated Clicks

    It depends on how appealing my Ad is. I am myself a beginner so I am not sure, if I will get any clicks at all in the first place. :rolleyes:

    Keywords Tool:

    Google Keywords Tool

    Estimated Income

    Let's assume, I get 50 clicks from 431.6 impressions, I will lose $3.5.
    However, if those clicks actually convert as per the conversion estimate of VCommission i.e., more than %100, I will earn $50.

    So, investing $3.5 to earn $50 is not a bad thing. Is it?

    But, lets not count the chickens before they hatch.

    I still need to prepare my landing page (which I am not so experienced at), setup my domain forwarding. So, there is a lot of work to do. I will update the other things, once my campaign gets started.

    OK. Let me go and kick some butt with my Frontpage.
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  • Profile picture of the author mmslax2
    ccmusicman

    From WA to these forums the advice you offer is truly invaluable, thanks!
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  • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
    Originally Posted by senve View Post

    SacredWealth, not many guys would be as opened and honest as you are\we appreciate your work here, and your sharing!

    Keep up the great work!
    Thank you senve.
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  • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
    Latest Update:

    My Quality Score is still Great (10/10) and I have now got over 600 impressions in the last 12 hours. Although my bid is $0.07, due to the quality score that I have Google estimates, its going to charge me only $0.01 .

    However, the biggest problem is not getting any clicks. on my Ads.

    Again, this can be due to two reasons:

    1. Usage of Free Domain Name in the Ad Or
    2. Badly written Ad

    I have finally purchased a new domain name. Once that gets activated I will start using it. Also, I will change my Ad a little to see if that works.
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    • Profile picture of the author Matt Wolfe
      Originally Posted by SacredWealth View Post

      Latest Update:

      My Quality Score is still Great (10/10) and I have now got over 600 impressions in the last 12 hours. Although my bid is $0.07, due to the quality score that I have Google estimates, its going to charge me only $0.01 .

      However, the biggest problem is not getting any clicks. on my Ads.

      Again, this can be due to two reasons:

      1. Usage of Free Domain Name in the Ad Or
      2. Badly written Ad

      I have finally purchased a new domain name. Once that gets activated I will start using it. Also, I will change my Ad a little to see if that works.
      I haven't experimented with PPC a whole lot but I have done a little. My recommendation is that you write several ads for the same offer. Create 5 or 6 ads using the same keywords. After a couple of days, you should know which ads are effective and which ones are not. Cut out the ads that receive no clicks, keep the ads that generate traffic, and possibly create some new ads to throw in to the mix for testing. I know in Adwords it's pretty simple to create several ads to the same campaign.
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      • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
        Originally Posted by madkt94 View Post

        Good job. Keep working.
        Thanks madkt94

        Originally Posted by Matt Wolfe View Post

        I haven't experimented with PPC a whole lot but I have done a little. My recommendation is that you write several ads for the same offer. Create 5 or 6 ads using the same keywords. After a couple of days, you should know which ads are effective and which ones are not. Cut out the ads that receive no clicks, keep the ads that generate traffic, and possibly create some new ads to throw in to the mix for testing. I know in Adwords it's pretty simple to create several ads to the same campaign.
        Thanks for your suggestions Matt Wolfe! I will try them today.
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        • Profile picture of the author CBSnooper
          As Matt says, you need to split test. ie: Write two ads. See which performs best over the next couple of days. Ditch the badly performing one, and write another in its place. Then after a couple of days see which is performing. Continue tweaking until you have a great ad that people just can't resist clicking!
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          • Profile picture of the author phycent
            Well, would like to see the landing page, but just keep getting the page load error. could be something wrong with the link in one of the first posts. good luck!
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          • Profile picture of the author scar tissue
            Hi SacredWealth,

            Your thread is really inspiring lots of newbies who want to jump the CPA Marketing - awesome ! I have created a clean landing page for your CPA offer (based on yours) but I don't know whether or not it will suit you. Please copy paste this link to your browser :

            imagecows.net/out.php/i10530_sample.gif

            I hope this simple landing page can leverage your daily CTR and improve your earnings a little bit. Let us know when it does, bro
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            • Profile picture of the author jdjenkins
              Originally Posted by scar tissue View Post

              Hi SacredWealth,

              Your thread is really inspiring lots of newbies who want to jump the CPA Marketing - awesome ! I have created a clean landing page for your CPA offer (based on yours) but I don't know whether or not it will suit you. Please copy paste this link to your browser :

              imagecows.net/out.php/i10530_sample.gif

              I hope this simple landing page can leverage your daily CTR and improve your earnings a little bit. Let us know when it does, bro
              - nice looking, clean and simple page; should get results! Just a quick question - I've seen similar pages which have some article content in small type at the bottom; would this help?

