WordStream, a provider of software for keywords and pay-per-click marketing campaigns, has done research to discover which keywords receive the highest costs per click (CPC) in Google AdWords. Unless you are marketing a term like “yard sale” or “yorba linda architect” something else for which there is little competition,  be ready to spend the big bucks.

Following are the top 20 keyword categories that fetched the highest costs per click.

1. Insurance – $54.91 per click

2. Loans – $44.28 per click

3. Mortgáge – $47.12 per click

4. Attorney – $47.07 per click

5. Credít – $36.06 per click

6. Lawyer – $42.51 per click

7. Donate – $42.02 per click

8. Degree – $40.61 per click

9. Hosting – $31.91 per click

10. Claim – $45.51 per click

11. Conference Call – $42.05 per click

12. Trading – $33.19 per click

13. Software – $35.29 per click

14. Recovery – $42.03 per click

15. Transfer – $29.86 per click

16. Gas/Electricity – $54.62 per click

17. Classes – $35.04 per click

18. Rehab – $33.59 per click

19. Treatment – $37.18 per click

20. Cord Blood – $27.80 per click (Source: PracticalEcommerce.com)

Can you believe the cost-per-click of the top 20 keyword categories? Not only is Google thumbing its nose at searchers, it’s also kicking small advertisers, including local web developers, handymen and CPAs to the curb as well. The same small advertisers who helped Google become the dominant advertising force that it’s become. At those prices, it’s impossible for small advertisers to compete. The playing field is tilted decidedly towards the side of big business.