Cost Structure of Self-Serve Ad Networks: A Complete Breakdown
Self-serve ad networks offer flexible pricing models to suit different advertising needs. Here's a detailed look at how costs work:

1. Primary Pricing Models
A. Pay-Per-Click (PPC)
How it works: You pay only when someone clicks your ad

Average CPC range:

Search ads:
0.50
−
0.50−5+ (competitive niches can be $10+)

Display/native ads:
0.20
−
0.20−2

7Search PPC: As low as
0.01
−
0.01−0.50 (budget-friendly option)

Best for: Direct response campaigns, lead generation

B. Cost-Per-Mille (CPM) - Per 1,000 Impressions
How it works: Pay for ad views, not clicks

Average CPM range:

Display ads:
0.50
−
0.50−10

Video ads:
5
−
5−30

Best for: Brand awareness campaigns

C. Cost-Per-Action (CPA)
How it works: Pay only for conversions (sales, sign-ups)

Less common in self-serve networks (more common in affiliate marketing)

Best for: Performance-focused advertisers

2. Additional Cost Factors
A. Minimum Deposits
Most networks require initial deposit:

Google Ads: No minimum ($10 recommended)

Facebook Ads: $5 minimum

7Search PPC: Just $5 to start

B. Bid Strategies
Manual Bidding: Set your max CPC/CPM

Automated Bidding: Let AI optimize (usually more expensive)

C. Quality Score Impact
Higher quality ads (better CTR) often get:

Lower CPCs

Better ad placement

3. Budget Flexibility
Network    Minimum Daily Budget    Payment Methods
Google Ads    $1/day    Credit card, bank transfer
Facebook Ads    $1/day    Credit card, PayPal
7Search PPC    $0.10/day    Credit card, PayPal, Crypto
4. Hidden Costs to Watch For
Ad spend waste from poor targeting

Fraudulent clicks (good networks have click fraud protection)

Management fees (some charge % of spend)

5. Cost Comparison Table
Network    Avg. CPC    Minimum Spend    Best For
Google Ads   
1
−
1−5    $10    High-intent searches
Facebook Ads   
0.50
−
0.50−2    $5    Social engagement
7Search PPC   
0.01
−
0.01−0.50    $5    Budget PPC traffic
Pro Tip: Start with a small daily budget ($5-10), test different ad types, then scale what works.

???? Ready to launch low-cost ads? Try 7Search PPC for affordable PPC campaigns with transparent pricing.