Glossary

Explore Meshline

Products Pricing Blog Support Log In

Ready to map the first workflow?

Book a Demo

Glossary / Evaluation and implementation guide

Paid Search

Paid search is advertising in search engine results, where ads appear against specific queries, typically auctioned and priced per click.

Its defining trait is intent capture: it reaches people actively searching, so it performs best when demand already exists, and struggles to create demand for unknown categories.

A practical example

Example: a data integration vendor bids on queries like 'how to sync Salesforce with a data warehouse', sending searchers to a comparison guide with a gated demo request, while excluding broad category terms that attract students and job seekers.

What to evaluate before investing

  • Check whether search-platform conversions sync into your automation platform with campaign and keyword context attached.
  • Ask how negative keyword and match-type management is supported, since these control wasted spend in B2B queries.
  • Evaluate whether the tool can connect search terms to downstream CRM outcomes like opportunities, not just form fills.

Limitations and tradeoffs

Paid search depends on queries people already use, so unfamiliar categories may need messaging around a known problem. Competitive auctions can make acquisition expensive; compare qualified conversions and margins, not just click volume.

Plan your next step with MeshLine

Connect this decision to your automation, organic marketing and customer lifecycle management. In a MeshLine demo, discuss your existing tools, the scope you need and how to measure the result.