Google Ads: Get More Customers, When You Need Them

Right, let's talk about Google Ads. You know, those sponsored listings you see at the top of Google search results. If you’re a plumber chasing emergency call-outs, an electrician quoting a switchboard upgrade, or a painter needing to fill gaps in the schedule, Google Ads can be your secret weapon. This isn't about fancy marketing talk; it's about getting real jobs and making real money. We’ll cover how to set up ads that actually bring in customers, how to stop wasting your cash, and how to make sure you’re showing up when people are ready to buy. If you're serious about getting more work, stick around. For local business owners, understanding seo gold coast's paid advertising cousin is crucial.

What Exactly Are Google Ads?

Think of Google Ads as paying Google to show your business to people actively searching for your services right now. When someone types something like 'emergency plumber near me' or 'electrician for rewire', your ad can pop up at the very top of the results page. It’s a direct line to potential customers who have a problem you can solve, and they’re ready to find someone. Unlike SEO, which is about building your website’s authority over time, Google Ads can get you in front of people immediately.

Why Use Google Ads for Your Trade Business?

Your potential customers are searching on Google. All day, every day. If you’re not there, someone else is.

• Immediate Visibility: Need a job fast? Google Ads can put you at the top of the search results within hours, not weeks or months.
• Targeted Reach: You can choose exactly who sees your ads. We’re talking about people in your specific service area, searching for the exact services you offer. No more wasting money showing your plumbing ads to people in another state.
• Control Your Budget: You set the maximum amount you’re willing to spend each day. You only pay when someone clicks your ad, not just for showing it.
• Measure What Works: Google Ads provides detailed reports. You can see exactly how many people clicked your ad, how many called your business, and how much each job cost you. This helps you refine your campaigns and spend your money smarter.

Getting Started: The Basics You Need to Know

Forget the complicated stuff for now. We’re focusing on what matters to you: getting customers.

#### 1. Choosing Your Keywords

Keywords are the search terms people type into Google. For a plumber, these might be:

• 'emergency plumber Gold Coast'
• 'burst pipe repair'
• 'blocked drain cleaner'
• 'hot water system repair'
• 'toilet repair service'

For an electrician:

• 'electrician near me'
• 'switchboard upgrade cost'
• 'power point installation'
• 'lighting electrician'
• 'safety switch installation'

Keyword Match Types: Don't Waste Your Money

This is critical. Google lets you choose how closely a person’s search term must match your chosen keyword for your ad to show. Get this wrong, and you’ll be paying for clicks from people you can’t help.

• Broad Match: This is the riskiest. Your ad can show for *any* search related to your keyword, even if it’s a bit of a stretch. Example: If you bid on 'plumber', your ad might show for 'plumber supplies', 'plumbing magazines', or even someone looking for a job as a plumber. Avoid this for most of your campaigns.
• Phrase Match: Your ad shows for searches that include the meaning of your keyword. Example: If your keyword is 'emergency plumber', your ad could show for 'best emergency plumber', 'emergency plumber service', or '24 hour emergency plumber'. This is a good balance between getting enough clicks and not wasting money.
• Exact Match: Your ad shows only when someone searches for that exact phrase, or very close variations. Example: If your keyword is '[emergency plumber]', your ad would show for 'emergency plumber' or 'emergency plumber.' (with a period). This is the most controlled but can limit the number of clicks you get.

Our Recommendation: Start with Phrase Match for your main services. Use Exact Match for highly specific, high-intent terms. And critically, use negative keywords.

Negative Keywords: Your Money Saver

These are terms you *don’t* want your ad to show for. If you’re a plumber who only does repairs, you’d add 'plumbing supplies', 'plumbing courses', 'plumbing jobs' as negative keywords. If you don’t offer a specific service, like 'new home builds', add that as a negative. Every time someone searches for a term that triggers your ad but you don’t offer that service, you’ve just wasted money. Adding negative keywords stops this. It’s a bit like putting up a sign saying 'No tyre kickers' but for Google searches.

Setting Up Your First Google Ads Campaign

Let's break down how to get your ads running.

#### 1. Define Your Goal

What do you want people to do when they click your ad?

• Call your business.
• Fill out a contact form on your website.
• Visit your physical location (less common for trades, but possible for a shopfront).

For most trade businesses, the primary goals are phone calls and form fills.

