By: Jyll Saskin Gales, Google Ads Coach & Harrison Jack Hepp, Google Ads Agency Owner

Are you a local business owner looking to test out Google Ads? It can be a powerful tool to attract new customers and grow your business, but it can also be overwhelming to get started. I spoke with Google Ads Expert Harrison Jack Hepp to help you navigate the complexities of local campaigns and set your ads up for success. Here's what he had to say!

1. Avoid Smart Campaigns

When you first create your Google Ads account, you'll be tempted to use the "Smart Campaign" setup. Resist the urge! While it might seem like a quick and easy option, it can lead to headaches down the road. Instead, opt for the "Advanced Campaign" setup, which gives you more control and flexibility over your campaigns.

2. Find a Trustworthy Partner

If you're not comfortable managing your Google Ads campaigns yourself, consider partnering with an expert. A good partner can help you set up your campaigns correctly from the start, saving you time and money in the long run. Be sure to choose a partner who understands your business goals and has a proven track record of success with local businesses.

3. Get Your Website Ready

Before you start running ads, make sure your website is ready to handle the increased traffic. This means ensuring your website is fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate. Most importantly, make sure it's easy for potential customers to take the desired action, whether that's calling your business, filling out a form, or making a purchase.

4. Track Your Conversions

Conversion tracking is essential for understanding the effectiveness of your Google Ads campaigns. It allows you to see which ads are driving valuable actions, such as phone calls, form submissions, or purchases. Without conversion tracking, you're essentially flying blind and hoping for the best.

5. Set a Realistic Budget

One of the biggest questions local businesses have is, "How much should I spend on Google Ads?" It's tempting to start small and test the waters, but this approach often leads to disappointing results. Instead, set a realistic budget and timeframe for your campaigns. For example, you might decide to spend $3,000 over three months. This will give you enough data to assess whether your campaigns are working and make informed decisions about your future advertising efforts.

Bonus Tip: Aim for at Least 10 Clicks per Day

A good rule of thumb for testing your Google Ads budget is to aim for at least 10 clicks per day. This will give you a more accurate picture of your conversion rate and help you determine if your campaigns are generating enough leads or sales to justify the cost.

For more from Harrison Jack Hepp, follow him on LinkedIn

Want to learn more about how to optimize your Google Ads campaigns? Subscribe to Jyll's free Google Ads newsletter, The Insider, for expert tips and strategies.