Finding new customers is a constant challenge for manufacturers. Thankfully, paid search can give you an advantage. Instead of waiting for buyers to find you, paid search puts your brand in front of the right people the moment they’re looking for what you offer.
Of course, paid search for manufacturing isn’t like other industries. With long sales cycles and specialized products, your strategy needs to bring in quality leads and keep your brand top-of-mind. In this article, we’ve put together five helpful strategies to help manufacturers boost sales with paid search.
What is Manufacturing Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising?
Manufacturing pay-per-click (PPC) advertising is a digital marketing strategy where you pay to have your ads displayed in search engine results, typically through platforms like Google Ads. These ads appear when potential customers search for specific keywords related to the products or services you offer. The “pay-per-click” aspect means you only pay when someone clicks on your ad, making it a cost-effective way to attract interested buyers.
PPC advertising lets you target highly specific audiences. You can focus your ads on particular industries, locations, or even company sizes, ensuring that your message is reaching the decision-makers who are most likely to need your products. This precision is valuable in the manufacturing space, where your target market may be niche, and long sales cycles means every lead counts.
Thankfully, PPC campaigns give you plenty of control. You can start small, test different strategies, and make real-time adjustments to maximize your ROI. For manufacturers, this means your ads don’t just get seen—they get seen by the right people at the right time, with the potential to quickly convert clicks into valuable business leads.
5 Ways Manufacturers Can Boost Sales With Paid Search
1. Tailor Your Ads to Industry-Specific Keywords
It’s important to be highly specific with the keywords used in your paid search campaigns. General terms like “machinery” or “equipment” won’t necessarily reach your ideal customer. Instead, zero in on industry-specific terms that your potential buyers are actively searching for. For instance, niche keywords like “precision CNC milling” or “custom industrial fabrications” are more likely to capture the attention of those looking for your exact offerings.
Moreover, incorporating long-tail keywords is key to targeting high-intent buyers—those searching for precise solutions. Not only do these keywords result in lower CPC (cost-per-click) rates due to less competition, but they also attract visitors who are further along in their buying journey, increasing the likelihood of conversions.
2. Use Retargeting for Warmer Leads
In manufacturing, sales cycles can be long, and decision-makers often need time to evaluate multiple options. Retargeting campaigns allow you to stay visible to potential customers after their initial interaction with your website.
Retargeting lets you re-engage with people who have shown interest in your products, nurturing them through the decision-making process. Custom retargeting ads can display the specific products or services they viewed, reminding them of what you offer and encouraging them to return to your site when they’re ready to take action.
3. Use Localized Campaigns to Reach Nearby Buyers
Location plays a crucial role in sourcing suppliers. Whether you’re offering industrial components or large-scale machinery, buyers often prefer working with nearby manufacturers for convenience, reduced shipping costs, or faster turnaround times. Paid search lets you run localized campaigns targeting users within specific regions, cities, or even zip codes.
By emphasizing proximity, your ads become more relevant to those searching for manufacturing solutions close to them. You can highlight local services, fast deliveries, or tailored customer support to appeal directly to buyers in your region, making your offering more attractive and accessible.
4. Focus on Value Propositions in Ad Copy
Decision-makers want to know the tangible value your product or service can bring to their operations. Paid search ads are limited in space, so your ad copy needs to quickly communicate the specific benefits that set you apart. Are your products built to last longer, cut down on waste, or improve efficiency? These are the kinds of compelling selling points that manufacturers care about.
Focus on value-driven messaging that speaks to the unique challenges your customers face. Then, highlight ways that you solve those problems. By making it clear why your offering is superior, you’ll attract more qualified clicks and ultimately more sales.
5. Optimize Your Landing Pages for Conversion
Getting a user to click on your paid ad is only the first step. The next challenge is ensuring your landing page converts that interest into an actual lead or sale. Manufacturers often struggle with landing pages that are too technical or lack a clear call-to-action. If a prospect lands on a cluttered page with too much information, it can overwhelm them and result in a lost opportunity.
To prevent this, optimize your landing pages with a clean, intuitive design. Make sure it’s easy for prospects to find exactly what they’re looking for. Use clear CTAs (call-to-actions), reinforce your value proposition, and ensure fast load times for a seamless user experience. Well-designed website pages can dramatically increase your conversion rates, translating to more sales for your business.
Capture High-Quality Leads With Paid Search
Paid search can be a game-changer for manufacturers. It takes the guesswork out of finding new business, allowing you to target the exact customers you want to reach. By narrowing in on specific keywords, using retargeting to keep prospects engaged, and making sure your landing pages are set up for success, paid search can turn clicks into sales.
We know that every manufacturing business is different. That’s why GBG focuses on strategies that don’t just drive traffic, but also drive growth. Ready to see how paid search can bring in more leads and fill your sales team’s pipeline? Schedule a free consultation with one of our experts. We’ll identify your goals and challenges, and establish clear next steps for you to grow your business.