Glossary

Ad Rank

Product Nomenclature
Ad Rank determines the position of an ad on a search engine results page (SERP) or within a display network. It is a key factor in how prominently ads appear and is calculated based on bid amount, ad quality, and expected impact of ad extensions. What You Should Know Ad Rank is influenced by:
  • Bid Amount: The maximum amount an advertiser is willing to pay per click.
  • Ad Quality: Includes Quality Score factors such as relevance and landing page experience.
  • Expected Impact of Extensions: Additional information like sitelinks or call buttons can improve rank.
High Ad Rank increases the likelihood that an ad appears in premium positions, such as the top of search results. How It Works Search engines calculate Ad Rank for every eligible ad in real time during a search. Ads with higher ranks win better placements. For example, a sneaker brand bidding on “running shoes” may rank higher than competitors if it has a well-optimized ad and landing page. Advantages
  • Improves Visibility: Higher-ranked ads appear in prime locations.
  • Increases Click Potential: Ads in top positions often receive more clicks.
  • Rewards Quality: Better ad experiences can outrank competitors, even with lower bids.
Applications and Use Cases A skincare brand running Google Ads for “moisturizing cream” optimizes its landing page to improve Ad Rank. A food delivery service uses ad extensions with “Order Now” buttons to increase its rank on mobile searches.