Because of the nature of my business, I am trying to target my ads in my local area only. I am currently opting in to Google Search and Search Network. Am I right with this and would I benefit from opting in to Content Network. Thanks in advance
Content network will give you some more visitors. But CTR for content network is much lower than search network. Some researches say that most of targeted customers come from the search. So, decide
I would advise you to try google search only at first. if this search engine is popular in your country and region. Do not forget to set a time for ads demonstration, language and location. As for benefits, nobody warrants money for your work. Your results will depend on your product, site, salesmanship, bids and other factors. Try yourself. My best wishes P.S. some answers are here: groups.google.com/group/adwords-help
Most people who have run the tests on this have found that conversion rates are lower with Content than Search. Bear in mind that CTR doesn't matter with Content, as it doesn't affect your quality score. My advice would be that if you're running an e-commerce store then avoid Content network, but if you're just trying to increase traffic then use it. (But set a lower max CPC for content sites)
Just to add on.. IMO, its best to use the search network only.. i dont use the content network as it doesnt give me the quality traffic i need! + all that click fraud.. most if its fake traffic that'll get you nothing in return.
Stay away from Content Network, unless you're absolutely confident most of your sales will be made from there.
I also would only recommend search network for 99.9% of sites. There is only one of my sites that I use the content network exclusively and it's because I'm able to get as many highly targeted clicks as I want for only a penny a piece.
I agree with taulath, Content's CTR is not a problem but its conversion rate is low in *some* of the cases. I would begin with Search network only and go to Content as soon you are familiarized with your conversion rate numbers.
What I do is set my CPC for the Content Network at 1/5 what it is for Search. It can be worth experimenting with.
it will be an experiment if you have conversion code installed - you need to have a way to track both conversions (search and content network) to see and compare if it works or not.
Well there's content sites (pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/ads) and the big shopping category sites that provide referrer info. Both come under the heading of content in Adwords. According to my stats the latter convert just as well as search traffic, but naturally at a better price. Right now it's too early to say whether traffic from iframe ads is profitable or not. My advice is try content and see what comes through, you could be pleasantly surprised.
All accounts are different so it depends on the performance of your account, if the content network is converting at a cost-effective rate then it's worth sticking with.