              best wishes,

              Jon.
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              • Profile picture of the author scar tissue
                Originally Posted by jdjenkins View Post

                - nice looking, clean and simple page; should get results! Just a quick question - I've seen similar pages which have some article content in small type at the bottom; would this help?

                best wishes,

                Jon.
                Definitely, Jon. I just tweak SacredWealth's landing page a little bit so s/he can edit it easily without too much work. Yes, you can add some Auto Feed contents (based on your keywords) a little bit far below the image - for SEO purpose. It will help your landing page in the eye of search engines and gain some additional organic traffic here : FREE
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              • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
                Originally Posted by jdjenkins View Post

                - nice looking, clean and simple page; should get results! Just a quick question - I've seen similar pages which have some article content in small type at the bottom; would this help?

                best wishes,

                Jon.
                Jon, could you please pass them over to me? I will PM you. Thanks.
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              • Profile picture of the author Matt Wolfe
                Originally Posted by jdjenkins View Post

                - nice looking, clean and simple page; should get results! Just a quick question - I've seen similar pages which have some article content in small type at the bottom; would this help?

                best wishes,

                Jon.
                People do this because it boosts the quality score for your Google Adwords campaign. Google doesn't like just landing pages that send you to another CPA. They want to see that a site provides some content as well. You can create landing pages without some extra info but it may affect the cost of your advertising.
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            • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
              Originally Posted by scar tissue View Post

              Hi SacredWealth,

              Your thread is really inspiring lots of newbies who want to jump the CPA Marketing - awesome ! I have created a clean landing page for your CPA offer (based on yours) but I don't know whether or not it will suit you. Please copy paste this link to your browser :

              imagecows.net/out.php/i10530_sample.gif

              I hope this simple landing page can leverage your daily CTR and improve your earnings a little bit. Let us know when it does, bro
              Thanks a lot. I can't believe I am getting so much Support for my experiment. You guys Rock! I will certainly implement this suggestion. Once again, I learned a new think today.
              Signature

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  • Profile picture of the author rogerioLidango
    Banned
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
      Originally Posted by rogerioLidango View Post

      SacredWealth - care to share your ad copy? I'm sure people following this thread would love to chip in with suggestions/improvements.
      Sure, I have no problems providing my Ad copy.

      Here it is:

      © Free $500 Pizza Card
      Just Tell Us Your Best Pizza Place
      & Get A Free $500 Gift Card Now
      www.PizzaSurveyFreeGiftCard.co.nr

      Pizza & Cafe Surveys ®
      Answer This Quick Survey And Get
      Get $500 Worth Cafe & Pizza Voucher
      www.PizzaSurveyFreeGiftCard.co.nr

      Please suggest, what better I can do with limited characters per like

      BTW, I had applied for Lidango earlier today. Hope to get approved soon.
      Signature

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      • Profile picture of the author Matt Wolfe
        Originally Posted by SacredWealth View Post

        Sure, I have no problems providing my Ad copy.

        Here it is:

        © Free $500 Pizza Card
        Just Tell Us Your Best Pizza Place
        & Get A Free $500 Gift Card Now
        www.PizzaSurveyFreeGiftCard.co.nr

        Pizza & Cafe Surveys ®
        Answer This Quick Survey And Get
        Get $500 Worth Cafe & Pizza Voucher
        www.PizzaSurveyFreeGiftCard.co.nr

        Please suggest, what better I can do with limited characters per like

        BTW, I had applied for Lidango earlier today. Hope to get approved soon.
        To be completely honest, neither of these ads really grab me. I don't think either one would entice me to click on the link. I think you need something that is more attention grabbing to get people. What I have seen that has worked in the past is to claim something that might be a little out there to grab attention.

