Cost per click on PPC

[ClickIt]

What is the best way to get a good cpc estimate other than actually running the campaign?

I have had several people asking for budgets and wasn't sure how to answer.

Any suggestions?

[StreamlineMetrics]

You can use the Google AdWords Traffic Estimator to get a rough idea of a recommended budget and estimated CPC - https://adwords.google.com/o/TrafficEstimator

[Asher]

Agreed

[ClickIt]

I just tried that, the cpc seem on the low end, but I assume it is an average for the United States.

[JasmineA]

I think the traffic estimator is taking a higher quality score KW and giving you a general range. I think that the CTRs seem over-ambitious, myself.

If you haven't already run the account, how do you know it's on the low end? Were you just predicting more?

You don't have to be at the Top Spot of course. Position 3-5 are still normal to target and will give you a lower CTR, lower CPC & more traffic. Depends on what your KPIs are, I guess.