Conversions can happen 30+ days after research begins
Google/Nielsen clickstream research found that one-third of conversions in the studied categories occurred at least 30 days after initial research began.
Source: Google/Nielsen, Beyond Last Click
Why Search Engine Placement
Be Visible When Customers Are Ready to Act.
Customers do not always buy the first time they search. SEP keeps your business positioned in premium sponsored search visibility throughout the research and decision journey—with predictable monthly pricing and unlimited clicks under your approved program.
your most valuable customer keyword
YOUR BUSINESSSponsored
Your Business in a Top Sponsored Position
Relevant message • Approved market • Direct path to your website
Sponsored
Second Available Position
Only two qualifying businesses are accepted through THE TOP 3.
Sponsored
Third Sponsored Position
This position is not offered through THE TOP 3.
The customer journey is not one click
Why consistent search visibility matters
Strong search marketing is not based on an unsupported “magic number” of ad exposures. It is based on being present across repeated, high-intent research moments.
Average site visits before purchase
Across the categories studied, purchasers averaged 9.9 site visits and visited an average of 4.4 different sites before converting.
Source: Google/Nielsen clickstream studyStreaming. Scrolling. Searching. Shopping.
Google and BCG describe today’s consumer journey as a dynamic web of multiple touchpoints rather than a simple linear funnel.
Source: Think with Google / BCG
Search captures declared intent
Google describes Search ads as reaching people actively searching for relevant products and services. View Google’s explanation.
Your customers tell Google exactly what they need.
Google explains that Search ads target people who are actively searching for products and services. SEP is built around that moment: the customer has identified a need, entered a relevant query, and is evaluating who deserves the next click.
01
Repeated high-intent visibility
Remain present when prospects search, compare, leave, return, and search again.
02
Predictable monthly investment
Replace per-click uncertainty with a defined monthly placement program.
03
Unlimited clicks
Your approved SEP package is not reduced each time a prospect clicks.
04
Direct website traffic
Sponsored listings direct qualified searchers to the landing page selected for the campaign.
SEP vs. traditional PPC
Designed for visibility and predictability
Only THE TOP 3 secures continuous sponsored visibility for participating businesses—keeping your brand in front of high-intent searchers 24/7 without the constant bid wars, budget fluctuations, or daily on/off exposure associated with traditional pay-per-click campaigns.
| Program Characteristic | Traditional PPC | THE TOP 3 SEP |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | Varies by clicks, bids & budgets | Flat fee |
| Click Fees | Yes, varies by competitiveness | None |
| Click Fraud* | YES | None |
| Competition | Bidding War | None |
| Budget Friendly | Constantly changing | Fixed |
* Google sponsored ads click fraud is the act of repeatedly clicking on a pay-per-click (PPC) ad without any real intent to buy. Bad actors use automated bots, click farms, or rival companies to waste your ad budget.
Why businesses choose SEP
Search visibility without the limits of traditional PPC
Search Engine Placement changes how your business competes for attention. Instead of paying more every time someone clicks, adjusting bids, and watching daily budgets fluctuate, SEP provides consistent sponsored visibility for approved keywords and markets under a predictable monthly program.
Your business stays visible 24/7
Traditional PPC campaigns can disappear when budgets run out, bids become too expensive, or campaigns are paused. SEP is designed to keep your business consistently visible in sponsored search results for your approved keywords and market.
Unlimited clicks
With traditional PPC, every click reduces your available budget. With SEP, clicks are included under your approved placement, so qualified prospects can continue visiting your website without creating additional per-click charges.
No bidding wars
Traditional PPC advertisers continually compete against one another, which can drive up costs and exhaust budgets faster. SEP replaces that uncertainty with a fixed monthly placement model instead of constant bid adjustments.
Limited availability creates value
There are only three sponsored positions at the top of most Google searches. THE TOP 3 makes only two of those positions available for approved keywords and geographic markets. Once both positions are committed, that opportunity is closed through our program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need to Know About Search Engine Placement
What is Search Engine Placement (SEP)?
Search Engine Placement (SEP) is THE TOP 3's exclusive sponsored-search visibility program. It is designed to place an approved business in a top sponsored position for selected keywords and geographic markets for a predictable monthly fee, subject to availability and program terms.
How is SEP different from traditional pay-per-click (PPC) advertising?
Traditional PPC generally charges for every click and often requires ongoing bid management, budget adjustments, and campaign optimization. THE TOP 3's SEP program uses predictable monthly pricing and includes unlimited clicks for the approved placement package.
Why does SEP not charge for each click?
SEP is structured as a sponsored placement program rather than a client-managed pay-per-click campaign. Under an approved package, clicks are included instead of being billed individually.
Why are only two businesses accepted?
THE TOP 3 makes only two of the three sponsored positions available for each approved keyword and geographic market. Once both positions are committed, that opportunity is no longer available through our program.
Can I reserve a city, metro area, state, or larger territory?
Yes. Programs may be available for cities, metro markets, states, multi-state territories, the United States, Canada, or approved combinations, subject to availability.
Can I use multiple keywords or keyword phrases?
Yes. Businesses may reserve multiple approved keywords and keyword phrases depending on market availability.
Do customers go directly to my website?
Yes. Your sponsored listing directs prospective customers directly to your designated website or landing page.
Can I keep my existing website?
Absolutely. SEP works with your existing website or a dedicated landing page.
Why hasn't our marketing company ever heard of Search Engine Placement (SEP)?
Search Engine Placement (SEP) is THE TOP 3's exclusive sponsored search program. Most digital marketing agencies generate revenue by managing traditional pay-per-click campaigns and charging management fees or a percentage of advertising spend. Because SEP follows a fundamentally different business model, many agencies have never encountered it before.
How do we know this is real?
If the only thing preventing you from moving forward is proof, we'll introduce you directly to existing THE TOP 3 clients so you can hear about their experience firsthand from business owners already using Search Engine Placement.
What does THE TOP 3 guarantee?
When someone searches within your contracted geographic market using your approved keyword(s), your business will appear in one of the Top 3 Sponsored Ads, subject only to the technical exceptions and limitations specifically outlined in your agreement. Our goal is simple: When your customers search, they see your business.
Check your market
Your best keywords may still be available.
Tell us your company, website, and contact information. Our team will review the relevant industry, keywords, and geographic options.