Google Ads is a tool to put your business in front of customers who are already searching for what you offer. <\/span>By far the world\u2019s leading Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising platform, it gives you the tools and control you need to run campaigns, track their progress, and switch things up as needed.<\/span><\/p>\n And it\u2019s simpler than you might think, even for the non-technically-minded small business owner!<\/span> With a good choice of keywords and a well-aimed campaign, you can put your business on the map \u2014 no need to call that advertising agency.<\/span><\/p>\n Since launch in 2000 (as Google AdWords), Google Ads has grown into the internet\u2019s biggest Search Engine Marketing (SEM) platform, used by over 1.2 million businesses worldwide today.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u2018Ads operates on a Pay-Per-Click (PPC) model. That means you only pay when someone clicks on your ad. No clicks, no charge. So while <\/span>it isn\u2019t free, it\u2019s a very cost-effective way to get your business in front of people who are searching for the right keywords.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Internet ads are more targeted and measurable than traditional advertising. Unlike billboards or magazine ads, where you pay regardless of whether anyone notices, Google Ads lets you set your own budget and track performance so you can see exactly where your money\u2019s going.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The beauty is that it lets you reach potential customers who are already searching for what it is you do \u2014 be that a baker in Bristol, a hairdresser in Harrogate, a florist in\u2026 you get the picture.<\/span><\/p>\n Google<\/span> <\/span>claims that there\u2019s a return of $8 for every $1 spent<\/span><\/a> on Google Ads. While that\u2019s an average across all ads and industries (and surely a tall order for smaller online business), it can certainly do a lot to get your business noticed online.<\/span><\/p>\n Around 65% of small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are running their own pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns, with an average conversion rate of 2.35%. Interestingly, paid ads perform five times better on mobile devices compared to desktop computers, which just goes to show the importance of having a website well-optimised for mobile.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You really don\u2019t need to be a marketing expert to get started. With a simple interface, in just a few clicks you can be running your own campaigns and tracking their performance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is all about improving your website\u2019s position in search results naturally, without paying for ads. The focus is on things like keywords, content, and \u201cbacklinks\u201d (links between sites) to help your site rank higher over time. It\u2019s a slow process, but it works.<\/span><\/p>\n Search Engine Marketing (SEM), then, is about paid ads that put your business in front of potential customers pronto<\/em>. Google Ads falls under the SEM category: you pay to appear at the top of search results immediately. While SEO builds long-term, SEM helps you get noticed right now.<\/span><\/p>\n We\u2019ll assume you\u2019ve already built a great website with Website Builder or WordPress. There\u2019s a useful guide to local SEO, below. Be sure also to create a Google Business Profile so you can get found on maps. Add Google Ads to the mix and you\u2019ll have all the right tools in place to get found exactly where your potential customers are searching.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For more: <\/i><\/span>Local SEO in 10 \u2013 How Do I Get My Business Found Online?<\/span><\/i><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Getting started with Google Ads is straightforward \u2013 let\u2019s walk through the steps.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n First, you\u2019ll need to create your Google Ads account. Simply head over to the Google Ads homepage, sign up, and follow the prompts to set up your account.<\/span><\/p>\n You\u2019ll need to enter your business information. Start by adding your business name and website. If you\u2019ve got any existing Google accounts (like Google Analytics or Google Merchant Center), linking them will speed things up and give you helpful suggestions as you go.<\/span><\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve decided on your goal, you\u2019ll be ready to set up your first campaign.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Next, think about what you want your ads to achieve. Google Ads can help you meet a variety of goals:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Decide what you want to achieve with your campaign\u2014whether it\u2019s boosting sales, gathering new leads, or getting more people to recognise your brand. Google will suggest the best campaign types to match your goal. <\/span><\/p>\n 2. Set Up Your Campaign<\/b><\/p>\n Here, you\u2019ll need to add key details like location, language, and device preferences. You can also choose your bidding strategy (like targeting cost-per-action or manual cost-per-click) and set your budget, either for the day or for the whole campaign. <\/span><\/p>\n 3. Create Your Ads<\/b><\/p>\n When creating your Google Ads, your headline is your first chance to make a great impression. Be sure to include your main keywords and highlight what makes your offer stand out\u2014something like \u201cFast Plumbing Services in London\u201d or \u201cFree Delivery on All Orders\u201d works well. This grabs attention and quickly tells people what you\u2019re all about.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In your description, go into a bit more detail and include a clear call to action (CTA) like \u201cBook Now\u201d or \u201cFind Out More.\u201d Keep it concise but focused on what sets your business apart from the competition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You\u2019ll also need to decide which type of ad is best for your needs. If you\u2019re promoting a product, shopping ads might be the way to go. For service-based businesses, text ads can be very effective. Want to make a visual impact? Consider display ads. Choose the format that fits your business and goals best. <\/span><\/p>\n 4. Choose Your Audience and Keywords<\/b><\/p>\n Think about the type of people you want to reach\u2014based on things like location, interests, or age. Google will suggest keywords to help you target the right audience and extend your reach where it matters.