        Examples:
        There is Only ONE Good Pizza Place!
        Give Us Your Opinion On Which One
        Receive A Coupon For Free Pizza
        www.PizzaSurveyFreeGiftCard.co.nr

        Who Eats Pizza Anymore?
        Help Decide The Best Restaurant
        Receive A Voucher For Free Pizza
        www.PizzaSurveyFreeGiftCard.co.nr

        Something along those lines may be more attention grabbing. I also don't like the idea of stating that it's a $500 pizza voucher. This almost sounds too good to be true and I would probably pass it over. These are just some ideas. I'm not claiming that they would work for sure but they may be some ideas for split testing.
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        • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
          Thank you Matt, I will try these Ads and let you know if they help. Thanks.
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  • Profile picture of the author Matt Wolfe
    So how's the campaign going now? Haven't heard in almost 24 hours. I'm pulling for ya.
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  • Profile picture of the author GeorgR.
    Get Free Pizza - On Us
    Vote for The Best Restaurant
    Get $500 in Free Pizza!
    www.PizzaSurveyFreeGiftCard.co.nr

    Eat Pizza - For Free
    Vote for The Best Restaurant
    Get $500 Worth Free Pizza!
    www.PizzaSurveyFreeGiftCard.co.nr

    How about Free Pizza?
    Vote for your Favorite Restaurant
    Get $500 Worth Free Pizza!
    www.PizzaSurveyFreeGiftCard.co.n

    I think your ads are too wordy ("voucher", "receive", too many big words). And i think "$500" sounds WAY BETTER than "free pizza".

    "Free pizza" alone sounds like something worth only pennies....i wouldn't click to get "a free pizza"...but i would certainly click if i know its $500 worth of pizza and not just a measly piece of pizza which your ads imply....

    add: I cant believe you dont have a privacy policy, terms and contact us...
    add2: And no - do NOT skimp on the $7 for a domain..this is the first thing i usually get. Doing this on a free domain like awardspace etc. and NOT having terms, privacy policy and contact us...just screams for bad quality score before the site is even up...
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  • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
    Apologies for the lack of updates in the last 24 hours.

    Here is an update:

    After using the Ads suggested by Matt, I have still not any clicks. I have not used the ones suggested by George yet. I

    Since I got 874 impressions and only one click, I feel that this is got to do a lot with my Free Domain name. So, I am going to change that.

    Currently, I have ended my campaign at Google.

    Please give me another 12 to 24 hours, I will be up with a mini site with all these e-mail submit offers.

    George and Matt,

    I am immensely thankful to you guys for your excellent suggestions, support and encouragement that you have provided me. Honestly, if I did not get enough support, I think I would have quit by now.

    I want to let you all know that I do have a Domain name ready along with web hosting. I just have to create a mini site, which is a pain the wrong place for me . But, I will do it because I have to.

    I would be grateful, if anyone can suggest any mini website builder.

    Thanks again for your support everyone.

    Will be back in another 12 to 24 hours.
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  • Profile picture of the author Chucky
    I'm no expert in PPC, but I feel .co.nr domain sounds professional, am I the only one?

    Chucky
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    • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
      Originally Posted by Chucky View Post

      I'm no expert in PPC, but I feel .co.nr domain sounds professional, am I the only one?

      Chucky
      It sounded good to me to and thats why I used but, everyone thinks otherwise
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  • Profile picture of the author mprey
    It might not be the domain name's fault. You should perhaps reconsider your keywords as well.
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  • Profile picture of the author biaobao
    my cpa lead always low
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  • Profile picture of the author GeorgR.
    how can you say "co.nr" sounds professional?

    to be honest...i dont even know what ".NR" stands for...and i am w/ computers and the net for eons already .)

    There is only .COM and .ORG, maybe .NET which sound "professional".

    Clicking on a .nr site looks to me like i would end up on a site in Kuala Lumpur or Nigeria. FAR from "professional". I still dont get what the big deal is spending $7 for a .com, .org. or .net a year.

    And: www.PizzaSurveyFreeGiftCard.co.nr

    It just doesnt look good at all, too long, too "odd". Those are really very simple things you could've done already....get a site like FreePizzaOnUs.com - pizzaforlifefree.com or something like that. I bet it would inc your CTR.
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    • Profile picture of the author Dave d
      Originally Posted by GeorgR. View Post

      how can you say "co.nr" sounds professional?

      to be honest...i dont even know what ".NR" stands for...and i am w/ computers and the net for eons already .)

      There is only .COM and .ORG, maybe .NET which sound "professional".

      Clicking on a .nr site looks to me like i would end up on a site in Kuala Lumpur or Nigeria. FAR from "professional". I still dont get what the big deal is spending $7 for a .com, .org. or .net a year.

      And: www.PizzaSurveyFreeGiftCard.co.nr

      It just doesnt look good at all, too long, too "odd". Those are really very simple things you could've done already....get a site like FreePizzaOnUs.com - pizzaforlifefree.com or something like that. I bet it would inc your CTR.
      Good point, here in the UK business' even mine are starting to use .com's even more now instead of .co.uk as its seens as more assuring, reputable and professional. Its all to do with consumer perception. If your going to invest in advertsing then you obviously expect a return on your investment and a decent domain should be top of the list. Personally I would be a bit wary clicking on a .co.nr especially for a freebie as I would have concerns over my PC security etc.

