Question 1

What is a PPC agency?

Accepted Answer

A PPC agency is an agency that uses paid campaigns on search engine result pages (SERPs) and social media to help brands promote themselves and their products or services. Instead of relying on organic website visits, it uses sponsored advertising channels such as Google Ads, Bing, and social media to drive traffic, generate leads, and maximize ROI.

Common examples of PPC include:

Paid search ads (e.g., Google Ads, Bing Ads) found at the top and bottom of SERPs and tagged as "Ad", indicating paid content
Display ads with a photo and text appearing on Google's partner websites
Social media ads (Facebook Ads, Sponsored LinkedIn Ads, etc.) displayed on feeds
Google shipping ads with product names and prices in a carousel format above the main search results
Email sponsored ads promoted in the inbox of interested leads
Instream ads appearing before, in between, or after a YouTube video or on a non-skippable sidebar

Question 2

What do PPC agencies do?

Accepted Answer

PPC agencies design, create, and oversee social media, paid search, display, banner, and remarketing ads to stimulate businesses’ reach and lead generation. With a focus on paid campaigns, these experts take charge of keyword research, ad creation, bidding strategies, and campaign optimization to maximize return on investment.

Here’s a breakdown of their key services:

Campaign creation
Brainstorming campaign concepts and developing messaging strategy that would appeal to the desired audience and effectively promote products or services
Ad creation
Crafting engaging ad copy and visuals to capture attention, inspire clicks, and encourage conversions across platforms
Keyword research
Identifying high-performing keywords to improve campaign targeting and reach potential customers actively searching for related products or services
Competitor analysis
Evaluating competitor strategies to identify opportunities, adjust tactics, and remain competitive
Bid management
Setting and optimizing bids in real-time to balance cost efficiency with competitive positioning in search results and ad placements
Landing page optimization
Designing and refining landing pages to align with campaigns, improve user experiences, and boost conversion rates
Remarketing campaigns
Re-engaging potential customers who have interacted with the brand by delivering tailored ads that encourage them to return and take action
Paid social media advertising
Running targeted campaigns on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X to reach and engage specific audience segments
Campaign management
Daily optimization and monitoring of advertisements to ensure optimal performance
Performance tracking & analytics
Monitoring ad performance, analyzing key metrics, and refining strategies to ensure campaigns deliver maximum value and measurable results
Budget management
Managing ad spend to ensure effective allocation of resources and achieving maximum ROI while staying within budget

Question 3

How much do PPC agencies charge for their services?

Accepted Answer

PPC agencies typically charge between $1,500 and $10,000 per month for their services, with the final cost depending on several key factors, such as the type of service, agency location, scope of service, and company size.

The top 50 PPC agencies on DesignRush charge an average of $105 per hour. Roughly 16.9% of the agencies accept projects under $1,000, tailored for startups, small businesses, and companies with smaller ad budgets. On the other hand, 0.9% require a $50,000 minimum budget, providing end-to-end PPC services for large enterprises, corporations, and high-budget campaigns requiring sophisticated strategies, advanced tools, and specialized expertise.

Common pricing models used by PPC agencies include:

Percentage of ad spend: A percentage of the total investment in advertising
Flat monthly fee: A fixed monthly rate for its services based on the complexity of the campaign and projected workload
Performance-based fees: Incentivizes the agency according to campaign performance and results measured against specific goal metrics (e.g., number of leads generated, cost-per-acquisition/CPA)
Project-based pricing: Agencies will quote a fixed one-time price for a specific PPC project or campaign, regardless of the ad spend.
Hourly rate: This is when agencies bill based on the number of hours spent on your project.
Hybrid models: A combination of billing methods (e.g., switching from percentage of ad spend to a flat rate, depending on the client's current specific needs)

Question 4

Why should I hire a PPC agency?

Accepted Answer

You should hire a PPC agency because it can ensure campaigns reach the target market, monitor performance and results, and optimize them for maximum ROI. These specialized firms oversee campaign management and optimization, positioning your ads to reach the right audience.

