Should I use a Keyword Management Company

Hi

I have been managing my own PPC on Google, Yahoo and MSN, but find it very difficult to make it pay. Probably because I don't have the time to really concentrate on it and do a good job (or a simple lack of ability!!). I am considering putting my PPC in the hands of a professional company.

Is this a good idea?
What are the likely costs to be?
Are there any companies you would recommend?

Any help would be appreciated.

It is a good idea if any of the following apply

1) You depend on them for your business

2) You spend a considerable amount of money on them with little return

3) You get very low CTR

The costs are usually £100 minimum per month or 10% of the monthly account value which ever the higher.

I would strongly recomend that you get keyword research done.

Many people make the mistake of targeting the top level generic keywords which are very rarely the best keywords to target.

Also, creating individual pages for each keyword you are targeting is a good idea. You can convert to a sale much better this way.

Many thanks for your help. I have been using tail keywords and everything you say has been happening, little return, low CTR and poor conversions. I think it is time for a professional.

I just have to ask... Is there a market/customer(s) out there that will convert? If you have competitors that are converting... then yes. If you are trying to sell a product/service online that nobody else is converting traffic to sales... then no. Some things/services do not sell well online... ensure yours is not one of them. For example, one might sell costume jewelry online well, but have a devil of a time selling custom made jewelry online.

Gary's PPC Longtail Article

Gary wrote the above article, read it, apply it, see if you really need to hire someone. And if you do, then you do, but maybe you save and convert yourself.

I do have competitors out there who are converting. I am involved in a division of the pet industry which typically does have reasonable conversion figures.

I will give Gary's article a try.
Thanks