Users say they hate ads, but every marketer knows that they also click on the ads. The assumption is that well-timed ads that match users needs and interests are “good” while disruptive, irrelevant or poorly timed ads are “bad”. Google’s search results contain arguably “good” ads, they tend to be relevant to the query, they show up at the time of query and don’t interrupt user experience. But, do users click on search result page ads thinking they’re organic results?
I’d like to know how many people are aware that often the top of search results are ads.
Tony McCreath, asks on Twitter
As always, rather than guessing – we asked.
Can you tell the difference between paid ads and organic search results in Google?
Total Sample: 2000
Currently Collected: 735
Status: Actively Collecting Responses
Demographic: Australia, All
Date: 21 Jul 2020
Dan Petrovic, the managing director of DEJAN, is Australia’s best-known name in the field of search engine optimisation. Dan is a web author, innovator and a highly regarded search industry event speaker.
ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6886-3211
