Split testing - Which Ad to Ditch

Discussion in 'Google AdWords' started by posterpigeon, Aug 9, 2011.

  1. #1
    Hello everyone,
    Im looking for some advice re split testing.
    So Ive got two ads running for the same keywords, and I have the following numbers:

    Ad1
    Clicks:78
    Impressions:3058
    CTR: 2.55%
    Served:65.74%

    Ad2
    Clicks:26
    Impressions:856
    CTR: 3.04%
    Served:18.40%

    So my question is this. Which ad should I get rid of?

    Going off clicks, Ad2 would seem to be the best choice, but then it has a better CTR, and its been shown less than a third of the time!

    Any guidance greatfully received.

    Dylan
     
    posterpigeon, Aug 9, 2011 IP
  2. Natively

    Natively Active Member

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    #2
    Let Google decide - since:
    1. They see the whole picture (we don't): which CTR for each keyword-ad pair, for each geographic location, time etc.
    2. They'll probably do the math better. A very simplified calculation is described here: http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/members/courses/teachers_corner/49013.html

    If you intervene in the ad serving process Google "punishes" you in terms of lower impression share , traffic and quality score.
    This is because Google, being a "publisher", tries to maximize cost / impressions (which is revenue/impressions for them)
     
    Natively, Aug 9, 2011 IP
  3. posterpigeon

    posterpigeon Peon

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    #3
    Thanks Nativley,
    OK, I can see the logic in that, but how then do you effectively split test two ads? I mean, which ad am I trying to "beat" with my new ad?
    Thanks
    Dylan
     
    posterpigeon, Aug 9, 2011 IP
  4. Natively

    Natively Active Member

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    #4
    Natively, Aug 9, 2011 IP
  5. Eduardo2

    Eduardo2 Peon

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    #5
    if you really want to be sure of which ad is better you should pause the ad1 and add a new similar split test to ad 2 so it will be served more.
    do mind that Google may "dislike" the ad2 like they dislike it in contrast to ad1 so even if Ad1 will be paused ad2 will still get a low imp share...
    that is the ultimate way for you to A\B test it.
     
    Eduardo2, Aug 9, 2011 IP