Hire a PPC agency because it can:

Identify and target the most effective audience using data-driven keyword strategies
Craft compelling ad copy that increases click-through rates and improves overall ad quality scores
Ensure competitiveness in a growing market by staying up to date with the latest industry trends and ad platform changes
Track and measure campaign performance with advanced analytics, providing detailed insights to optimize ad spend effectively
Optimize landing pages to align with ad campaigns and improve conversion rates
Manage budget allocation, ensuring resources are spent on high-performing campaigns
A/B test various ad elements such as headlines, images, and calls-to-action to continually refine and improve results
Handle complex account setups, like retargeting, audience segmentation, and geo-targeting, to reach potential customers with precision

Success story

To showcase the impact of expert PPC management, our team has selected the following case study from Black Propeller:

Challenge: Online microscope retailer Microscope Central experienced stagnation across its PPC campaign performance. Conversion tracking was inaccurate, search campaigns were poorly structured, and shopping campaigns needed a strategic overhaul. Additionally, the competitive market presented challenges with competitors significantly outspending them.
Solution: Black Propeller completely rebuilt the search campaigns using a SKAG (Single Keyword Ad Group) structure and identified valuable product keywords to optimize ad performance. It also implemented a strategic Google Shopping strategy by segmenting the feed into multiple campaigns using the Waterfall Technique, allowing for clean segmentation and improved bidding efficiency.
Results: Within 60 days, Microscope Central’s ROAS increased by nearly 100%, and by the 90-day mark, it rose to 140%. Its overall sales volume also grew by 45%.

Question 5

How do I choose the best pay-per-click (PPC) company for my business?

Accepted Answer

You can choose the best pay-per-click (PPC) company for your business by following these steps:

Determine main objectives
Define your paid ad objectives, expectations, and KPIs, and set a budget.
Research potential agencies
Search for reputable PPC agencies through online reviews, recommendations, and directories such as DesignRush. Focus on companies with proven expertise in projects similar to yours.
Evaluate their portfolio and case studies
Request portfolios and case studies that highlight successful PPC campaigns. Use client testimonials to assess the agency’s performance, reliability, and ability to meet your goals.
Assess their range of services
Identify your specific PPC needs, such as Google Ads, social media ads, or retargeting, and choose an agency with expertise in these areas.
Evaluate their strategies and approach
Understand the agency's approach to PPC management. Look for an agency that practices thorough market research, precise keyword targeting, and innovative tactics.
Consider project management and communication
Discuss their project management approach, communication methods, and reporting processes to ensure a collaborative and transparent partnership.
Compare pricing models
Discuss and compare pricing models to ensure they align with your budget. Consider flat fees, percentage of ad spend, or performance-based pricing options.
Shortlist potential agencies
Narrow down your options to a few PPC agencies that meet your criteria. Send them requests for proposals (RFPs) to gather detailed information on their services and approach.
Review contract terms
Carefully examine the contract for clarity on pricing, deliverables, timelines, and performance metrics to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts.
Choose an agency partner
Select a PPC agency that aligns with your requirements, budget, and company culture, offers scalable solutions, and demonstrates a clear understanding of your business and target audience.

Need help finding a good PPC agency for your business? Visit our Marketplace and share your project details with us. We'll connect you with five agencies that meet your criteria — free of charge.

Question 6

How do I find the best pay-per-click (PPC) company on DesignRush that fits my budget?

Accepted Answer

You can find the best pay-per-click (PPC) company on DesignRush that fits your budget by using our directory filters. Shortlist the agencies by choosing from those that can cater to projects from $1,000 to above $50,000 based on your budget.

Low Budget: 1k above	KlientBoost SEO Tech Experts Incrementors Web Solutions
Mid Budget: 10k above	Fahrenheit Marketing Disruptive Advertising Seize Marketing Agency
High Budget: 50k above	eDesign Interactive OWDT Major Tom

Browse through our agency directory to view agency profiles by location, area of expertise, client reviews, industries catered to, team size, pricing, and hourly rates. This allows you to comprehensively compare pay-per-click (PPC) companies and select the ideal fit for your project.

Question 7

What are the key success metrics used by PPC agencies?