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 5. Set Up Conversion Tracking<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Before you launch, make sure you\u2019ve set up conversion tracking on your site. This will let you track important actions, like purchases or sign-ups, so you can measure how well your ads are performing. <\/span><\/p>\n 6. Review and Launch<\/b><\/p>\n Go over everything\u2014settings, budget, ads, and audience\u2014and then add your payment details. When you\u2019re happy, hit \u201cLaunch\u201d to get your campaign going. <\/span><\/p>\n Once your campaign is live, monitor its progress. Look at metrics like clicks, impressions, and conversions to see how your ads are performing. Use this info to tweak and optimise your campaign, ensuring better results as you go.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Choosing the best keywords is key to creating Google Ads campaigns that work. Here\u2019s how to get started.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Start by using Google Keyword Planner<\/b>, a free tool that helps you discover keywords related to your business. Simply type in a few words related to what you offer (e.g., \u201cdigital marketing\u201d or \u201cflower delivery London\u201d), and it\u2019ll suggest other terms people are searching for. This helps you find the right phrases to target, ensuring your ads reach the right people.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Focus on long-tail keywords<\/b> \u2013 these are longer, more specific phrases (like \u201cvegan bakery near me\u201d or \u201cdog-friendly hotel in Devon\u201d) that are less competitive and more likely to convert. People who search for long-tail keywords tend to be further along in the buying process and ready to act.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When you\u2019ve chosen your keywords, you\u2019ll need to decide on a match type<\/b>:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n By selecting the right mix, you\u2019ll make sure your ads are shown to the right people at the right time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Also, don\u2019t forget ab<\/span>ut Google Trends<\/b>. It can help you spot new opportunities and track what people are searching for. This can give you a competitive edge.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n See also: <\/i><\/span>How to Use Google Trends for Your Online Business<\/span><\/i><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Target specific locations to be sure you\u2019re reaching the right audience. If you run a local business, focus on your city, region, or even specific postcodes. This way, you\u2019re only showing your ads to those who are most likely to need your services.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You can also narrow down your audience by age, gender, or even interests. Personalised ads can make a big impact, perhaps increasing sales by <\/span>as much as 30%<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If your product is perfect for a certain age group or demographic, tailor your targeting to match. For example, if you sell outdoor gear, you might target people interested in hiking or camping.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Another option is the idea of retargeting<\/i>. This lets you show ads to people who\u2019ve already visited your website but didn\u2019t take action. By reminding them of your offer, you can increase your chances of converting them into customers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When you\u2019re running Google Ads, bidding is how you decide how much you\u2019re willing to pay for each click on your ads. You\u2019ll want to decide whether a daily or monthly budget works best for your business and goals. If you\u2019re new to advertising, it\u2019s a good idea to start small, then gradually increase your budget as you begin to see what\u2019s working. Finding the right balance between spending and results is key.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [Image: google-ads-bidding-strategy] Caption: Setting a budget is one of the first steps in any Google Ads campaign.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Once your budget is sorted, it\u2019s time to choose your bidding strategy. If you prefer full control, manual bidding might be the way to go. With this option, you set the maximum amount you\u2019re willing to pay per click.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019d rather let Google handle things, automated bidding can be a handy choice. It optimises your bids to get the best results within your budget, making it a solid option for those looking for a bit more convenience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Search Ads<\/b> show up when someone types specific terms into Google, like \u201cplumber in Manchester.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Your ad appears at the top of the results when customers are actively searching for a service like yours.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Display Ads<\/b>, on the other hand, show up across the web \u2014 on blogs, videos, apps, and more. These ads target people based on interests, even if they aren\u2019t searching for your business. For example, if you sell gym equipment, your ad might show up on a fitness blog, reaching potential customers who may be interested but aren\u2019t actively looking yet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You can manage both from the same platform, where you set your budget, choose your targeting, and track your performance.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The main difference is how they reach people: search ads target those actively looking for your product, while display ads help you reach potential customers based on their interests, even if they\u2019re not searching for you at that moment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n How to measure your success\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Once your ads are up and running, it\u2019s important to keep track of how well they\u2019re doing. Track key metrics like:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Click-through rate (CTR):<\/b> Shows how many people click your ads.