      Dave
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  • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
    Apologies for the delay once again.

    I have re-modified my landing page now and I am no longer using my Free Domain. Yes. It now looks very comic that I actually tried using it. May be I was just too optimistic. Anyway, my new domain name is FreebieOcean.com

    Please let me know how my landing page looks now.

    I am now running 5 Adgroups in my Adwords account. I have used all the Ads suggested by warriors here.

    I was still not able to create my Privacy Page and the About us page because I was working on my real job throughout my weekend and I will be working throughout this week till Friday. So, my progress will be slow...but I will try and find time for things.

    Tomorrow evening you should find the Privacy Policy and TOS in the place where they should be.

    Thanks again for all your support. I hope this works out now.
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    • Profile picture of the author Srikanth D
      Your landing page looks cool!
      But if you are targeting keywords like "Pizza", I am afraid your ads will have a very low quality score. Reason: Not enough content in your page. 4 lines won't convince google that the page is relevant to its users.

      btw, since its your domain now, you can remove the "Blink web" link from the bottom I guess

      All the best !
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      >> Getting back into IM game <<
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      • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
        Originally Posted by heretowin View Post

        Your landing page looks cool!
        But if you are targeting keywords like "Pizza", I am afraid your ads will have a very low quality score. Reason: Not enough content in your page. 4 lines won't convince google that the page is relevant to its users.

        btw, since its your domain now, you can remove the "Blink web" link from the bottom I guess

        All the best !
        Thanks heretowin. Unfortunately, I cannot remove the blinkweb thing because, its a free service I have used with them. I just forwarded my domain name to my blinkweb page.
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    • Profile picture of the author ManAbout
      Originally Posted by SacredWealth View Post

      Apologies for the delay once again.

      I have re-modified my landing page now and I am no longer using my Free Domain. Yes. It now looks very comic that I actually tried using it. May be I was just too optimistic. Anyway, my new domain name is FreebieOcean.com

      Please let me know how my landing page looks now.

      I am now running 5 Adgroups in my Adwords account. I have used all the Ads suggested by warriors here.

      I was still not able to create my Privacy Page and the About us page because I was working on my real job throughout my weekend and I will be working throughout this week till Friday. So, my progress will be slow...but I will try and find time for things.

      Tomorrow evening you should find the Privacy Policy and TOS in the place where they should be.

      Thanks again for all your support. I hope this works out now.
      The page is a bit confusing to be honest. You have the different options listed, but at the bottom you also say "Click Here", so where is one supposed to click when they land on the page? I assume you want them to click a pizza box, so why the "click here"?
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  • Profile picture of the author ac3spad3s
    Very neat landing page (great idea). Have you compared keywords from your competitors website?
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    • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
      Originally Posted by ac3spad3s View Post

      Very neat landing page (great idea). Have you compared keywords from your competitors website?
      Thank you. The keywords I am using were suggested by Google Adwords tool. I actually don't have any competitors for these keywords as Google says 0 people are advertising it.
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  • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
    For those of you who thought the landing page was confusion, I have added a sentence directing the users where to click.

    In addition, I have now added Privacy Policy and TOS page to the site. I already have 93 impressions for my campaign but again no clicks. But, my quality score again is not less than 7/10 for any of my keywords. Many have 10/10 score. Let me wait for 12 hours and see how this campaign goes.

    I think at this point, more than the landing page, getting clicks is a major issue for me. If I am getting clicks and not converting then I can blame the landing page, but when I am not getting clicks I cannot blame it on my landing page.

    As someone pointed out, may be the Keywords themselves are bad. But, lets wait and watch for few more hours.
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  • Profile picture of the author slimboy
    The landing is a bit confusing. The headline is look like clickable but not. And those blue text is look like clickable too.
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  • Profile picture of the author bilt
    CPA networks is the way to go man but PPC i hate google is not good y ou loose more money and you will never make any with PPC and CPA combined unless you do adware networks PPV is the way to go
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    • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
      Originally Posted by bilt View Post

      CPA networks is the way to go man but PPC i hate google is not good y ou loose more money and you will never make any with PPC and CPA combined unless you do adware networks PPV is the way to go
      Can you tell how to do PPV?
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  • Profile picture of the author bilt
    i've had lots of success with PPV networks much cheaper than PPC and it works with CPA
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    • Profile picture of the author GoranCro
      Best of luck man. I will be following this closely as you continue this experiment. So far it looks like you have just about everything set up but are not getting any clicks. I think you will need to pick keyword searches that receive more traffic.
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      • Profile picture of the author promo_guy
        Hi SacredWealth

        Great thread and I wish you the best of luck. Despite sharing everything, you also expose yourself to what you may be doing wrong and are able to get help.

