If you think pay per click advertising is too expensive and not giving you the results you need, you may want to try pay per call instead. Pay per call is a type of online advertising that appeals to many small businesses — especially those without websites — because it combines the power of search marketing and the one-on-one interaction of a phone conversation.

Pay per call is geared towards Internet users who go online to search for vendors and suppliers, but would rather talk to someone rather than email to discuss concerns such as pricing, product availability, and get a feel for the vendor. Think of a mom looking for a daycare for her child who go online to check for daycares in the area — and found your ad — and then dials your number to talk to you. Allowing you to interact with a potential customer via a phone call makes it easy for you to discuss your business and get that sale.

How does pay per call works?

As the advertiser, you will select your keywords, choose the appropriate categories and select whether you want your ad shown nationally, regionally or locally. Like the traditional PPC campaign, your landing page must capture the user and entice them to make a call to you! When you write your ad, it has to include your business name, short blurb describing your business and a trackable toll free number. This toll free number will then be redirected to your own phone number.

Unlike PPC, you will be charged only when someone calls you, and not when that person clicks on the ad. So it is more of a pay per action type of advertising where the action in this case is for the person to call you.

The downside, however, is that pay per call bid prices are typically higher than pay per click. Instead of paying cents per click, pay per call can cost anywhere from $2 to $30 (or more) depending on the position of the ad and the chosen category.

If you are interested in looking at the pay per call online advertising option, here are some companies that offer this type of advertising:

Photo of author
Author
Isabel Isidro
Isabel Isidro is the Co-founder of PowerHomeBiz.com, one of the longest-running online resources dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs start and grow home-based and small businesses. She is also the Co-Founder and CEO of Ysari Digital, a digital marketing agency specializing in SEO, content strategy, and performance marketing for small and mid-sized businesses. With over two decades of experience in online business development, Isabel has launched and managed multiple successful websites, including Women Home Business, Starting Up Tips and Learning from Big Boys.Passionate about empowering others to succeed in business, Isabel combines real-world experience with a deep understanding of digital marketing, monetization strategies, and lean startup principles. A mom of three boys, avid vintage postcard collector, and frustrated scrapbooker, she brings creativity and entrepreneurial hustle to everything she does. Connect with her on Twitter Twitter or explore her work at PowerHomeBiz.com.

How to Get Your Product in the TV Shopping Channels

3 Basic Questions You Need to Ask When Starting a Business

 
Share via
Share via
Send this to a friend