Accepted Answer

The key success metrics used by PPC agencies include the following:

Click-Through Rate (CTR)
Percentage of ad views that result in clicks
Cost Per Click (CPC)
The average cost paid per click on an ad
Conversion rate
Percentage of users who complete a desired action after clicking an ad
Cost Per Conversion (CPC)
The cost of acquiring one conversion
Return on Ad Spend (ROAS)
Revenue generated for each dollar spent on ads
Impressions
Total number of times an ad is shown
Quality score
Google’s rating of ad relevance and quality
Average position
The average rank of your ad in search results
Customer Lifetime Value (CLV)
Total revenue generated by a single customer over their entire relationship
Bounce rate
Percentage of visitors who leave the landing page without taking an action

Question 8

What red flags to watch out for when hiring a PPC agency?

Accepted Answer

When hiring a PPC agency, watch out for these red flags:

Unclear service agreements
Be cautious of agencies that fail to provide detailed service agreements. Vague terms can lead to misaligned expectations and disputes over deliverables.
No proven track record
Steer clear of agencies without case studies, testimonials, or references that demonstrate measurable success. A lack of a track record may indicate inexperience.
Poor communication
Agencies that are slow to respond or fail to keep you informed on project progress may indicate subpar communication practices, which can lead to misunderstandings and missed deadlines.
Unclear pricing structure
Watch out for agencies with unclear pricing or undisclosed fees. Transparent pricing ensures you stay within budget and avoid unexpected expenses and conflicts.
Overpromising results
Beware of agencies guaranteeing unrealistic results like overnight traffic growth or instant ROI. Sustainable success is built on thoughtful strategy, consistent optimization, and time-tested efforts.
Lack of transparency in data access
Avoid agencies that don’t grant you access to your PPC accounts or campaign data. Ownership and access to this data are crucial for tracking progress and ensuring accountability.
Limited focus on ROI
Be wary of agencies focused solely on clicks and impressions rather than driving meaningful conversions or ROI. Effective PPC campaigns should prioritize business growth, not just metrics.
Inflexible contracts
Avoid agencies with rigid contracts that don’t allow for scaling or adjustments. A good agency should offer adaptable terms to meet evolving business needs.

Question 9

What questions should I ask PPC companies before hiring one?

Accepted Answer

The top questions you should ask when choosing a PPC company are:

Its Relevant Background

Do you have experience developing campaigns for our industry?
Are you a Google-certified partner? What other PPC certifications do you have?

Its Services and Processes

How many clients do you work with simultaneously?
How do you conduct market research and competitor analysis?
What methods do you use to target the right keywords for a campaign?
What PPC platforms, tools, and resources do you use to develop strategies and manage PPC campaigns?
How do you keep up with the latest PPC trends?

Related to Your Project

What strategies would you recommend for our specific business needs?
How do you track campaign performance and results? How often will you provide reports?
What is the expected timeframe for us to start seeing results?
Who will work on our project and what is their level of experience?
Is there anything we need to provide to ensure the project’s success?
How much are your services? Do you offer packages or different pricing models? Are there any hidden or potential additional costs we should be aware of?

Question 10

What are the best PPC agencies in the U.S.?

Accepted Answer

The best pay-per-click (PPC) companies in the U.S. are:

SmartSites
- 5.0 stars on DesignRush (51 reviews)
- 4.9 stars on Google (687 reviews)
- Top clients: Classic Audi, Flight Courtier, Newark Academy, Vogue Window Fashion
Disruptive Advertising
- 4.9 stars on DesignRush (42 reviews)
- 4.7 stars on Google (300 reviews)
- Top clients: C Smarty, Arena Solutions, Phone Ninjas, Usaclean
Ignite Visibility
- 4.9 stars on DesignRush (12 reviews)
- 4.7 stars on Google (83 reviews)
- Top clients: Wildland Trekking, Santa Fe Farms, Quiq, Doozycards
Big Leap
- 4.8 stars on DesignRush (8 reviews)
- 4.8 stars on Google (68 reviews)
- Top clients: Truvy, Avis, Visionworks, Kiwi Energy
Intero Digital
- 4.9 stars on DesignRush (25 review)
- 4.8 stars on Google (226 reviews)
- Top clients: Google, Mikimoto, Software AG, Lindblad Expeditions

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