Running Google Ads might feel like jumping into a wild jungle at first. So many settings, options, and numbers—it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But here’s the thing: once you understand the basics, it’s honestly not that scary. If you’re wondering how to run Google Ads and want a real-world, slightly casual explanation, you’re in the right place.

Whether you’re a small business owner, freelancer, or just someone curious about online advertising, learning how to run Google Ads can seriously change the game for your growth. Let’s break it down together.

What Are Google Ads and Why Should You Care?

Alright, here’s the short version: Google Ads is Google’s advertising platform that lets you show your business to people who are literally searching for what you offer. Crazy, right?

You create ads, choose keywords people type into Google, and only pay when someone clicks. That’s why it’s often called pay-per-click (PPC) advertising.

Why bother learning how to run Google Ads?

• Instant visibility at the top of Google
• Reach customers actively searching for your offer
• Control your budget (yes, even $5/day works)
• Track everything—clicks, calls, sales

Honestly, it’s one of the fastest ways to test an offer or get in front of your audience without waiting for months of SEO work.

Step 1: Set Up Your Google Ads Account

Getting started is super easy. Just head over to ads.google.com, sign in with your Google account, and boom—you’re in.

✨ Pro Tip: Click “Switch to Expert Mode” when prompted. It sounds scary, but it gives you full control.

You’ll enter some basic info—like your business name, website, billing details—and then you’re set.

Congrats! You’re already halfway to knowing how to run Google Ads.

Step 2: Define a Clear Campaign Goal

Next up—what do you actually want from your ad?

Google gives you several choices:

• Get more website visits
• Get more calls
• Drive store visits
• Promote your app

Let’s say you’re a local bakery. Your goal might be to get more people calling in orders. Or maybe you want to sell cupcakes online. Pick a goal that truly aligns with what you want.

Setting the right goal is step one in learning how to run Google Ads like a pro.

Step 3: Choose the Right Campaign Type

Now here’s where things get spicy. Google offers different campaign types depending on your goal.

🟢 Search Ads

Show up when people search for your keywords. Simple text-based ads. Ideal for beginners.

🟢 Display Ads

Visual ads that appear on websites across the internet. Great for brand awareness.

🟢 Video Ads

YouTube ads—yes, those ones you usually skip. Perfect if you’ve got great video content.

🟢 Shopping Ads

For eCommerce brands—your product, price, and image show up directly in search results.

🟢 Local (aka GMB Ads)

Trying to figure out how to run GMB ads? These are for local visibility—think Maps, business listings, and in-store visits.

If you’re just starting out, stick with Search Ads. It’s the fastest way to understand how to run Google Ads without drowning in options.

Step 4: Conduct Smart Keyword Research

Here’s the deal: keywords make or break your campaign.

Use tools like:

• Google Keyword Planner (free!)
• Ubersuggest
• Ahrefs or SEMrush

Look for keywords with decent volume but not insane competition. Think like your customer. If you’re selling dog collars, maybe try “best collar for big dogs” instead of just “dog collar.”

Oh, and don’t stuff too many keywords into one group. Keep them tight and relevant.

If you’re serious about learning how to run an ad on Google that actually performs, nailing your keywords is mission-critical.

Step 5: Write Killer Ad Copy That Converts

Okay, now the creative part.

Your ad has three short headline slots and two description lines. Every word counts. And yep, you should absolutely use your keywords naturally.

Sample Ad Copy:

Headline 1: Expert Home Repairs Near You
Headline 2: Book a Same-Day Appointment
Headline 3: Licensed & Trusted Since 2001

Description: Affordable home repair services with guaranteed work. Schedule your free estimate today!

Be clear. Be helpful. And always, always include a call to action.

Learning how to run Google Ads means thinking like your customer. What do they need? What problem are you solving?

Step 6: Set Your Budget and Bidding Strategy

Money talk. Don’t worry—you can start small. Like, $5–$10/day small.

Choose a daily budget you’re comfortable with, and set a bidding strategy:

• Manual CPC – You pick the max you’ll pay per click.
• Maximize Conversions – Google adjusts bids to get you the most conversions.
• Target CPA – Set a target cost-per-acquisition.

If it’s your first rodeo, go with Manual CPC. You’ll learn faster and keep control.

This is one of those areas where you’ll probably tweak things as you go. Trust me, almost no one gets it perfect the first time.

Step 7: Optimize Your Landing Page

Let’s be real—ads won’t save a bad website.

If your landing page loads slow, looks messy, or confuses people… they’ll bounce. And that click you just paid for? Wasted.

Make sure your landing page:

• Loads in under 3 seconds
• Matches the promise in your ad
• Has one clear call-to-action
• Is mobile-friendly

Example: If your ad says “Free Trial,” your landing page better scream “Free Trial” front and center.

Good landing pages are low-key one of the biggest secrets to truly understanding how to run Google Ads that convert.

Step 8: Monitor, Analyze, and Optimize

Running ads isn’t a “set it and forget it” thing.

Check in daily—especially in the beginning. Look at:

• Click-through rate (CTR)
• Cost-per-click (CPC)
• Conversion rate
• Search terms triggering your ad

Make small tweaks. Add negative keywords (to block bad traffic). Test new headlines. Adjust bids.

This is where a good campaign turns into a great one. You’ve got to be curious, patient, and ready to experiment.

Step 9: Scale with Smart Tactics

Okay, so let’s say you’ve got a winning campaign. What now?

Try these scaling tactics:

• Add new keyword groups
• Launch remarketing ads
• Increase your daily budget
• Test automated rules

Oh—and start playing with GMB ads if you haven’t yet. Seriously, figuring out how to run GMB ads can give your local business a nice traffic boost.

Also, check out Digital Leads Blog if you want more hands-on examples and strategies for local campaigns, scaling tips, and automation tricks.

Advanced Tip: How to Run GMB Ads for Local Exposure

Let’s talk local.

If you’re a brick-and-mortar business, running Google My Business (GMB) ads is kind of a must.

Set up a Local campaign. Link your GMB account. Choose a target radius. Boom—you’re showing up in Maps, Search, and more.

It’s especially powerful if you’re looking to get phone calls or in-store visits. Plus, it’s easier than you think.

Learning how to run GMB ads is one of those underrated moves that can give you an unfair edge in your local market.

FAQs: How to Run Google Ads