#### 2. Campaign Structure: Keep it Simple

Start with one campaign for your main services. For example, a 'Plumbing Services' campaign. Within that campaign, you’ll have Ad Groups.

• Ad Group 1: Emergency Plumbing (Keywords: 'emergency plumber', 'burst pipe fix', 'urgent plumbing')
• Ad Group 2: Blocked Drains (Keywords: 'blocked drain cleaner', 'drain unblocking service', 'sewer blockage')
• Ad Group 3: Hot Water Systems (Keywords: 'hot water repair', 'new hot water system', 'hot water service')

This structure helps you write more relevant ads for each service.

#### 3. Writing Compelling Ads

Your ad is your digital salesperson. It needs to grab attention and convince people to click. Use the structure Google provides:

• Headlines (up to 3): These are the most important. Use your keywords here. Highlight your key benefits.
• Example for Emergency Plumbing: '24/7 Emergency Plumber', 'Burst Pipe Fixed Fast', 'Local Gold Coast Service'
• Descriptions (up to 2): Provide more detail. Include your unique selling points and a clear call to action.
• Example: 'Fast response to all plumbing emergencies on the Gold Coast. Licensed and experienced. Call now for immediate assistance.'
• Display Path: This is the URL shown on your ad. Make it clean and relevant. Example: `www.yourbusiness.com.au/Emergency/Plumber`

#### 4. Ad Extensions: More Bang for Your Buck

These are extra bits of information you can add to your ad to make it stand out and provide more value. They don't cost extra per click, but they can significantly improve your ad's performance.

• Call Extension: Adds your phone number directly to the ad. People can click to call on mobile. Crucial for tradies.
• Location Extension: Shows your business address. Great for local searches.
• Sitelink Extensions: Links to specific pages on your website (e.g., 'Emergency Services', 'Pricing', 'About Us').
• Callout Extensions: Short snippets of text highlighting benefits (e.g., '24/7 Service', 'Fully Licensed', 'Free Quotes', 'Fast Response').
• Structured Snippet Extensions: Showcase specific aspects of your services (e.g., 'Services: Drain Cleaning, Pipe Repair, Water Heater Installation, Leak Detection').

Use as many relevant extensions as you can. They make your ad bigger and more informative.

Setting Your Budget and Bids

This is where many business owners get scared. But it’s simpler than you think.

#### 1. Daily Budget

Decide how much you’re comfortable spending *per day*. If you have $500 a month to spend, that’s roughly $16-$17 per day. Google aims to spend your daily budget on average. Some days it might spend a bit more, some days less, but over a month, it evens out. Start small, say $20-$30 per day, and see how it performs.

#### 2. Bidding Strategy

For beginners, 'Maximise Clicks' is often a good starting point. Google will try to get you as many clicks as possible within your daily budget. Once you start getting data, you can explore other strategies like 'Target CPA' (Cost Per Acquisition), which aims to get you conversions (calls, form fills) at a specific cost. But for now, focus on getting clicks to your website or phone number.

#### 3. Cost Per Click (CPC)

You pay each time someone clicks your ad. The amount you pay depends on how competitive the keyword is and how good your ad is. Google has an auction system. If multiple advertisers bid on the same keyword, the highest bidder often gets the top spot, but ad quality also plays a massive role.

Measuring Your Success: What Numbers Matter?

Don't get lost in all the data. Focus on these key metrics:

• Clicks: How many people clicked your ad.
• Impressions: How many times your ad was shown.
• Click-Through Rate (CTR): The percentage of impressions that resulted in a click (Clicks / Impressions). A CTR above 2-3% is generally decent for trade businesses. Higher is better. It means your ad is relevant to the search.
• Conversions: The number of times someone completed your desired action (e.g., made a phone call, filled out a form).
• Conversion Rate: The percentage of clicks that resulted in a conversion (Conversions / Clicks). Aim for this to be as high as possible.
• Cost Per Conversion (CPC): How much you spent on average for each conversion (Total Spend / Conversions). This is the magic number. Is the cost of getting that lead worth the potential profit from the job?

Example Scenario: A Plumber Looking for Emergency Work

Let’s say you’re a plumber on the Gold Coast and you want more emergency call-outs.

1. Campaign Goal: Get phone calls for emergency plumbing.

2. Keywords: 'emergency plumber Gold Coast', '24/7 plumber', 'burst pipe repair', 'blocked toilet urgent', 'hot water emergency'. Use Phrase Match.

