Pay-Per-Click Tools Guide

PPC
Pay-Per-Click Tools Guide
Article by Clara Autor
Last Updated: July 16, 2024

PPC tools are software applications that help businesses generate clicks, increase conversions, and boost revenue. They can be used to optimize PPC campaigns, analyze important performance metrics, and refine audience targeting. Leveraging the right tools will help your business remain competitive in the world of paid advertising.

Our PPC experts have evaluated hundreds of options and compiled a list of the 10 best PPC analysis tools available today.

What Is a PPC Tool?

PPC tools are designed to boost the effectiveness of paid advertising strategies. They include various features to manage and optimize PPC campaigns, drive targeted traffic, and increase conversions and revenue. 98% of marketers run pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns on Google, and 79% spend at least $50,000 per month on PPC.

These campaigns require strategic planning and cutting-edge software for seamless execution. Using PPC tools to automate and optimize ad campaigns will increase conversion rates and revenue in the long run.

You can use pay-per-click software for the following:

  • Create and monitor ads
  • Look for relevant keywords
  • Research competitors
  • Manage bids
  • Analyze performance data
  • Perform A/B testing
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10 Best PPC Tools

These are the 10 best pay-per-click tools our experts recommend:

1. Google Ads Editor

Source: Google Ads

Google Ads (formerly AdWords) is the most widely used PPC platform, allowing users to create and manage PPC campaigns on Google's search engine and display network. It offers a robust set of features for keyword research, ad creation, and performance tracking.

Key Features:

  • Advanced search: Use various filters to find keywords, ad groups, and campaigns.
  • Bulk editing: Add, remove, or edit ads and keywords simultaneously for numerous campaigns.
  • Multiple account management: Work on different accounts on one interface.

Pros:

  • Offline editing
  • Integrates easily with Google Sheets, allowing efficient data management
  • Offers a range of targeting options
  • Different bidding strategies support ROI maximization

Cons:

  • Might be a challenge to use for beginners

Pricing:

Google Ads Editor is free.

Best For:

Google Ads Editor’s bulk editing and multiple account management features are great for agencies working for multiple clients.

2. Ad Badger

Source: Ad Badger

This premium Amazon PPC optimization tool optimizes ad strategies on the world’s largest eCommerce platform to boost ROI and increase profits. Its high-end features streamline and optimize paid ads on Amazon, which increases visibility and sales.

Key Features:

  • Negative keyword management: Minimize irrelevant clicks on your ads.
  • Custom rule automation: Adjust bids based on performance data.
  • Search term isolation: Create campaigns based on high-performing search phrases.

Pros:

  • Proven track record of success for Amazon PPC
  • Access to PPC course and 1-on-1 coaching
  • Optimizes bids and cuts down costs
  • Allows users to reclaim wasted ad spend
  • Superb customer support

Cons:

  • Learning curve
  • The price might be too high for small business

Pricing:

Ad Badger does not disclose pricing information. Contact its sales team for a demo and price.

Best For:

Ad Badger is an all-around PPC tool for Amazon sellers with diverse product lines seeking to optimize their keyword strategies and enhance overall ad performance.

3. Google Ads Performance Grader

Source: Google Ads Performance Grader

This PPC tool assesses Google Ads performance based on 17 key metrics, giving users invaluable insights for better results. Its comprehensive analysis of PPC campaigns will help you take your paid advertising efforts to another level.

WordStream also has a Facebook Ad Grader, Website Grader, and Free Keyword Tool.

Key Features:

  • Benchmarks against industry standards: Directly compare your campaigns with your competitors.
  • Historical performance review: Track the long-term impact of your PPC campaigns.
  • Actionable tips on score improvement: Take important steps to improve your campaign.

Pros:

  • Provides a detailed breakdown of your Google Ads account performance
  • Filters out irrelevant clicks with negative keywords
  • Powered by Google Premier Marketing Partnership

Cons:

  • Limited scope
  • May not always reflect the latest changes in Google Ads policies or algorithms

Pricing:

Google Ads Performance Grader by WordStream is free to use.

Best For:

Google Ads Performance Grader is a fantastic pay-per-click software option for startups and small- to medium-sized businesses with limited budgets for PPC. It is also a great learning tool for beginners.

