What's the optimal radius targeting for a Google Ads campaign?

By: Jyll Saskin Gales, Google Ads Coach

Location, location, location! It's a crucial factor for any local business, and it's equally important for your Google Ads. If you're not familiar with radius targeting, you could be missing out on a powerful tool to reach the right customers in your neck of the woods.

In this post, we'll go deep on the topic of radius targeting in Google Ads and help you determine the optimal radius to maximize your local reach.

What is Radius Targeting in Google Ads?

Radius targeting lets you define a circular area around a specific location where you want your ads to show. You pick the center of the radius - for example, your store's address. Then, you pick the size of the radius - for example, 5 miles around your store.

This is perfect for businesses that serve customers within a certain geographical area, such as brick-and-mortar stores, restaurants, or service providers.

How to Set Up Radius Targeting in Google Ads

Here's a quick guide on how to set up radius targeting in Google Ads:

1. Go to your campaign's location settings.
2. Select "Enter another location" instead of the suggested countries
3. Click "Advanced search" in blue writing
4. Select "Radius" along the top, then type in your desired location
5. Choose the radius distance (in miles or kilometers).

What is the Optimal Radius for My Business?

The optimal radius for your business depends on various factors, including:

• Type of Business: A restaurant might have a smaller radius than a plumber who is willing to travel further for service calls.
• Customer Behavior: How far are your customers willing to travel to reach your business? Are you a special destination, like a bridal shop, or more of a convenience for the vicinity, like a corner store?
• Competition: If you're in a highly competitive area, you might need a smaller radius to focus on your immediate surroundings where you'll have the convenience advantage.
• Budget: A larger radius can lead to more impressions and clicks, so consider your budget when deciding on the optimal size.

If in doubt, I recommend starting small. Begin with a smaller radius, such as 5 miles, and gradually expand it (or shrink it) based on your campaign performance.