You Are Using Google Ads Wrong!!!

If you’re not seeing the results you want from your Google Ads campaigns, chances are you’re doing it all wrong. But don’t worry, we’re here to set you straight and get those clicks rolling.

Why Google Ads? Because Your Competitors Are Already There!

Let’s face it, in today’s digital age, if you’re not on Google, you might as well be invisible. And we’re not talking about just showing up in organic search results (though that’s important too). We’re talking about the cream of the crop, the top-of-the-page, impossible-to-miss Google Ads.

But here’s the kicker: your competitors are already there, stealing your potential customers. So, it’s high time you joined the party and started using Google Ads effectively to drive traffic and conversions.

Setting Up PPC Campaigns: It’s Not Rocket Science (But Close…not really)

Setting up a Pay-Per-Click (PPC) campaign might seem as complicated as understanding cricket rules, but fear not! We’ll break it down for you in simple, easy-to-digest steps.

1. Create a Google Ads Account: If you haven’t already, sign up for a Google Ads account. It’s free, and you only pay when someone clicks on your ad.
2. Set Your Budget: Decide how much you’re willing to spend daily. Start small and increase as you see results.
3. Choose Your Campaign Type: Google offers various campaign types, including Search, Display, and Video. For beginners, start with Search campaigns.
4. Define Your Target Audience: Who are you trying to reach? Be as specific as possible. Think age, location, interests, and behaviours.
5. Create Ad Groups: These are collections of similar ads and keywords. Keep them tightly themed for better performance.
6. Write Compelling Ad Copy: This is where you’ll need to channel your inner Shakespeare. Make your ads clear, concise, and irresistible.
7. Set Up Conversion Tracking: This is crucial! You need to know if your ads are actually leading to sales or leads.

Remember, setting up your campaign is just the beginning. The real magic happens when you start optimising and refining your approach.

You can send the whole of the EU budget and not see results if your website isn’t built for conversion getting the right people to see your business the first step next up is converting those visitors to customers download our free 70-page guide on building for conversion.

Keyword Research: The Secret Sauce of Google Ads Success

Keyword research is like trying to read your customers’ minds. What are they searching for? How can you make sure your ads show up when they’re looking for what you offer? Here’s how to nail your keyword strategy:

1. Start with Brainstorming: List all the terms related to your business. Think like a customer!
2. Use Keyword Research Tools: Google’s Keyword Planner is free and provides valuable insights. There are also paid tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs.
3. Focus on Long-Tail Keywords: These are longer, more specific phrases. They might have less search volume, but they often lead to higher conversions.
4. Consider Search Intent: Are people looking to buy, or just gathering information? Tailor your keywords accordingly.
5. Keep an Eye on Competitors: What keywords are they targeting? Can you do it better?
6. Use Negative Keywords: These prevent your ads from showing up for irrelevant searches, saving you money and improving your click-through rate.

Remember, keyword research isn’t a one-and-done deal. Keep refining and updating your list as you learn more about what works for your business.

Optimising for Local Search: Because Geography Matters

If you’re a UK business targeting local customers, listen up! Optimising for local search can be the difference between success and failure in your Google Ads campaigns.

1. Use Location Targeting: Google Ads allows you to target specific geographic areas. Take advantage of this to focus on your local market.
2. Include Location-Specific Keywords: If you’re a Manchester-based plumber, use keywords like “plumber in Manchester” or “emergency plumbing Manchester.”
3. Create Location-Specific Ad Copy: Mention your location in your ads. It builds trust and relevance for local searchers.
4. Set Up Location Extensions: These show your business address alongside your ads, making it easier for local customers to find you.
5. Use Call Extensions: For local businesses, phone calls are often more valuable than website clicks. Make it easy for customers to call you directly from your ad.
6. Consider Time of Day: If you’re a local business with specific operating hours, adjust your ad schedule accordingly.

By focusing on local search, you’ll attract more relevant traffic and improve your chances of converting clicks into customers.

Advanced Strategies for the Google Ads Ninja

Ready to take your Google Ads game to the next level? Here are some advanced strategies to consider:

1. Remarketing: Show ads to people who’ve previously visited your website. It’s like following them around the internet (in a non-creepy way, of course).
2. Ad Extensions: These additional snippets of information can significantly improve your ad’s performance. Use them liberally!
3. A/B Testing: Create multiple versions of your ads and see which ones perform best. Let the data guide your decisions.
4. Quality Score Optimisation: This mysterious metric affects your ad rank and cost-per-click. Focus on relevance and landing page experience to improve it.
5. Automated Bidding Strategies: Let Google’s AI do the heavy lifting for you. But use with caution and monitor closely!
6. Audience Targeting: Go beyond keywords and target based on demographics, interests, and behaviours.

How to Stop Wasting Money!

Let’s face it, we’ve all made mistakes. But in the world of Google Ads, mistakes can be costly. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

1. Ignoring Negative Keywords: This is like leaving the back door open for irrelevant clicks to sneak in and steal your budget.
2. Sending All Traffic to Your Homepage: Create specific landing pages for each ad group. It’s like rolling out the red carpet for your visitors.
3. Not Tracking Conversions: Flying blind is never a good idea. Set up proper conversion tracking to know what’s working.
4. Neglecting Mobile Users: It’s 2024, folks! Make sure your ads and landing pages are mobile-friendly.
5. Setting and Forgetting: Google Ads isn’t a slow cooker. You can’t just set it and forget it. Regular monitoring and optimisation are key.
6. Broad Match Keyword Overuse: While broad match can be useful, overusing it can lead to irrelevant clicks and wasted budget.

The Future of Google Ads: What’s Next?

As we peer into our crystal ball (which looks suspiciously like a computer screen), here’s what we see for the future of Google Ads:

1. AI and Machine Learning: Expect even more sophisticated automated bidding and optimisation options.
2. Voice Search Optimisation: With the rise of smart speakers, optimising for voice search will become crucial.
3. Visual Search: As Google improves its image recognition capabilities, visual search ads may become more prominent.
4. Privacy-First Advertising: With increasing concerns about data privacy, expect more privacy-focused ad options.
5. Integration with Other Platforms: Look for tighter integration between Google Ads and other marketing platforms.

Time to Get Your Google Ads Game On!

There you have it! A comprehensive guide to using Google Ads effectively for your business. Remember, Google Ads isn’t just for big corporations with deep pockets. With the right strategy, even small and medium-sized enterprises can see fantastic results.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to stop using Google Ads wrong and start driving serious traffic and conversions to your business. Your competitors won’t know what hit them!

And if all of this still seems as clear as a London fog, don’t fret. Contact us and let us handle it for you.

Now, off you go! Those clicks won’t generate themselves. Happy advertising!