What keywords drive 97% of Google’s revenue?

Google gets most of it’s revenue from Adwords. But did you ever wonder what the top 20 keywords that drive that volume?

WordStream, a provider of hosted software that automates most of the manual work involved with creating and optimizing both paid and natural search engine marketing campaigns, has done some research to discover which keyword categories get the highest costs per click (CPC) in Google’s AdWords solution.

It’s hard to believe that the top 3 categories of Insurance, Loans and Mortgages make up over 45% of the volume.  When you are spending $45.91 a click you better make sure all of your reporting is in place and you can track inquires, leads and subscribers.

It must pencil out for the Insurance companies to be spending this kind of money or they wouldn’t be such competition.  If you don’t sell Insurance or loans or mortgages, be sure you are still tracking your spending and can report on how your users flow through your site and have attribution to show for it.

Social Media Revolution

Still unsure whether or not social media should be part of your digital marketing plan? Check out this fantastic video highlighting key statistics on social media.

Was 2010 finally the Year of Mobile?

I’ve been hearing that “this is the year of mobile” since 2001. I think we are finally at a place that mobile is really taking off and overtake PCs as the primary way we access the web in a few years.  How will you know when it’s time for your org to go mobile? Take a look at your website analytics. You might be surprised by the amount of devices accessing your website. The consumers are out there, give them something to do on your site that is quick and tailored to the mobile experience.

Need more convincing? Mobile Future put together this great recap of 2010 that puts is all into perspective.

A fun view of Portland Oregon

In my recent travels to Hawaii and Orlando, I’ve had to explain to people why Portland is such a great place to live. Sure, it’s no Hawaii, but it does have it’s high points which this video outlines nicely.  Great job Travel Oregon.