Hey all. We're re-doing payments for our website right now and are trying to decide whether we should implement Google Checkout or not. Since we're going to be doing a lot more with AdWords next year we thought it might make sense if it raises the number of AdWords clicks or our conversion rate. However, I haven't really been able to find any empirical evidence that it does (just some anecdotal "it may raise..." kind of stuff). Has anyone seen any evidence that it would be worth the hassle to implement?
Its something dependant on what people use i would imagine, if everyone looking to buy what your selling online has flocked to google checkout while paying then it would have a difference, but otherwise i cant see why. Do loads more buyers look for it now?
The main advantage of linking your adwords to google checkout is that any charges get offset against your adwords spend. The main disadvantage is that very few people use google checkout. As far as the 'badge' in your ads go, I reckon it's six of one and half a dozen of the other.Apparently some people think it means you only use google checkout so are put off, most people have no idea what it means. I haven't noticed that the 'visibility' of it makes any difference either way.
according to most test results, the checkout badge will increase CTR, but it may not increase Conversion rate
i would assume this is true although i have not tested myself. But i know that my own eyes get attracted to those ads that have the G checkout button
I tried it out for a short period - 10 days. Conversions increased marginally (0.3%), and the added visibility did increase CTR by around 1.1% on average. The particular niche I tried it out on was highly competative. The requirement to have a US or UK bank account in order to recieve funds, does mean at the moment it's a limited service - which could possibly work to the advantage US and UK sellers displaying ads in other locations. I personally think it will be beneficial in the short term - but as soon as (or if) every ad listing displays a checkout badge, the object is quickly defeated.
Our campaigns did show any increase in CTR and Conversions when we used the Google Checkout Badge. It may not work as well for you, but for us it is definitely the right direction.