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Google Ads Basics and How It Works

Learn the fundamentals of Google Ads, including key features and strategies, to boost your online visibility and reach your target audience effectively.

In the ever-evolving digital business landscape, businesses must continuously adapt to stay ahead of the curve. One of the most powerful tools at their disposal is Google Ads

This platform offers a robust way to reach potential customers right when they're searching for your products or services. 

Whether you're a small local business or a large corporation, understanding Google Ads can significantly enhance your online presence and drive meaningful results.

Yikes! Marketing is your local expert at creating high performing Google Ads campaigns that resonate with your audience. If you’re looking for a better return on investment than your current marketing efforts, get in touch with us.

What is Google Ads?

Google Ads, formerly known as Google AdWords, is an online advertising platform developed by Google. It allows businesses to create ads that appear on Google search results pages and across its vast network of partner websites. 

The primary goal of Google Ads is to help businesses reach their target audience at the right time with relevant advertisements. This is especially relevant for businesses that already have an online presence.

How does Google Ads work?

Google Ads operates on a pay-per-click (PPC) model, meaning you only pay when someone clicks on your ad. This cost-effective approach ensures that your budget is spent on users who show interest in your offerings. 

Here's a breakdown of how Google Ads works:

1. Keyword research

The foundation of a successful Google Ads campaign is thorough keyword research. Keywords are the terms or phrases that users type into Google when searching for information. By identifying and targeting the right keywords, you can ensure your ads appear in front of potential customers. 

For example, a local bakery might target keywords like "fresh bread near me" or "best pastries in Perth."

2. Creating Ads

Once you have your keywords, the next step is to create compelling ads. These ads consist of a headline, a description, and a URL. It's essential to craft a message that grabs attention and encourages users to click. 

For instance, a tech company offering IT solutions might create an ad with the headline "Top-Rated IT Solutions for Your Business" and a description highlighting their expertise and customer satisfaction.

3. Setting a budget

Google Ads allows you to set a daily budget for your campaigns. This flexibility ensures you can control your spending and adjust as needed. You can start with a modest budget and increase it once you see positive results. 

For example, an online clothing store might allocate a higher budget during holiday seasons to capitalise on increased shopping activity.

4. Choosing a campaign type

Google Ads offers various campaign types to suit different marketing goals. Choosing the right one can drastically improve your targeting and return on investment:

  • Search campaigns: These ads appear on Google search results pages. Ideal for targeting users actively searching for specific products or services.
  • Display campaigns: These ads appear on Google's vast network of partner websites. Great for building brand awareness and reaching a broader audience.
  • Video campaigns: These ads appear on YouTube and other video platforms. Perfect for engaging users with compelling video content.
  • Shopping campaigns: These ads showcase your products directly in Google search results. Excellent for e-commerce businesses.
  • App campaigns: These ads promote mobile apps across Google's network. Useful for encouraging app downloads and engagement.

5. Bidding strategy

Your bidding strategy determines how much you're willing to pay for each click or impression. Like campaign type, this has a direct impact on your ROI. Google Ads offers several bidding options, including:

  • Cost-Per-Click (CPC): You pay for each click on your ad.
  • Cost-Per-Thousand Impressions (CPM): You pay for every 1,000 impressions your ad receives.
  • Cost-Per-Acquisition (CPA): You pay when a user takes a specific action, such as making a purchase or signing up for a newsletter.

Choosing the right bidding strategy depends on your campaign goals and budget.

6. Targeting options

Google Ads provides robust targeting options to ensure your ads reach the right audience. You can target users based on demographics, location, interests, and even their previous interactions with your website (remarketing). 

For example, a local restaurant can target ads to users within a specific radius and tailor messages to appeal to different age groups.

7. Monitoring and Optimisation

Once your ads are live, monitoring their performance is crucial. Google Ads provides detailed analytics and reports, allowing you to track metrics such as clicks, impressions, conversions, and return on investment (ROI). 

Based on this data, you can optimise your campaigns by adjusting keywords, ad copy, targeting settings, and bids to improve performance.

Examples of Google Ads in different industries

Retail

An online clothing store uses Google Shopping campaigns to showcase its latest collection directly in search results. By targeting keywords like "summer dresses" and "men's casual wear," they attract shoppers actively looking for these items. Their ads include high-quality images, prices, and a direct link to the product page, making it easy for users to make a purchase.

Healthcare

A local dental clinic runs a search campaign targeting keywords such as "best dentist in [city name]" and "emergency dental care." Their ads highlight their services, patient testimonials, and special offers for new patients. By appearing at the top of search results, they attract individuals seeking immediate dental care.

Travel and hospitality

A boutique hotel leverages display ads to reach potential guests planning their vacations. By using visually appealing images of their property and highlighting unique amenities, they capture the interest of travellers browsing travel blogs and websites. Remarketing ads remind previous website visitors of their excellent offers, encouraging them to book a stay.

Tech

A software company utilises video campaigns on YouTube to demonstrate their product's features and benefits. Their ads target users interested in technology and software solutions, driving traffic to their website where potential customers can learn more and sign up for a free trial.

Google Ads is a powerful tool that can significantly boost your business's online presence and drive targeted traffic to your website. By understanding the basics of how it works, you can create effective campaigns that reach your ideal customers at the right time. Whether you're in retail, healthcare, travel, tech, or any other industry, Google Ads offers a versatile platform to achieve your marketing goals.

Partnering with an expert team like Yikes! Marketing can help you navigate the complexities of Google Ads and maximise your return on investment. Ready to take your online advertising to the next level? Contact us today to get started!

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