3. Negative Keywords: 'jobs', 'careers', 'training', 'course', 'parts', 'supplies', 'DIY', 'rental property maintenance' (if you don’t want that type of work).

4. Ad Group: 'Emergency Plumbing'.

5. Ad Copy:

• Headline 1: '24/7 Emergency Plumber GC'
• Headline 2: 'Burst Pipes & Blockages'
• Headline 3: 'Fast Response - Call Now'
• Description 1: 'Got a plumbing emergency? We provide fast, reliable 24/7 service across the Gold Coast. Licensed and experienced professionals. Call us anytime.'
• Description 2: 'Immediate assistance for leaks, blockages, hot water issues & more. Get a free quote over the phone. Your local expert.'
• Display Path: `www.yourplumber.com.au/Emergency/24-7`

6. Extensions: Add Call Extension (your mobile number!), Location Extension, Sitelinks to 'Emergency Services' and 'Contact Us', Callouts like '24/7 Service', 'Local Experts', 'Fast Response'.

7. Budget: Start with $30 per day.

8. Bidding: Maximise Clicks initially.

9. Monitoring: Check daily for the first week. Look at:

• How many calls are you getting?
• Are the calls relevant? (If not, refine keywords and negatives).
• What is your Cost Per Call? Is it profitable?
• CTR: If it’s low (<2%), your ad or keywords might not be relevant enough.

Refining Your Campaigns: Making Them Better Over Time

Google Ads isn't 'set and forget'. You need to tweak it.

#### 1. Analyse Search Terms Report

This report shows you exactly what people searched for when your ad appeared.

• If you see irrelevant terms, add them to your negative keyword list immediately. This stops wasted spend.
• If you see relevant terms you hadn’t thought of, add them as new keywords.

#### 2. Adjust Bids

If a particular keyword or ad group is generating a lot of profitable calls, consider increasing its bid slightly. If one is costing money with no results, consider lowering the bid or pausing it.

#### 3. Improve Ad Copy

A/B test your ads. Create two versions of an ad in the same ad group and let Google show them equally. See which one gets a better CTR and conversion rate, then pause the underperforming one.

#### 4. Review Your Landing Page

Where does your ad send people? Is it the right page on your website? Does it clearly explain the service, show your contact details prominently, and make it easy to enquire? If your landing page is confusing or slow to load, people will leave before they even contact you.

Google Ads vs. SEO: Which is Right for You?

They aren't mutually exclusive; they work best together.

• Google Ads: Quick results, immediate visibility, great for targeting specific needs and urgent requests. Costs money directly for clicks.
• SEO: Builds long-term authority, gets you free organic traffic over time, establishes credibility. Takes time and effort, results aren't immediate.

If you need jobs *now*, Google Ads is your go-to. If you want sustainable, long-term growth and want to reduce your ad spend over time, invest in SEO. Many successful trade businesses use both.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Leads

Google Ads can feel intimidating, but by breaking it down into these practical steps, you can start getting more customers. Focus on:

• Choosing the right keywords.
• Using phrase and exact match, plus extensive negative keywords.
• Writing clear, benefit-driven ad copy.
• Using ad extensions.
• Setting a controlled budget.
• Tracking your results and refining your campaigns.

Don't be afraid to start small. Experiment, learn, and adjust. The goal is simple: turn those clicks into paying customers and keep your business busy with profitable work. If you can manage the setup yourself, great. If not, consider working with someone who understands trade businesses and can manage your campaigns effectively, ensuring every dollar spent works hard for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

#### Q1: How much should I spend on Google Ads?

Start with a budget you're comfortable losing initially while you learn. $10-$20 per day is a common starting point for small local businesses. The key is to track your return on investment, are the jobs you get from ads worth more than you're spending?

#### Q2: How long does it take to see results from Google Ads?

You can see clicks and impressions within hours of your campaign going live. Meaningful results like consistent leads and conversions can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks as you gather data and start optimising.

#### Q3: Is Google Ads expensive?

It depends on the industry and keywords. Some keywords can be very competitive. However, by targeting specific services and locations, and using negative keywords effectively, you can control costs and ensure you're only paying for relevant clicks. The real question isn't 'is it expensive?', but 'is it profitable?'.

