Google Ads for Service-Based Businesses: A Beginner's Guide to Turning Clicks into Clients

By: Jyll Saskin Gales, Google Ads Coach

Have you ever wished that potential clients would find YOU when searching online for the services you offer? Well, Google Ads can make that wish a reality!

If you're a service-based business owner, this is your beginner's guide to understanding Google Ads, and whether they're the right fit for your business.

What This Post Will Cover:

• What are Google Ads and how do they work?
• Why should service-based businesses use Google Ads?
• How can Google Ads help you reach your ideal clients?
• Are you ready to run ads?

What Are Google Ads and How Do They Work?

Google Ads is a pay-per-click advertising platform that lets you place your ads at the top of Google search results and other Google properties like YouTube and Google Maps.

The beauty of this model is that you only pay when someone clicks on your ad, making it a cost-effective way to reach potential clients actively searching for the services you offer.

Why Should Service-Based Businesses Use Google Ads?

Google Ads can be a great fit for service providers like you. Here's why:

• Target your ideal client: You can tailor your ads to appear in front of people who are specifically searching for the services you provide.
• Control your budget: You set your daily budget and only pay when someone clicks on your ad.
• Measure results: Track how many people see and click on your ads, and how many of those clicks turn into leads or clients.
• Scale your business: As your business grows, you can increase your ad spend or adjust your efficiency targets to reach even more potential clients.

How Can Google Ads Help You Reach Your Ideal Clients?

Google Ads allows you to target your ads based on specific keywords, demographics, interests, and even past search behavior. This means you can reach people who are most likely to be interested in your services and ready to take action, such as filling out a contact form or booking a consultation.

Are You Ready To Run Ads?

While Google Ads can be a powerful tool, it's not always the right fit for every business. That's why I came up with my "Rule of 2" to help you determine if you're ready to start investing in Google Ads.

To calculate your Rule of 2, you need to know 2 things:

1. Your website conversion rate: This is the percentage of website visitors who take a desired action, such as making a purchase or filling out a contact form.

2. Your average order value: This is the average amount of money you make per conversion. You can calculate it by dividing your total revenue by total customers for the last month. For example, if you made $5000 last month from 4 different clients, your average order value was $1250. 

Now, you're ready for my Jyll Saskin Gales Rule of 2: Multiply your conversion rate by your average order value. If the result is at least $2, you're ready to start experimenting with Google Ads. If not, focus on improving your website conversion rate and average order value first.

Google Ads can be a powerful tool for growing your service-based business. By understanding the basics, knowing when you're ready to start, and following best practices, you can attract more of your ideal clients and fill your calendar with ease.