Ever searched something on Google and noticed the first few results say “Ad”?
That’s Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising.
In simple words, PPC is a way to advertise online where you only pay when someone clicks your ad — not when they see it.
Let’s break it down so anyone can understand it.
🤔 What is Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising?
PPC is like renting space online to promote your business, but you only pay when someone clicks your ad.
Think of it like this:
You’re running a pizza shop. You create a Google ad that says “Best Pizza in Delhi.”
When someone searches that on Google and clicks your ad — you pay. If they don’t click, you pay nothing.
🔗 Learn the basics: Google Ads – How PPC Works
📍 Where Do PPC Ads Show Up?
PPC ads can appear on:
- Google Search (top of search results)
- YouTube (before videos)
- Websites (banners or pop-ups)
- Facebook & Instagram (in-feed ads, stories, etc.)
- LinkedIn & Twitter (especially for business audiences)
🔗 Read more: WordStream – What is PPC?
🧠 Why Should You Use PPC?
Here’s why businesses love PPC:
- 🎯 Targeted – Show ads to the right people (age, city, interest, etc.)
- 💸 Budget-friendly – Set your own budget (even ₹100 a day)
- ⚡ Fast results – Appear on Google the same day you run the ad
- 📊 Trackable – You can see how many clicks, leads, or sales you got
🛠️ How Does PPC Work (in Simple Terms)?
Let’s say you’re running a bakery and want to show up when people search for “birthday cakes near me.”
Here’s what happens:
- You create an ad in Google Ads.
- You choose keywords like “birthday cakes” or “chocolate cake delivery.”
- You set a budget — for example, ₹10 per click.
- Your ad shows up when someone searches those keywords.
- You only pay when someone clicks your ad.
🔗 Try it yourself: Start with Google Ads
🔑 Important PPC Terms (Explained Simply)
- Keyword: What people search for on Google (e.g., “buy shoes online”)
- CPC (Cost Per Click): The amount you pay per click
- Impression: When your ad is shown (you don’t pay for this)
- Landing Page: The page people see after clicking your ad
- Ad Copy: The text of your ad — short and catchy
✅ Best Platforms to Run PPC Ads
- Google Ads – Great for search results, YouTube, and partner websites
🔗 Get started with Google Ads - Facebook & Instagram Ads – Great for visual products and local businesses
🔗 Meta Ads Guide - YouTube Ads – Perfect for video promotion
🔗 YouTube Advertising Basics - LinkedIn Ads – Best for B2B or professional services
🔗 LinkedIn Ads 101
📈 How to Make PPC Ads Work for You
Even a beginner can start running PPC ads. Here’s what to focus on:
- ✅ Choose the right keywords
- ✍️ Write catchy ad copy
- 🧭 Send people to a useful landing page
- 💸 Start small (even ₹500 to test)
- 📊 Track results using tools like Google Analytics
🔗 Learn how to write a good ad: WordStream – PPC Ad Copy Tips
🚫 Common PPC Mistakes Beginners Make
- ❌ Choosing the wrong keywords
- ❌ Sending users to a bad or slow website
- ❌ Not setting a clear budget
- ❌ Ignoring the results (no tracking = wasted money)
💼 Who Should Use PPC Advertising?
PPC is great for:
- Small business owners
- Ecommerce stores
- Freelancers and service providers
- Event promotions
- Anyone looking to get leads fast!
Even if you’re just starting out, PPC can give you visibility and traffic in no time.
🎯 Final Thoughts
PPC is one of the fastest and most effective ways to advertise online.
You don’t need to be a tech expert or have a big budget. You just need:
- The right keywords
- A clear goal
- A small budget to start
- Some patience to learn and improve
So if you’re ready to grow your business or brand online, PPC is a smart place to begin.