#### Q4: What's the difference between Google Ads and SEO?

Google Ads are paid advertisements that appear at the top of search results, giving you immediate visibility. SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is the process of improving your website’s ranking in the *organic* (non-paid) search results, which takes time but can bring in free traffic long-term.

#### Q5: Can I run Google Ads from my phone?

While you can manage campaigns via the Google Ads app, it’s best to do significant setup and analysis on a desktop or laptop computer for a better overview and easier navigation of all the settings and reports.

Google Ads: A Practical Guide for Trade Business Owners

Google Ads: Get More Customers, When You Need Them

Right, let's talk about Google Ads. You know, those sponsored listings you see at the top of Google search results. If you’re a plumber chasing emergency call-outs, an electrician quoting a switchboard upgrade, or a painter needing to fill gaps in the schedule, Google Ads can be your secret weapon. This isn't about fancy marketing talk; it's about getting real jobs and making real money. We’ll cover how to set up ads that actually bring in customers, how to stop wasting your cash, and how to make sure you’re showing up when people are ready to buy. If you're serious about getting more work, stick around. For local business owners, understanding seo gold coast's paid advertising cousin is crucial.

What Exactly Are Google Ads?

Think of Google Ads as paying Google to show your business to people actively searching for your services right now. When someone types something like 'emergency plumber near me' or 'electrician for rewire', your ad can pop up at the very top of the results page. It’s a direct line to potential customers who have a problem you can solve, and they’re ready to find someone. Unlike SEO, which is about building your website’s authority over time, Google Ads can get you in front of people immediately.

Why Use Google Ads for Your Trade Business?

Your potential customers are searching on Google. All day, every day. If you’re not there, someone else is.

• Immediate Visibility: Need a job fast? Google Ads can put you at the top of the search results within hours, not weeks or months.
• Targeted Reach: You can choose exactly who sees your ads. We’re talking about people in your specific service area, searching for the exact services you offer. No more wasting money showing your plumbing ads to people in another state.
• Control Your Budget: You set the maximum amount you’re willing to spend each day. You only pay when someone clicks your ad, not just for showing it.
• Measure What Works: Google Ads provides detailed reports. You can see exactly how many people clicked your ad, how many called your business, and how much each job cost you. This helps you refine your campaigns and spend your money smarter.

Getting Started: The Basics You Need to Know

Forget the complicated stuff for now. We’re focusing on what matters to you: getting customers.

Choosing Your Keywords

Keywords are the search terms people type into Google. For a plumber, these might be:

• 'emergency plumber Gold Coast'
• 'burst pipe fix'
• 'blocked drain cleaner'
• 'hot water system repair'
• 'toilet repair service'

For an electrician:

• 'electrician near me'
• 'switchboard upgrade cost'
• 'power point installation'
• 'lighting electrician'
• 'safety switch installation'

Keyword Match Types: Don't Waste Your Money

This is critical. Google lets you choose how closely a person’s search term must match your chosen keyword for your ad to show. Get this wrong, and you’ll be paying for clicks from people you can’t help.

• Broad Match: This is the riskiest. Your ad can show for *any* search related to your keyword, even if it’s a bit of a stretch. Example: If you bid on 'plumber', your ad might show for 'plumber supplies', 'plumbing magazines', or even someone looking for a job as a plumber. Avoid this for most of your campaigns.
• Phrase Match: Your ad shows for searches that include the meaning of your keyword. Example: If your keyword is 'emergency plumber', your ad could show for 'best emergency plumber', 'emergency plumber service', or '24 hour emergency plumber'. This is a good balance between getting enough clicks and not wasting money.
• Exact Match: Your ad shows only when someone searches for that exact phrase, or very close variations. Example: If your keyword is '[emergency plumber]', your ad would show for 'emergency plumber' or 'emergency plumber.' (with a period). This is the most controlled but can limit the number of clicks you get.

Our Recommendation: Start with Phrase Match for your main services. Use Exact Match for highly specific, high-intent terms. And critically, use negative keywords.

Negative Keywords: Your Money Saver

These are terms you *don’t* want your ad to show for. If you’re a plumber who only does repairs, you’d add 'plumbing supplies', 'plumbing courses', 'plumbing jobs' as negative keywords. If you don’t offer a specific service, like 'new home builds', add that as a negative. Every time someone searches for a term that triggers your ad but you don’t offer that service, you’ve just wasted money. Adding negative keywords stops this. It’s a bit like putting up a sign saying 'No tyre kickers' but for Google searches.

