Adwords CPC’s going up and so are my clients conversions?

Over the last 12months I have seen my CPC’s and CPA’s for my clients rise and I’m finding it so very hard to keep control on it – Is anyone out there feeling the pressure like me in delivering good ROI?
I can so appreciate there are so many external factors why but it seems to me the competition in each industry is on the up – I have also just found out today via a colleague here at Top Click Media that there is now a minimum bid to be on page 1 – WOW this is surely going to hurt my CPC’s and CPA’s even more?

I know I’m getting the Monday feeling right know but does anyone have any constructive suggestions or is having the same problems.

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