Cost-Per-Click (CPC) is a critical metric for evaluating the advertising value of keywords. It represents the amount advertisers pay for each ad click in paid search results.
In SiteCurve, CPC data is provided for individual keywords and displayed across various modules, including SiteCurve, Category Curves, Location Curves, and Index Curves. This document explains how CPC is used and displayed in each module.
How CPC Works in SiteCurves
In SiteCurve, the Cost-Per-Click (CPC) metric is sourced directly from Google's Keyword Planner API and is displayed as-is for individual keywords. CPC is not averaged in SiteCurve; instead, it appears alongside specific keyword data in tables. This ensures users see the precise CPC value for each keyword they are analyzing, without any aggregation or modification.
For example:
If you are viewing a table of keywords ranking for a domain in SiteCurve, one of the columns will display the CPC value for each keyword individually.
Filtering the table by categories, business models, or specific niches will adjust the list of keywords shown, but the CPC value displayed will remain specific to each keyword.
By providing unaltered CPC values, SiteCurve helps users assess the direct advertising cost associated with specific keywords within their landscape.
How CPC Works in Category Curves
In Category Curves, CPC data is displayed in keyword-focused views to provide insights into the advertising cost associated with keywords in a specific category. Similar to SiteCurves, CPC is not averaged or aggregated. Instead, the metric is tied to each individual keyword displayed in tables.
For example:
When viewing a list of keywords ranking for a category, the CPC column will show the value for each keyword based on Google’s Keyword Planner API.
Changing filters, such as niches or business models, updates the keyword list and its associated CPC data, ensuring the context remains specific to the selected category and filters.
This granular CPC data allows users to assess keyword value in the advertising space for specific niches within a category.
How CPC Works in Location Curves
Location Curves display CPC data similarly, offering keyword-specific CPC values without any aggregation. This module helps users analyze CPC trends in relation to geographic locations, aiding in understanding the advertising cost dynamics in regional markets.
For example:
In tables showing keywords ranking within a specific location, the CPC column displays individual values for each keyword.
Adjusting filters, such as device type or language, modifies the displayed keyword set and its corresponding CPC values, maintaining relevance to the location-focused analysis.
This approach enables users to strategize location-based campaigns using accurate CPC data for keywords relevant to the region.
How CPC Works in Index Curves
In Index Curves, CPC metrics are tied to the specific keywords included in the custom index created by the user. Like other modules, CPC values are not averaged or aggregated; they are tied directly to each keyword displayed in tables.
For example:
If an index is built to focus on specific keywords and competitors, the CPC column in keyword tables will reflect the individual CPC for each keyword based on Google’s Keyword Planner API.
Filters applied within the index (e.g., device, location, or domain authority) dynamically adjust the keyword set and its corresponding CPC values.
This ensures that users have tailored CPC insights that align with the specific goals of their custom index.
FAQs About CPC
How is CPC calculated in SiteCurve?
CPC data in SiteCurve comes directly from Google’s Keyword Planner API and represents the cost advertisers pay per click for individual keywords in paid search results.
Is CPC averaged across keywords?
No, CPC is not averaged. It is always displayed as an individual metric for each keyword in tables.
Can I filter keywords by CPC?
Yes, you can use CPC as a filter in the keyword management and analysis views to focus on keywords within specific cost ranges.
Does CPC data update over time?
No, CPC values do not change over time. They are static based on the creation date of a landscape.This is done to ensure comparability of data over time. CPC data in SiteCurve is meant to give you a directional perspecive of the commercial value of keywords not to be relied upon the actual cost you would pay to advertise on this keyword.
Is CPC data available for all keywords?
CPC data is available for most keywords, but some keywords may not have associated CPC values depending on availability in Google’s Keyword Planner API and how small of the keyword it is.