Google Ads 101: A Beginner's Guide to Getting Started

By: Jyll Saskin Gales, Google Ads Coach

Are you a small business owner looking to drive more traffic to your website and increase sales? Google Ads can help you achieve those goals, but it can be tricky to get started.

In this blog post, I'll cover the basics of Google Ads and how you can use it to grow your business. We'll discuss the different types of Google Ads, how to create effective ads, and how to avoid common mistakes.

What is Google Ads?

Google Ads is an online advertising platform that allows you to show ads to people who are searching for things on Google. When someone types a query into Google's search bar, Google Ads can display your ad at the top of the search results page.

Why Should You Use Google Ads?

Google Ads can be a great way to reach new customers and grow your business. It's a highly targeted form of advertising, which means you can show your ads to people who are most likely to be interested in your products or services.

Different Types of Google Ads

There are several different types of Google Ads, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some options include:

• Search Ads: These ads appear at the top of the search results page when someone searches for a relevant keyword.
• Display Ads: These ads appear on websites and apps that are part of the Google Display Network.
• Video Ads: These ads appear on YouTube.
• Performance Max: The "all in one" campaign type that allows you to show ads everywhere Google Ads can touch

How to Create Effective Google Ads

Creating effective Google Ads takes time and effort, but it's definitely possible to do it yourself. Here are a few tips before getting started:

• Know your target audience: Who are you trying to reach with your ads? What are their interests and needs? Once you know your target audience, you can create ads that appeal to them.
• Use relevant keywords: When people search on Google, they use keywords to find what they're looking for. Make sure your ads include relevant keywords so that they show up when people search for those terms.
• Write compelling ad copy: Your ad copy should be clear, concise, and persuasive. It should tell people what you're offering and why they should click on your ad.
• Use a strong call to action: Tell people what you want them to do after they click on your ad. Do you want them to buy something? Sign up for your email list? Visit your website?
• Use social proof: Include customer reviews, testimonials, or awards on your landing page to show people that your business is credible.

Common Google Ads Mistakes to Avoid

There are many mistakes that people often make when getting started with Google Ads. Here are a few to avoid:

• Not knowing your target audience: If you don't know who you're trying to reach, you're not going to be able to create effective ads.
• Writing boring ad copy: If your ad copy isn't interesting or persuasive, people aren't going to click on it.
• Not tracking your results: If you don't track your results, you won't know what's working and what's not. This is called "conversion tracking"

Additional Google Marketing Tools for Business Owners

In addition to Google Ads, there are a few other Google tools that can be helpful for business owners:

• Google Analytics: This free tool allows you to track website traffic and see how people are interacting with your site.
• Google Business Profile: This free tool allows you to create a listing for your business on Google.
• Google Merchant Center: This free tool allows you to share your product information with Google, so you can advertise specific products with Google Ads

Google Ads can be a powerful tool for growing your business, but it's important to spend time learning the ropes before getting started. If you'd like a little guidance in that process, check out my Google Ads for Beginners course.