CPC stands for Cost Per Click, a common pricing model used in online advertising, specifically in pay-per-click (PPC) advertising.
How CPC Works:
- Advertisers bid on keywords: Businesses choose relevant keywords that potential customers might search for online.
- Bidding system: Advertisers set a maximum amount they're willing to pay per click on their ads.
- Auction: When someone searches for a keyword, an auction takes place among advertisers who have bid on that keyword.
- Ad placement: The advertiser with the highest bid (and often the highest quality score) gets their ad displayed in a prominent position on the search results page.
- Cost incurred: The advertiser only pays when someone clicks on their ad.
Benefits of CPC:
- Targeted advertising: CPC allows businesses to reach specific audiences interested in their products or services.
- Measurable results: Every click can be tracked, so advertisers can measure the effectiveness of their campaigns.
- Control over budget: Advertisers set their own daily or monthly budget, ensuring they don't overspend.
- Flexibility: CPC campaigns can be easily adjusted based on performance.
Examples of CPC Advertising:
- Google Ads: A popular platform where advertisers can bid on keywords to display their ads on Google Search and other Google properties.
- Bing Ads: Similar to Google Ads, but for the Bing search engine.
- Social media advertising: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter offer CPC advertising options to target specific demographics and interests.
In Summary:
CPC is a powerful tool for businesses to reach potential customers online. By bidding on relevant keywords and paying only for clicks, advertisers can control their budget and measure the effectiveness of their campaigns.