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Conversions:<\/b> Tracks how many clicks turn into actions, like purchases or enquiries.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Return on ad spend (ROAS):<\/b> Checks if your ads are delivering value for the money spent.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Linking Google Ads to Analytics offers deeper insights into clicks, conversions, and return on investment (ROI). Tools like Google Trends can uncover keyword opportunities, helping you adjust ads to stay ahead of the competition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For more, check out: <\/i><\/span>Google Analytics: A Guide For Your Online Business<\/span><\/i><\/a> <\/i><\/p>\n A well-matched landing page is the secret to turning ad clicks into results. When someone clicks on your ad, they should land on a page that directly reflects what was promised \u2013 whether that\u2019s a discount, service details, or a way to get in touch. The clearer and more focused the page, the more likely visitors are to take action.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A slow-loading page or one that\u2019s tricky to navigate on a phone can drive potential customers away. A mobile-friendly, professional-looking page keeps users engaged and makes it easy for them to take the next step.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Looking to create a landing page without the fuss? 123 Reg Website Builder can help you quickly craft pages that look great, load fast, and fit your snazzy Google Ads perfectly \u2013 no technical skills necessary!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To get the most out of your Google Ads, start small with your budget. Test the waters, see what works, and increase your spend as you start seeing results. This way, you can fine-tune your campaigns without risking too much upfront.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Focus on local keywords and location-based targeting. If you run a local business, it makes sense to target people in your area. For example, instead of just targeting \u201cplumber,\u201d focus on something like \u201cpersonal trainer in Oxford\u201d or \u201cHIIT trainer in Oxford\u201d.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Make use of ad extensions to give extra information directly in your ad. You can show your address, phone number, or opening hours, making it easier for customers to contact you<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Running a weekly blog, sharing posts on social media, and sending newsletters can all play a big role in growing your business. Content marketing helps you show off your expertise, build trust, and give customers a reason to choose you. When done well, it helps people get to know your business better and makes them more likely to buy when the time is right.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The challenge is that content marketing takes time to deliver results. Its impact grows steadily, but it\u2019s a slower burn. PPC can, by contrast, give your visibility a boost right away, getting your business noticed while your long-term content strategy works in the background.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n So it\u2019s a smart approach combines both PPC and content marketing. A two-pronged attack \u2014use Google Ads to put your business in front of potential customers now, while making the most of blogs, social posts, and other means of \u201corganic\u201d engagement at the same time.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s the best bet for having your business show up, wherever customers are looking.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n See also: <\/i><\/span>Top 8 Social Media Management Tools<\/span><\/i><\/a> and<\/span> <\/span><\/i>How to Find Fantastic Content for Your Social Media Feeds<\/span><\/i><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Google Ads can work wonders for your business by helping you reach more customers \u2014 putting your ads in front of people actively searching for what you offer. With the right keywords and a well-targeted audience, you\u2019ll get noticed and see real results for your online business.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Google offers official sources. For more, check out:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Google Ads is a tool to put your business in front of customers who are already searching for what you offer. By far the world\u2019s leading Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising platform, it gives you the tools and control you need to run campaigns, track their progress, and switch things up as needed. And it\u2019s simpler than […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":42903,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[95],"tags":[14239,907,1531],"dealstore":[],"offerexpiration":[],"class_list":["post-73693","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-internet-business","tag-ads","tag-business","tag-google"],"yoast_head":"\nWhat is Google Ads and how can it help your business?<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.123-reg.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/GoogleAds.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nSEO vs SEM<\/h4>\n
How to get started with Google Ads
<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n How to create ads that get customers<\/span><\/h3>\n
1. Pick Your Campaign Goal<\/b><\/h3>\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.123-reg.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/GoogleAdsHome-1024x440.jpg\")
<\/p>\nHow to choose the right keywords for your campaign<\/h3>\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.123-reg.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/keywordplanner.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nTargeting the right audience<\/h3>\n
Going, going, gone: Setting your budget and \u201cbidding\u201d<\/h3>\n
Display ads vs search ads<\/h4>\n
Tip: Make sure your landing page works for your ads!<\/h4>\n
More tips to make Google Ads work for your business<\/h3>\n
That winning combo: PPC + Content Marketing<\/h3>\n
Wrap Up<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n