4. SpyFu

Source: SpyFu

SpyFu specializes in competitive analysis so that users can uncover their competitors’ top-performing keywords and ad copy. By "spying," you gain critical information about their advertising strategies, which you can use to optimize your own campaigns. These competitor insights will be valuable for all your advertising strategies moving forward.

Key Features:

  • Ad history database: Track how your ad campaigns have evolved over time.
  • Unlimited keyword analysis and organization: Categorize your own keywords and those you discover from your competitors.
  • Competitor ads spend and budget analysis: Compare your PPC performance against your competitors.

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface
  • Custom reports
  • Ad copy insights
  • Backlink builder

Cons:

No dedicated plan exclusively designed for PPC

Pricing:

You can choose one of the three plan options:

  • Basic: $16/month billed annually, or $39/month billed monthly
  • Professional: $36/month billed annually, or $39 for the first month and $79/month thereafter billed monthly
  • Team: $149/month billed annually, or $299/month billed monthly

SpyFu also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Best For:

SpyFu’s advanced competitor analysis features are great for businesses looking to enter a new market.

5. Optmyzr

Source: Optmyzr

Optmyzr is an all-around PPC tool that creates, optimizes, and audits high-performing PPC campaigns on Google Ads, Facebook Ads, Amazon Ads, and Microsoft Ads on one platform. It simplifies PPC management, automates routine tasks, and enables detailed performance tracking.

Key Features:

  • Cross-platform features: Optimization, reporting, and budget management can be accomplished for ad campaigns on different platforms.
  • Custom reports with drag-and-drop features: Create detailed PPC reports and schedule delivery to stakeholders.
  • A/B split testing for ads: Refine your ads to increase conversions.

Pros:

  • Multiple integrations (Microsoft Teams, Slack, Trello, Zapier, etc)
  • Keywords, ads, ad groups, and PPC account audits
  • Account management features
  • One-click bid adjustment

Cons:

  • Not the best option for beginners

Pricing:

Optmyzr Core starts at $208/month (billed annually, the first two months free). Monthly billing costs $249/month.

Best For:

Optmyzr makes it easy to manage multiple accounts on different platforms. It is great for PPC agencies and businesses with a robust online presence.

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6. Microsoft Advertising Editor

Source: Microsoft Advertising Editor

This PPC tool helps advertisers efficiently manage their Microsoft Advertising (formerly known as Bing Ads) campaigns. It is a desktop application that allows advertisers to create, edit, and manage their advertising campaigns offline and then synchronize those changes with their online Microsoft Advertising accounts.

Enhanced with the Google Import tool, this software seamlessly migrates existing Google Ad campaigns.

Key Features:

  • Offline editing: You and your team can make changes and updates to your campaigns at your convenience.
  • Bid adjustments: You have the flexibility to set and adjust bids at the campaign level down to individual keywords.
  • Cross-platform campaigns: You can import campaign data from other advertising platforms like Google and Yahoo.

Pros:

  • Bulk editing
  • Shared libraries of assets
  • Advanced search and filtering
  • Robust collaboration tools for teams
  • Multiple team members can collaborate on campaigns simultaneously

Cons:

  • It can have a steep learning curve for newcomers to the platform
  • Potential bugs and stability issues

Pricing:

Microsoft Advertising Editor is free to use.

Best For:

This PPC analysis tool is great for businesses running paid ads on multiple platforms.

7. AdEspresso

Source: AdEspresso

AdEspresso is a pay-per-click tool for managing and optimizing Facebook, Instagram, and Google ads. It offers split testing, ad scheduling, and reporting features to help you get the most out of your PPC campaigns. It aims to make it easier for businesses, digital marketers, and advertisers to create, manage, and optimize PPC activities.

Key Features:

  • Advanced audience targeting: Segment audiences based on demographics, behavior, and interests.
  • Dynamic ads: Use customizable templates to create ads for large product catalogs.
  • A/B testing: Test different versions of ads to determine what your audience will respond to.

Pros:

  • Facebook, Instagram, and Google ad campaign management
  • Comprehensive data analytics
  • Budget optimization
  • Automated bid adjustments
  • Educational resources through AdEspresso University

Cons:

  • Creative collaboration is available only for advanced plans that come with a substantial price tag

Pricing:

AdEspresso has three paid plans:

  • Starter: $49/month
  • Plus: $99/month
  • Enterprise: Starts at $259/month

You can also sign up for a 14-day free trial.