        I'm no expert but if you aren't able to create your own sites what about downloading a free CSS template or use Wordpress and a free theme?

        I saw this free template - Template Preview (freeradicals) - Free CSS Templates

        You could replace that bowl of oranges for your own pizza image I reckon. Or, as mentioned, why not use wordpress and upload a free theme that way you don't have to create new html pages. Have you thought of that? Also you could add some content from article directories, maybe just rewrite them a bit?? Not so sure about the redirect from your domain to that .co.nr page.

        Anyway, hope this helps, you'll get there eventually, I'm sure!
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        • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
          Originally Posted by promo_guy View Post

          Hi SacredWealth

          Great thread and I wish you the best of luck. Despite sharing everything, you also expose yourself to what you may be doing wrong and are able to get help.

          I'm no expert but if you aren't able to create your own sites what about downloading a free CSS template or use Wordpress and a free theme?

          I saw this free template - Template Preview (freeradicals) - Free CSS Templates

          You could replace that bowl of oranges for your own pizza image I reckon. Or, as mentioned, why not use wordpress and upload a free theme that way you don't have to create new html pages. Have you thought of that? Also you could add some content from article directories, maybe just rewrite them a bit?? Not so sure about the redirect from your domain to that .co.nr page.

          Anyway, hope this helps, you'll get there eventually, I'm sure!
          Thanks promo_guy,

          Yes. I have thought about using Wordpress themes. But, I always get confused the way people talk about installing them. I am not sure where to install them. To my knowledge there is nothing to install in wordpress. You just create an account and start blogging. I think I am missing something here and I would be glad to learn.

          Here is one site that I created about Amazon MTurk. How do I actually make it a website with a domain name attached to it. When I checked the help pages in wordpress. It says, I have to pay wordpress around 14$ for the domain and domain mappings. That is just too much to pay for a domain name I feel.
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  • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
    Ok..I have finally got clicks

    Since yesterday, I got around 650 impressions and two clicks. However, my account does not show any credits, so I guess the clicks did not convert.

    Looks like I need to tweak things a little more.
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  • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
    Update

    1,359 impressions, just two clicks
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    • Profile picture of the author PPCExpert
      Banned
      Originally Posted by SacredWealth View Post

      Update

      1,359 impressions, just two clicks
      You need help from forum members in clicks, we can do it all day.. just kidding.
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    • Profile picture of the author scar tissue
      Originally Posted by SacredWealth View Post

      Update

      1,359 impressions, just two clicks
      Try this one as a split tester of your current landing page : imagecows.net/out.php/i10674_sample.gif

      Good luck and keep us posted, bro !
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  • Profile picture of the author OptionMarketing
    I am not sure if any asked you about this.

    How much traffic is going to these keywords every day/month?

    What position are you in getting that many impressions?

    Most of the keywords your using do not really focus on people "looking" for what your ads offer. So that is why you probably have low CTR.

    I am also some what new to CPA and I have been struggling in the PPC market. But everytime I test an ad it's quite easy to get a lot clicks within the first day. Just choose a good traffic keyword to see if the ad is converting first. Then go for the longer tail keywords with less traffic with the ads that convert so you know they will make you money spread out with LT keywords.

    Great post though and hope it goes good.
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    • Profile picture of the author amitcor
      you CTR is horrible.
      the problem is in the keywords or in the ads or in the position.
      what is the average position? you said no competitors so i'm assuming you r first?
      my guess is that it's a combination.
      Try adding another add which is totally crazy maybe it will help. i once done something like: "my grandma could make XXXXXX with this simple new tool. must try!"

      so try getting our of the box you can never know what will help.

      also try matching the Headlines of your ads to the keywords.
      so if some one searches "free pizza" your add head line should be like:
      "Free Pizza?? Am I dreaminig?"

      also try going for mistake like fre pizza or free piza.

      i'm not in anyway an expert in ppc but i did try some things and managed to get high CTR's so just try more adds and more variations and try going for 1 high traffic keyword even if it will cost you a bit more
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  • Profile picture of the author GeorgR.
    Well if you are on Content Network...High impressions and low clicks might be NORMAL.

    Well..the problem with this campaign is a more general (IMHO)...since "free pizza" just doesnt sound that "flashy" like "free ipod" or "free $1000 best buy gift card".

