How many ads do you usually create for an adgroup? I know it depends on number of keywords, but I just need to know an average number. Thanks
2 - 4. I find if you use too many, you can't properly comparewhat works best. It's like randomly serving 100 people 20 different types of fruit. The numbers wont differ too much so conclusions are harder too hard to draw. A smaller sample will allow my conclusive results. Once you get the best of the bunch, rid and create more adverts until you get the best results.
That's good advice. Sometimes I only have 1-2, but that's only after I've refined things quite a bit.
I would say a few days to 2 weeks. When you make changes to the keywords, you may want to keep the ad variations up to see how they take. I've noticed definite differences as to the time of day (when they buy things), which keywords work best, and which ads are clicked. I also tend to make each of the keywords display from position 2 or 3 - 10, as I don't see any difference (other than cost to me) for the CTR of the ads. It might save you some money.
Sorry to hijack, but another question. Do you optimize for performance when testing ads or show them more evenly?
When testing, I'd say to show them evenly. Allowing to be based upon performance basically allows Google to do the testing, which would allow you to not "need" to test for yourself. I suppose it depends upon your perspective and time available.
I will suggest test new ads. during low traffic time. Bcoz during that time that will be tested and you will also not suffer low traffic.