Best For:

AdsEspresso is an excellent PPC tool for businesses looking to optimize paid ads on social media platforms.

8. Unbounce

Source: Unbounce

Unbounce is an AI-powered landing page creation and optimization platform. When tailored to match the specific message and design of the ad campaign, landing pages can significantly improve conversion rates. Users gain access to all the resources needed to build more high-converting campaigns and optimize from every angle.

Key Features:

  • Extensive template library: You can choose from many templates to optimize your landing pages for conversions.
  • Platform integrations: Connect with various marketing and CRM tools like Twilio, Mailchimp, Salesforce, and more.
  • Conversion tracking and analytics: Monitor all clicks and conversions on your landing pages.

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface
  • Drag-and-drop builder
  • Built-in A/B testing tools
  • AI optimization
  • Automatic SSL encryption

Cons:

  • Some users find the plans to be expensive

Pricing:

Unbounce plans are as follows:

  • Launch: $99/month
  • Optimize: $145/month
  • Accelerate: $240/month
  • Concierge: Starts at $625/month

A 14-day free trial is available for all these plans except Concierge. If you pay annually, you can save 25%.

Best For:

Unbounce is great for businesses that want to further optimize PPC conversions.

9. Swydo

Source: Swydo

Closely monitor and create detailed reports for your PPC campaigns with Swydo. You can easily manage different KPIs for Google Ads, Facebook Ads, LinkedIn Ads, Microsoft Advertising, and more. This comprehensive reporting tool delivers an insightful analysis of your PPC campaigns.

Key Features:

  • Drag and drop interface: Create highly detailed, customized reports for various ad platforms.
  • Pre-built templates: Quickly create reports with common metrics.
  • KPI tracking: Monitor specific metrics to track campaign success.

Pros:

  • Real-time updates
  • Transparent and efficient performance monitoring
  • Automated reporting
  • Integrations with various CRM and analytics tools
  • Performance data from different sources

Cons:

  • Limited widget functionality

Pricing:

Swydo starts at $49/month for 10 data sources. You can sign up for a 14-day free trial to try all the features.

Best For:

Swydo is the best software tool for businesses with complex reporting needs.

10. Google Keyword Planner

Source: Google Keyword Planner

Google Keyword Planner is a go-to tool for keyword research and planning. Users can easily generate a long list of keyword phrases based on a word, category, or URL. Its integration with Google’s paid ads system will benefit advertisers targeting its billions of users.

Key Features:

  • Historical search volume data: Track the popularity and competition for keywords over time.
  • Detailed competitor analysis: Access data on bids for each keyword.
  • Keyword performance predictions: Forecast PPC performance based on current bid strategies for better planning.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive keyword suggestions
  • Search volume estimates
  • Keywords organized based on ad groups
  • Cost-per-click bid estimates
  • Keyword competition analysis

Cons:

Limited to paid Google search

Pricing:

Google Keyword Planner is free.

Best For:

Google Keyword Planner is a fantastic tool for advertisers of all kinds, across all industries. Individuals and beginners with limited knowledge or experience can learn about the ins and outs of keyword research.

PPC Tools: Key Takeaways

PPC advertising is in a state of perpetual transformation. If you want to navigate it effortlessly, cutting-edge tools are necessary. They are designed to help businesses and marketers maximize their online presence, reach their target audiences, and drive tangible results.

If you need help choosing the right software or you’d rather have experts run your PPC campaigns, you can reach out to some of the best PPC agencies.

For a more niche approach, you can also hire:

Depending on the platform, you can also collaborate with:

PPC Tools FAQs

1. How to choose the best PPC software?

To make the right choice, consider your specific business needs, budget, and goals. Look for tools that offer features like keyword research, ad creation, bid management, analytics, and integration with your existing tech stack. Read user reviews, compare pricing, and look for a tool that aligns with your campaign objectives and provides excellent customer support.

2. Why do I need PPC tools?

You need PPC tools to efficiently manage and optimize your Pay-Per-Click advertising campaigns. They can help you select the most relevant keywords, create engaging ads, monitor long-term performance, and maximize advertising ROI by automating tasks and providing valuable insights, ultimately saving time and improving campaign effectiveness.

3. What do PPC tools help with?

PPC tools help with optimization, performance monitoring, budget management, audience targeting, keyword research, competitor analysis, automation, data analysis, strategic planning, and more.

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