Google Ads, formerly known as Google AdWords, is an online advertising platform that allows businesses to display their ads on Google’s search engine results pages (SERPs), as well as on other websites within the Google Display Network. With over 246 million unique visitors per day, Google Ads is a powerful tool for businesses looking to reach a wide audience and drive conversions. In this blog post, we’ll cover 8 things you need to know about Google Ads, along with tips and tricks to help you get the most out of this platform.
1. Understand the Basics of Google Ads
Before you start advertising on Google, it’s important to understand the basics of the platform. Search Engine Land offers a great overview of the different components of a Google Ads campaign, including keywords, ad groups, ads, and bidding strategies. Knowing how these different elements work together will help you create effective ads and optimize your campaigns for maximum ROI.
2. Use Keyword Research Tools
One of the most important parts of creating a successful Google Ads campaign is choosing the right keywords. You want to choose keywords that are relevant to your business and have a high search volume but aren’t too competitive. Use keyword research tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush to identify keywords that meet these criteria. Once you’ve identified your target keywords, create ad groups around them and write ads that are specifically tailored to those keywords.
3. Optimize Your Landing Pages
Your Google Ads campaign doesn’t end with your ad copy – it’s equally important to have effective landing pages that convert visitors into customers. Make sure your landing pages are optimized for the keywords you’re targeting and provide a clear call-to-action. Search Engine Journal recommends using tools like Unbounce or Instapage to create landing pages that are specifically designed for your Google Ads campaigns.
4. Use Ad Extensions
Ad extensions are additional pieces of information that can be included in your Google Ads, such as your business’s phone number or address. These extensions make your ads more informative and increase their visibility on the SERPs. Search Engine Land recommends using ad extensions like sitelinks and callout extensions to make your ads more compelling and encourage users to click through to your website.
5. Test Your Ads
Testing different ad copy and landing pages is a crucial part of optimizing your Google Ads campaigns. By testing different elements of your ads, you can identify what works best for your target audience and improve your conversion rates. Search Engine Journal recommends using A/B testing tools like Google Optimize to test different versions of your landing pages and ad copy.
6. Use Remarketing
Remarketing is a powerful tool for reaching users who have already visited your website or interacted with your brand in some way. By targeting these users with ads, you can increase the likelihood that they’ll convert into customers. Search Engine Land recommends using remarketing lists for search ads (RLSAs) to target users who have previously visited your website and are actively searching for relevant keywords on Google.
7. Monitor Your Metrics
Keeping track of your metrics is key to understanding how your Google Ads campaigns are performing and identifying areas for improvement. Important metrics to track include click-through rates (CTR), conversion rates, and cost per conversion. Search Engine Journal recommends using Google Analytics to track your metrics and gain insights into user behavior on your website.
8. Keep Up with Changes to the Platform
Google is constantly updating its algorithms and changing the way it displays ads, so it’s important to stay up-to-date with changes to the platform. Search Engine Land offers a comprehensive guide to the latest updates to Google Ads, including changes to ad formats, bidding strategies, and targeting options. By staying on top of these changes, you can ensure that your Google Ads campaigns remain effective and competitive.
Maintain the Course
Google Ads is a powerful tool for businesses looking to reach a wide audience and drive conversions. By following these 8 tips and tricks, you can create effective Google Ads campaigns that reach the right audience and drive results.
By understanding the basics of the platform, using keyword research tools, optimizing your landing pages, using ad extensions, testing your ads, using remarketing, monitoring your metrics, and staying up-to-date with changes to the platform, you can create campaigns that deliver a high return on investment and help grow your business. As with any marketing channel, it’s important to continually evaluate and refine your Google Ads campaigns to ensure that they remain effective and competitive. By implementing these best practices, you can get the most out of your Google Ads campaigns and achieve your business goals.
