Getting Started with Google Ads: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you ready to drive targeted traffic to your website and increase conversions? Google Ads, formerly known as Google AdWords, is a powerful advertising platform that allows businesses to reach potential customers through targeted ads on Google’s search engine and display network. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of setting up a Google Ads account and launching your first campaign.

Step 1: Create a Google Ads Account

1. Sign Up for Google Ads:
   • Visit the Google Ads website (ads.google.com) and click on “Start Now.”
   • Sign in with your Google account or create a new one if you don’t have one already.
2. Enter Business Details:
   • Fill in your business name, website URL, and choose your primary business goal (e.g., sales, leads, website traffic).
3. Set Up Billing:
   • Enter your billing information. Google Ads operates on a pay-per-click (PPC) model, so you’ll only pay when users click on your ads.
4. Navigate the Dashboard:
   • Familiarise yourself with the Google Ads dashboard where you’ll manage your campaigns, ad groups, and keywords. Don’t ignore the tour prompt.

Step 2: Understand Campaign Types and Goals

1. Choose Your Campaign Type:
   • Search Campaign: Display text ads in Google search results.
   • Display Campaign: Show visual ads on websites in Google’s Display Network.
   • Shopping Campaign: Promote products directly on Google Shopping.
   • Video Campaign: Run video ads on YouTube and across the web.
2. Set Campaign Goals:
   • Select specific goals such as website traffic, leads, sales, or brand awareness.
   • Define your target audience based on location, demographics, interests, and behaviors.

Step 3: Create Your First Campaign

1. Campaign Settings:
   • Name your campaign and choose the campaign type based on your goals (e.g., Search Network).
   • Set your daily budget—the amount you’re willing to spend per day on the campaign. Be aware that actual daily spend will vary, but over 30 days, this evens out to be about your budget.
2. Ad Group Creation:
   • Organise your ads into ad groups based on themes or keywords.
   • Choose relevant keywords that potential customers might use to find your products or services.
3. Create Ad Copy:
   • Write unique compelling ad headlines and descriptions that grab attention and encourage clicks.
   • Use ad extensions (e.g., call extensions, site link extensions) to provide additional information and improve ad performance.
4. Review and Launch:
   • Review your campaign settings, targeting options, and ad copy.
   • Once satisfied, click “Launch Campaign” to start running your ads.

Step 4: Monitor and Optimise Your Campaign

1. Monitor Performance:
   • Track key metrics such as click-through rate (CTR), conversion rate, and cost per click (CPC) using the Google Ads dashboard.
   • Monitor which keywords and ads are performing best and adjust bids accordingly.
2. Optimise for Success:
   • Use A/B testing to test different ad variations and optimise for better performance.
   • Adjust targeting settings based on audience insights and campaign data.
3. Refine Keywords and Budget:
   • Regularly review and refine your keyword list to include high-performing keywords and exclude irrelevant ones.
   • Adjust your budget allocation based on the performance of different campaigns and ad groups.

Ta-dah!

Congratulations! You’ve successfully set up your Google Ads account and launched your first campaign. Remember, Google Ads is a dynamic platform, and ongoing optimisation is key to maximizing your ROI. Keep testing, analysing, and refining your campaigns to drive continuous improvement and achieve your advertising goals.

Ready to take your online advertising to the next level? Start your Google Ads journey today and watch your business grow with targeted, measurable results.

Need Help with Google Ads?

At No Bull SEO, we specialise in PPC management and can help you create and optimise effective Google Ads campaigns tailored to your brand. Chat to us and learn how we can boost your online visibility and drive conversions through strategic PPC advertising.

Let’s cut through the noise and enhance your online presence together.