Pay Per Click / SEO Terms Pay Per Click Pay per click (PPC) is a digital advertising model where advertisers pay a fee each time someone clicks on their ad. It is most commonly used in search engine advertising, such as Google Ads, but also applies to social media platforms, display networks and other online channels. PPC allows brands to drive targeted traffic to their websites by bidding on keywords or audience segments relevant to their offer. In a typical PPC campaign, advertisers choose specific keywords or target criteria and set a maximum bid for how much they are willing to pay per click. When a user performs a search or meets the targeting conditions, an auction determines which ads appear and in what order. The actual cost per click is often lower than the maximum bid and depends on factors such as competition, ad relevance and quality score. For example, a B2B company might bid on terms like “CRM for small businesses,” while a nonprofit might promote seasonal campaigns through Facebook Ads. PPC is a performance-based model that offers measurable results and budget flexibility. It is ideal for driving traffic, generating leads, promoting time-sensitive offers or testing new messaging. For SaaS businesses, PPC supports user acquisition, onboarding and feature adoption. For nonprofits, it helps promote events, drive donations and increase program participation. Effective PPC campaigns require ongoing optimisation, including A/B testing, bid adjustments and landing page improvements to maximise return on investment.