At Imagic, we manage numerous Google Ads campaigns for our clients, and it's one of the most powerful tools for gaining new customers and increasing sales. Here's why you should consider Google Ads for your business:
What are Google Ads?
Google Ads are advertisements that appear when someone searches on Google, often at the top and bottom of search results, marked with a small "Ad" label. Your ads can also appear on Google Play, Google Maps, Google Images, Google Shopping, YouTube videos, mobile apps, and Gmail via the Google Display Network.
Google Ads operate on a pay-per-click (PPC) basis, meaning you only pay when someone clicks on your ad. To display your ad on Google, you choose targeted keywords and bid on them based on the amount you're willing to spend per click. When a user searches using these keywords, your ads appear above organic search results.
Why invest in Google Ads?
Here are six reasons:
- Harnessing Intent: Google Ads reach users with clear intent. Unlike other ads that might disrupt browsing, Google Ads appear when individuals are actively searching for specific products or services, making them more likely to engage with your business.
- Maximise Your Return on Investment (ROI): Google Ads deliver an impressive ROI, with an estimated 8:1 return. For every $1 spent, businesses can generate $8 in profit, a level of efficiency that few marketing tools can match.
- Customised Targeting: Google Ads offer exceptional control over targeting options, allowing you to focus on specific demographics such as location, device type, age, interests, hobbies, and language. This precise targeting increases the likelihood of attracting genuinely interested customers.
- Flexibility and Control: With Google Ads, you have comprehensive control over various campaign elements, including keyword selection, audience targeting, bidding strategies, and budget management. You can set daily spending limits and adjust bids according to your needs, ensuring you stay within budget while optimising ad performance.
- High Engagement: Google Ads often occupy prime positions at the top of search results, ahead of organic listings. This prominent placement captures the attention of your target audience when they are most engaged and ready to act, significantly boosting traffic and conversions.
- Clear Reporting: Google Ads offer straightforward and detailed reporting capabilities. The platform’s dashboard provides insights into campaign performance, such as ad clicks, keyword effectiveness, and cost per click. This transparency makes it easy to evaluate your campaigns and make informed decisions to enhance your advertising strategy.
Google Ads vs. Meta Ads: What’s the Difference?
Google Ads and Meta Ads both aim to boost brand visibility and drive sales but through distinct approaches. Google Ads focus on targeting users based on their search queries, ensuring your ads reach individuals actively seeking products or services like yours. In contrast, Meta Ads target users based on their interests, behaviours, and demographics, making them effective for raising brand awareness and reaching potential customers who may not yet be searching for your offerings.
Using both platforms together can be highly effective, as they complement each other well. By combining Google Ads' search intent with Meta Ads' interest-based targeting, you can create a comprehensive strategy that maximises reach and impact.
Is There a Downside to Google Ads?
While Google Ads offers many benefits, it’s not without challenges. The extensive range of settings and options can be both a strength and a drawback. Navigating these complexities can be daunting, and mastering the platform requires time, experimentation, and a learning curve. Without a clear strategy, you might spend more money than intended with minimal results. Selecting the wrong keywords can result in ads being shown to an irrelevant audience or not being displayed at all. It’s crucial to approach Google Ads with a well-thought-out plan to avoid these pitfalls and maximise campaign effectiveness.
So, Are Google Ads Worth It?
More than 80% of desktop searches happen on Google, highlighting its importance for reaching potential customers. Every day, around 80% of online users encounter ads through the Google Display Network, and 63% of people have clicked on a Google ad at some point.
Google Ads offer a significant advantage by allowing businesses to reach a large audience actively searching for products and services. During challenging times, when other businesses might cut back on advertising, this could be your chance to gain an edge. With less competition, you might benefit from a lower cost per click and get more value for your money.
At Imagic, as a Google Premier Partner (one out of 23 partners in NZ!), we can help you set up an effective Google Ads campaign. Plus, Google is offering a special offer for companies choosing to work with a Google Premier Partner: if you spend $600 on Google Ads, you receive an additional $600 in free ad credit. Terms and conditions apply. Let’s get your business out there on Google!