Google's Beta CPA Program - Anyone using it yet?

[whitebark]

I just got my invite today from google and just started looking it over. Seems to be plenty of advertisers already, but the creatives are all adsense styled ads by the looks of it. Some nice possible payouts across some niches.

Anyone else using this yet? How do you like it - any tips for use?

For those that have not heard of this yet:
http://www.google.com/ads/adsense/referrals/index.html

Thanks

[fab]

Interesting, just signed up.

[gckorn]

I've been enrolled in CPA for some time, in my Maine restaurant section, see www.maine.info/dining.php - but not a single action yet. At this point, it seems a better CPA approach is to select a specific product link from your affiliate program of choice (e.g., CJ, LinkShare, etc) and match it to your page. Better results.

gc

[David G]

Are you talking about non-ppc Google Referrals in Adsense?

[gckorn]

Yes, I assume "CPA" is "Cost Per Action," which essentially defines Google Referrals in AdSense. (And the initial beta link that started this thread was to the Referrals program).

My problem with these CPA/Referrals is that you cannot know what Google will serve. I've had better luck with hard-coded affiliate program links. With these, I can tie them directly into matching content, e.g., www.maine.info/apartments.php

gc

[whitebark]

I used them for a few months on a few heavy traffic websites - not a single action. Converted all the units to CJ ads - now a happy camper.

[gckorn]

Thanks Whitebark, so I am not alone. I may just go and convert my few remaining referral units into something that pays on occasion.

gc