What happens when a user clicks on the site link in my ad?

Short Answer: When a user clicks on the site link extension in your ad, you will be charged for that click because it directs the user to your website. Site link extensions are tools Google uses to grab the user’s attention in different ways.

Full Explanation

Site link extensions are additional clickable links in your ad that provide users with more direct paths to specific pages on your website. When a user clicks on one of these site links, it counts as a click on your ad just like clicking on the main headline. Because the user is taken directly to your site, Google charges you for this interaction.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

User sees your ad along with site link extensions underneath it.
User clicks on one of the site link extensions instead of the main ad headline.
The click leads the user directly onto your website, just like a normal ad click.
Google counts this as a single paid click and charges you accordingly.
Site link extensions serve as different methods for Google to draw more attention to your ad.

Real Examples

Imagine your ad has site links like “Contact Us,” “Latest Offers,” and “About Our Company.” If a user clicks on the “Contact Us” link to reach your contact page, this interaction will be billed just as if they had clicked the main ad itself.

Common Mistakes

Assuming clicks on site links are free or do not incur costs.
Not monitoring site link clicks separately, which might affect budgeting decisions.
Ignoring how site link extensions can impact overall ad performance and cost.

FAQs

Q: Are site link clicks counted separately from main ad clicks?
A: No, clicks on site links are charged just like any other click on the ad.

Q: Do site link extensions affect how much I pay for an ad?
A: Yes, because clicks on site links are paid clicks that lead users to your website.

Key Takeaways

Clicks on site link extensions are paid clicks because they send users to your website.
Site link extensions are designed by Google to catch the user’s attention in varied ways.
Understanding how site link clicks work can help better manage your ad budget and performance.