    This is a VERY tight niche and the offer MIGHT not be the most attractive offer ;(

    You can try purchasing banner space on sites related to food/pizza....or place banners/ads on sites where you know there are many students, wow players or programmers (because they like pizza <-- little joke, but you get the idea...

    Or target "family sites", things like that.

    I think this might be really, really hard to "sell"..I just think that gift cards for big stores, groceries, electronics, free video games or concert tickets just would go WAY better then this.
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  • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
    I still have no clicks and I have decided to end this campaign for now. I think I chose the wrong keywords and wrong offer to promote. I am going to stop this for now and think about other offers and search for other keywords. Also, I think I need to join some reputed CPA Networks to try some great offers. I need to create a professional looking website as a first step. I am thinking of purchasing Thesis to do that, but I don't know if thats a good idea.

    Anyway, I would like to end this thread for now. I will surely create a new one once I start my new campaign and hopefully, it won't be an experiment the next time.

    I thank you all of you who supported and encouraged me and gave your ideas and suggestions to improve my campaign. Although the experiment did not work out, I did learn a lot of stuff from many warriors.

    Thanks everyone once again!
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  • Profile picture of the author Tessab4
    Did you ask your CPA company where it was convertng best with the top affiliate. What traffic sources were the top affiliates using. At least you took some form of action so be pleased with yourself! To GeorgR. I will be in contact soon when I have enough posts. Not sure if I can post here but I want to pick your brains about Affiliate Site Quick. (Big Thumbs Up!)
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    • Profile picture of the author Matt Wolfe
      You gave it a good go. People are rarely successful with their first shot at PPC. Failing is a part of learning. Without this experiment you would have never learned all of the things that you know now. I can almost guarantee that your next attempt at PPC will be a little bit better than this one because of what you've learned through this experience.
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  • Profile picture of the author CBSnooper
    You took action. That's the first step. Well done. Now, don't give up. Find another product and try again. We're all here for you to help you if you get stuck!
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  • Profile picture of the author promo_guy
    I agree with CBSnooper, well done for taking action SacredWealth! I'm still trying to "organize" everything lol and feel like I'm only really making excuses for jumping in.

    Well done and hopefully you've learned a lot. I hope to be starting my first campaign this week!
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  • Profile picture of the author GeorgR.
    SW,

    every "failure" is just a step towards perfection...it's part of learning.

    By the way...never GUESS. The next time you do a campaign, you should have an idea beforehand about KW search volume so you get an idea about volume/demand.

    BUT...its totally and 100% normal to make campaigns, test them and see they wont work. Ask pros like derek. It can happen you make 10 campaigns, and 9 turn out duds. Happens to me all the time also. There is no way around: TESTING, TESTING, TESTING.

    Get something where you can make simple landing pages, maybe Xsite Pro.

    Do NOT emphasise too much on "professional" landing pages. I spent HOURS and HOURS on very professional LP...for one product i even made a very good looking review page.

    Dont bother....it can happen that sometimes the best landing pages are ultra simple, just slapping a little text on it, some banners. That's it. Dont "over think"
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  • Profile picture of the author Fritzjoerg
    Great response from all who dared to point out some do's and don'ts about CPA, direct linking and PPC's.

    Joerg
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  • Profile picture of the author Sowemimo Oladele
    You really impressed me. Learning from experience.

    But Pls. sacred still need to learn alot before jumping into CPA. I am a newbie as well but taking my time to learn using no cost advertisement before jumping into CPC. However, you can PM if you need a JV.

    Catch you.....
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  • Profile picture of the author Prashaant
    Are you actually getting those keywords for 5-7 cents?
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  • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
    Thanks Matt, George and all others. I will very soon start another campaign and I hope it will be a success. It will be a PPC + CPA again but not the same strategy. I will use slightly different method. I will let you all know once I get started with it.

    Prashant,

    Yes, I was getting them for less than 7 cents. That is what I had bid but the two clicks I got cost me only 3 cents each because my QS was excellent for some reason .
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    • Profile picture of the author thetwooldladies
      SacredWealth:

      Bravo!!!!

      I am a newbie as well, waiting a little longer to try this as I can see through this thread that I still need to read up on several things. I learned a lot from you and the Warriors replies. I am so happy it took a newbie to have the guts to open the CPA experimental doors and let us peek and watch in real time the effort you put into this, allowing us to criticize you, and taking that criticism to heart. You may have made mistakes, you learned, and in the future you will succeed. In my opinion it should have been the "so-called-Guru" that should show us these steps in real time as they are the ones who sell us the WSO's. I know they would triple their current sales just from newbie's if they showed us a small bit of this in action - just to Prove it works as they say it does. Am I wrong?

