How to Create a Google Ads Campaign for Beginners

Just getting started with Google Ads and not sure where to begin? This guide will walk you through every step to create an effective Google advertising campaign – from setting up your account and adding funds, to choosing the right ad format and optimizing your campaign for cost efficiency and higher conversions. Whether you're a small business owner, a new marketer, or an individual selling online, this guide will help you understand the fundamentals of Google Ads in a simple and practical way.

What is Google Ads?

Google Ads (formerly known as Google AdWords) is Google's online advertising platform that allows you to display ads on Google search results, YouTube, Gmail, partner websites (via the Google Display Network – GDN), and various other platforms. Google Ads advertising services help you reach potential customers at the exact moment they are searching for the products or services you offer, thereby increasing conversion rates and improving business performance.

Types of Google Ads

1. Search Ads

This is the most common type of ad. Your ads will appear at the top or bottom of the search results page when users enter keywords related to your product/service.

Advantages:

• Reach users with clear intent.
• Easy to measure performance.
• Suitable for businesses of all sizes.

2. Display Ads

Display banner ads on websites within the Google Display Network.

Advantages:

• Increase brand awareness.
• Target by interests, behavior, age, gender, etc.

3. Video Ads (YouTube)

Ads appear on YouTube in video format (skippable or non-skippable).

Advantages:

• Strongly boost brand awareness.
• Engaging and visually dynamic content.

4. Google Shopping Ads

Suitable for e-commerce websites. Ads display product images, prices, and shop names.

Advantages:

• Improve conversion rates.
• Allow users to quickly compare prices.

5. App Ads

Promote mobile apps to increase downloads from Google Play and the App Store.

Advantages:

• Automatically optimized across multiple platforms.
• Target the right potential users.

6. Google Local Ads (Local Services Ads or Google Maps Ads)

This type of ad helps local businesses appear prominently when users search for nearby services, especially on Google Maps or Google Search with location-based queries (e.g., "barber near me", "locksmith District 1").

Display locations:

• At the top of search results with a map.
• In the Google Maps app, at the top of the suggestions list.

Key features:

• Target users in the area near the business.
• Show business info like name, reviews, hours, directions, phone number...
• Includes “Call” or “Message” buttons directly on Maps.
• Very effective for small businesses such as restaurants, salons, repair services, clinics, etc.

Advantages:

• Reach local customers with real-time needs.
• Increase store visits or direct calls.
• No website required – just a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business).

How to Create a Google Ads Account

Step 1: Visit the Google Ads site

• Go to https://ads.google.com
• Click “Get started”

Step 2: Sign in with your Google account

You need a Gmail account to register.

Step 3: Set up a new account

You will be guided to create your first campaign during the registration process. However, if you want the advanced interface, click “Switch to Expert Mode”.

Step 4: Choose your campaign goal

Google will suggest goals such as:

• Increase website traffic
• Get more phone calls
• Increase app downloads
• Improve brand awareness

Depending on your business objectives, you can choose the appropriate campaign type.

How to Add Funds to Google Ads

Step 1: Go to the billing section

• From the main interface, click the tools icon → Choose Billing and Payments

Step 2: Choose a payment method

Google supports various methods:

• International credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard)
• Bank account transfers (in some countries)
• E-wallets (depending on your region)

Step 3: Set your budget

You can choose:

• Automatic payments: Google charges you after your ads run.
• Manual payments: You add funds first, and Google deducts ad costs gradually.

How to Create a Basic Google Ads Campaign

Step 1: Choose a campaign type

Example: Create a Search Campaign.

Step 2: Set a goal

Choose a specific goal (e.g., drive website traffic).

Step 3: Set up your campaign

• Name your campaign
• Choose networks (Search Network only or include Display Network)
• Set location targeting (country, province, city…)
• Language
• Daily budget
• Bidding strategy (e.g., Max CPC, Target CPA…)

Step 4: Create ad groups

• Choose keywords relevant to your product/service
• You can use the Keyword Planner to generate ideas.

Step 5: Write your ad copy

An ad includes:

• Headline 1
• Headline 2
• Headline 3 (optional)
• Description (up to 90 characters)
• Display URL
• Final URL (landing page)

Note:

• Include keywords in your headlines and descriptions.
• Write concisely, clearly, and persuasively.
• Add benefits and calls to action (CTA) like “Buy now”, “Learn more”, “Order today”...

Step 6: Review and publish the campaign

Double-check all information, then click “Publish”.

How to Optimize a Google Ads Campaign

1. Optimize keywords

• Add negative keywords to avoid irrelevant clicks.
• Use the search terms report to discover new keyword opportunities.
• Remove keywords with low CTR or poor conversion rates.

2. Improve ad creatives

• Test multiple ad versions (A/B Testing).
• Regularly update ads for seasonal trends or consumer behavior.
• Use ad extensions (sitelinks, callouts, structured snippets…) to increase visibility.

3. Improve your landing page

• Ensure fast load speed and mobile-friendliness.
• Keep content clear and consistent with your ad message.
• Use a clean layout with a standout CTA button.

4. Optimize based on data

• Track clicks, conversion rates, and cost per acquisition.
• Use Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager to analyze user behavior.
• Regularly adjust based on performance: increase budget for high-performing groups, reduce or pause underperforming ones.

5. Use smart bidding strategies

• Maximize conversions: Automatically adjusts bids to increase conversions.
• Target CPA: Set a target cost per acquisition.
• Target ROAS: For e-commerce businesses aiming to maximize return on ad spend.

Important Notes When Running Google Ads

• Do not violate Google Ads policies (e.g., prohibited products, misleading content…).
• Monitor campaigns daily during the first 1–2 weeks for adjustments.
• Always check keyword quality scores to reduce costs.

Conclusion

Google Ads is an extremely powerful tool when used and optimized properly. For a successful campaign, you need to understand your product, identify your target audience, write compelling ads, and build effective landing pages. More importantly, you must continuously monitor your data and adjust your strategies accordingly.

Don’t be afraid to experiment – digital advertising is a process of ongoing learning and improvement. If you're a beginner, start with a small budget, learn from the data, and scale up once you have more control.