Since its invention in 1996, Pay Per Click (PPC) Marketing has evolved into a massive force in the advertising world, and it has proven that it is anything but a fading trend. Keep reading to learn about the unique history of this foundational marketing strategy.
How it All Started
Did you know that PPC didn’t originate with Google or Yahoo? This advertising method can actually be traced back to 1996 when Planet Oasis launched PPC on a Desktop application. Soon after, other companies began fighting to take control of the PPC reigns. At this point, Google was just getting started as a research project at Stanford University and Yahoo was valued at $34 million.
Just three years later, in 1999, thousands of major brands were using PPC, and a system was created that allowed marketers to bid for individual keywords in real time. The system seemed flawless, until…
The Dot-Com Bubble Burst
The commercialization of the Internet that led to a great expansion of capital growth and the stock market reflected the confidence that new technology inspired. On March 10th, 2000 the NASDAQ peaked and nearly doubled. In response, companies such as Dell and Cisco made moves to sell their stocks and make a profit, causing panic selling to trickle down to other investors. The dot-com bubble eventually burst, and countless companies went bankrupt.
How Google Saved PPC
Google took the stage in the midst of the chaos by launching Google Adwords. This self-service advertising platform allowed advertisers to place ads on selected keywords and used a flat bidding model. It was simple, effective, and attractive to business owners who were trying to market online. In 2002, Google updated their PPC system by offering ad relevance rankings to users.
PPC Today
Fifteen years later, the world of online advertising is a lot more sophisticated than it once was. PPC still remains a tried and true way to market to an online audience, however, and it isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Not only does it generate a huge profit for search engines, but it is a must do for businesses who want to be relevant in the marketing world.
Online Marketing Experts
At AGI Marketing, we are passionate about helping companies thrive in their business and branding. One of the ways we do this is by connecting our clients with the most effective marketing strategies around. PPC is one such strategy, and there are countless other successful advertising methods that we employ. AGI employees are experts on both tried and true and innovative marketing methods, and we are equipped to help you grow your business through a variety of techniques. If you have questions about how we can help your business, don’t hesitate to contact our office today!