      I hope you gather all you information from day one and when you are successful make it into a WSO for newbies. I would even refer to this thread to show how far you have come after you become successful and I know you will be. I have purchased several CPA WSO's and I am still sifting and trying to understand the jargon. I learned more here, today, than I did with three WSO's.

      You posted on another thread a question about a suppression file. I think I have found the answer below. I also posted it under the thread where the question originated. Great Job... When I am ready I think I will follow in your footsteps and help another newbie as you have helped me. Pay it forward!!!


      "Suppression File
      According to CAN-SPAM law, each company is required to maintain a suppression file, or a list of those who have requested to be removed from your e-mail list." Quoted from an eMarketing Glossary.

      I am also new to CPA but I believe this means that the network has a list of opt-out files (clients who do not want to receive any further emails regarding that promotion or perhaps those who have already signed on with the company) and perhaps you must first opt them out of your email list so it does not violate the agreement already made.

      Please remember I am newbie to CPA but this is what I make of it. Perhaps a long term CPA member could clarify this.

      thetwooldladies
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      • Profile picture of the author SacredWealth
        Originally Posted by thetwooldladies View Post

        SacredWealth:

        Bravo!!!!

        I am a newbie as well, waiting a little longer to try this as I can see through this thread that I still need to read up on several things. I learned a lot from you and the Warriors replies. I am so happy it took a newbie to have the guts to open the CPA experimental doors and let us peek and watch in real time the effort you put into this, allowing us to criticize you, and taking that criticism to heart. You may have made mistakes, you learned, and in the future you will succeed. In my opinion it should have been the "so-called-Guru" that should show us these steps in real time as they are the ones who sell us the WSO's. I know they would triple their current sales just from newbie's if they showed us a small bit of this in action - just to Prove it works as they say it does. Am I wrong?

        I hope you gather all you information from day one and when you are successful make it into a WSO for newbies. I would even refer to this thread to show how far you have come after you become successful and I know you will be. I have purchased several CPA WSO's and I am still sifting and trying to understand the jargon. I learned more here, today, than I did with three WSO's.

        You posted on another thread a question about a suppression file. I think I have found the answer below. I also posted it under the thread where the question originated. Great Job... When I am ready I think I will follow in your footsteps and help another newbie as you have helped me. Pay it forward!!!


        "Suppression File
        According to CAN-SPAM law, each company is required to maintain a suppression file, or a list of those who have requested to be removed from your e-mail list." Quoted from an eMarketing Glossary.

        I am also new to CPA but I believe this means that the network has a list of opt-out files (clients who do not want to receive any further emails regarding that promotion or perhaps those who have already signed on with the company) and perhaps you must first opt them out of your email list so it does not violate the agreement already made.

        Please remember I am newbie to CPA but this is what I make of it. Perhaps a long term CPA member could clarify this.

        thetwooldladies
        Thanks a lot for your appreciation thetwooldladies.

        The response I got on this thread encourages me to be transparent on this forum and let people know what I am doing...so everyone benefits equally from it. I will try and showcase all my future projects in the same way on this forum. I have learned a lot by doing this and I think its a great way to learn for newbies, but you are right this would be doubly effective if done by the so-called-gurus as they know everything about PPC, CPA and affiliate marketing.
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  • Profile picture of the author joelraitt
    I use a simple site editor kompozer to build me sites, template are easy to find as well. I have a few if you want them...everything is free and you wont have the dumb link at the bottom, it would be 100% yours.
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    Work smart, work hard, never give up. Learn with me here: http://www.joelraitt.com

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  • Profile picture of the author esericsu
    thanks for informative post ccmusicman
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  • Profile picture of the author goforhunt
    Do not loose heart if you make less in your first campiagn, refine it more and you'll succeed.

    Good Luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author sashagilberg
    mate thanks for doing this experiment, I'm new to CPA and it was good to see some results.

    "I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed". - Michael Jordan
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    I'll help double your AARRR metrics 80% faster than you've projected.

    convertmore.co

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  • Profile picture of the author FasTrack-Eddie
    Banned
    Thanks 4-the-Info "ccmusicman"

    Now i've a lil better understanding of this PPC thing.

    >wink<
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  • Profile picture of the author RedMatrix
    Next time try a simple poll style landing page, and make the offer compliment the poll / search term.

    In your example, the offer was for a $500 Free Pizza Gift Card. Instead of asking which is their favorite brand of pizza, ask them "Will (sports team) win the (main event)?" and then say something like "Enter your email in the next page and win some free pizza!"

