Differences Across Device Usage in Search Engine Advertising

Abstract

For advertisers, search engine advertising represents an attractive opportunity to selectively reach the target group at a point in time when the prospects are already thematically involved and activated. One question that subsequently arises is if users use various devices during different phases of the search process and if this behavior affects the search engine advertising outcome measured by corresponding performance indicators. The present chapter addresses this question. Based on a search engine advertising campaign of a German service provider, the authors examine the development of performance indicators across multiple devices. Specifically, we retrace the development across desktops, tablets, and mobile devices. Thus, the chapter provides insights into device usage in search engine advertising. The chapter concludes with overall trends in search engine advertising.