    Then, target people looking for the team stats, or league stats.. etc. Let's just assume the visitor typed "Dallas Cowboy X" your ad could look like:

    Will Cowboys Enter Playoffs?
    Vote Yes or No and Get Some
    Free Pizza For Your Party
    Destination.url/Cowboys

    The thing here is sports and pizza. Same thing could be said for sports and big screen tv offers...
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    ~Dave

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  • Profile picture of the author Marc Jager
    Thanks, this was interesting and helpful - I wish you would have tried keywords more along the lines of 'get free stuff'...
    I was also curious to see if you had more success with GeorgR's ads...
    Anywhoo - thanks for sharing and best of luck to you.
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    • Profile picture of the author Saurab
      Hello Sacred Wealth

      1st congratulations for taking your 1st step.

      Well 2-3 visitors you cannot determine how effective your campaign can be. The important factor point of such low CTR is you not reaching your target audience.

      Following are tips to increase CTR as well completion of desired action from your traffic:
      Have different campaign for SERP and content website.
      Research Keyword list that may not be just based on your niche, but what places your potential prospects can be found. (exmpl. Free Pizza, bargain pizza:p, pizza discount coupons, free lunch etc)
      so many times person looking for pizza+bbq will be least intrested in your offer, but a cult of pizza experts will be more intrested on giving their views(may not look for free pizza but opportunity to give advice and they will have fun having free pizza here)
      Prepare a extensive list of keywords, ads content. Seprately for both content and SERP.
      Keep one keyword per ad, mix match and test. Remove non performing and tweak to improve the performing ads. There will be many ads those will be rejected by Google as keyword this time research is based not just your niche but also on keywords to find target audience.
      Research extensively on available sites and check on put your ads on selective ads.
      Also you can "tell your friends" or "have your friends give opinion" and you can also build list as well increase traffic on folds, do free campaigns for free later. You should always add bookmark options for your landing pages.

      Matt Wolfe ad examples are nice.

      Good Luck
      Saurab Uttam
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  • Profile picture of the author Marc Jager
    I will keep following this thread if you keep posting your experiences
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  • Profile picture of the author routonc38
    I am doing polls as well but the poll has nothing to do with the offer. You can find out lots of free info on this by Googling "poll method" or "CPA poll method". Some people hate this method, though, so I guess you either love it or hate it. I'm also writing about my experiment on my blog. I know you were offered a free landing page to upload, but for those who don't know how to make one you can also find free and simple pages that can be easily modified in HTML. For these polls I did not bother with a fancy, big site or Wordpress, just simple HTML pages.

    I set up a poll based on something currently happening - entertainment related, sports related, political, etc. Is Megan Fox mean to her fans? Is Simon the worst judge on American Idol? Stuff like that.

    I created a landing page for the poll. I have a heading for my poll that states the offer "Vote and get a chance for a free pizza coupon" or whatever the offer is. Then I tell them what to do - Vote below, enter email on next page.

    Then I ask the question, followed underneath by a picture, then I have 2 buttons, yes or no. These buttons link to the main offer page.

    I also include some info underneath, just basic stuff that came from Wikipedia or other sites about the topic or person and under that I have 2 outbound links going to a site related to the topic. Then I include my disclaimer about the poll being unscientific, not endorsed by, blah, blah blah. You can find a disclaimer on pretty much any site and use it.

    So to sum up my landing page is this:

    Headline stating the offer
    Tells the person what to do
    Asks the question
    Picture
    Yes or No or whatever the answers that would make sense. These link to the offer page.
    Info on subject or topic.
    Two outbound links.
    Disclaimer.

    I have the other stuff - contact, about us, etc. on the home page to my site.

    My ad also doesn't mention the offer at all, just the poll. The format is this:

    Topic or Person or Subject of Poll
    Take a Poll OR Vote Now OR Quick Survey
    Poll Question
    URL

    So it would be something like:

    Simon Cowell on Idol
    Vote Now
    Is he too mean?
    URL

    So that's what I do. I just started as well. I don't think I would even try to actually do an ad that went right for the offer.

    I finished my first round last week and had some issues with Google's new Adwords system and ended up owing Google more than my initial budget because I read the stats wrong and got confused. So that was a learning experience. Next time I will know better.

    I did get clicks and I did make some commission as well. However, I'm still $50 in the hole, but I hope the 2nd time will be better.

    So try this if you want, google the terms and you'll find out a lot of info as well that you can use on your next offer. But don't give up.
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