Setting Up Your First Google Ads Campaign

Let's break down how to get your ads running.

Define Your Goal

What do you want people to do when they click your ad?

• Call your business.
• Fill out a contact form on your website.
• Visit your physical location (less common for trades, but possible for a shopfront).

For most trade businesses, the primary goals are phone calls and form fills.

Campaign Structure: Keep it Simple

Start with one campaign for your main services. For example, a 'Plumbing Services' campaign. Within that campaign, you’ll have Ad Groups.

• Ad Group 1: Emergency Plumbing (Keywords: 'emergency plumber', 'burst pipe fix', 'urgent plumbing')
• Ad Group 2: Blocked Drains (Keywords: 'blocked drain cleaner', 'drain unblocking service', 'sewer blockage')
• Ad Group 3: Hot Water Systems (Keywords: 'hot water repair', 'new hot water system', 'hot water service')

This structure helps you write more relevant ads for each service.

Writing Compelling Ads

Your ad is your digital salesperson. It needs to grab attention and convince people to click. Use the structure Google provides:

• Headlines (up to 3): These are the most important. Use your keywords here. Highlight your key benefits.
• Example for Emergency Plumbing: '24/7 Emergency Plumber', 'Burst Pipe Fixed Fast', 'Local Gold Coast Service'
• Descriptions (up to 2): Provide more detail. Include your unique selling points and a clear call to action.
• Example: 'Fast response to all plumbing emergencies on the Gold Coast. Licensed and experienced. Call now for immediate assistance.'
• Display Path: This is the URL shown on your ad. Make it clean and relevant. Example: `www.yourbusiness.com.au/Emergency/Plumber`

Ad Extensions: More Bang for Your Buck

These are extra bits of information you can add to your ad to make it stand out and provide more value. They don't cost extra per click, but they can significantly improve your ad's performance.

• Call Extension: Adds your phone number directly to the ad. People can click to call on mobile. Crucial for tradies.
• Location Extension: Shows your business address. Great for local searches.
• Sitelink Extensions: Links to specific pages on your website (e.g., 'Emergency Services', 'Pricing', 'About Us').
• Callout Extensions: Short snippets of text highlighting benefits (e.g., '24/7 Service', 'Fully Licensed', 'Free Quotes', 'Fast Response').
• Structured Snippet Extensions: Showcase specific aspects of your services (e.g., 'Services: Drain Cleaning, Pipe Repair, Water Heater Installation, Leak Detection').

Use as many relevant extensions as you can. They make your ad bigger and more informative.

Setting Your Budget and Bids

This is where many business owners get scared. But it’s simpler than you think.

Daily Budget

Decide how much you’re comfortable spending *per day*. If you have $500 a month to spend, that’s roughly $16-$17 per day. Google aims to spend your daily budget on average. Some days it might spend a bit more, some days less, but over a month, it evens out. Start small, say $20-$30 per day, and see how it performs.

Bidding Strategy

For beginners, 'Maximise Clicks' is often a good starting point. Google will try to get you as many clicks as possible within your daily budget. Once you start getting data, you can explore other strategies like 'Target CPA' (Cost Per Acquisition), which aims to get you conversions (calls, form fills) at a specific cost. But for now, focus on getting clicks to your website or phone number.

Cost Per Click (CPC)

You pay each time someone clicks your ad. The amount you pay depends on how competitive the keyword is and how good your ad is. Google has an auction system. If multiple advertisers bid on the same keyword, the highest bidder often gets the top spot, but ad quality also plays a massive role.

Measuring Your Success: What Numbers Matter?

Don't get lost in all the data. Focus on these key metrics:

• Clicks: How many people clicked your ad.
• Impressions: How many times your ad was shown.
• Click-Through Rate (CTR): The percentage of impressions that resulted in a click (Clicks / Impressions). A CTR above 2-3% is generally decent for trade businesses. Higher is better. It means your ad is relevant to the search.
• Conversions: The number of times someone completed your desired action (e.g., made a phone call, filled out a form).
• Conversion Rate: The percentage of clicks that resulted in a conversion (Conversions / Clicks). Aim for this to be as high as possible.
• Cost Per Conversion (CPC): How much you spent on average for each conversion (Total Spend / Conversions). This is the magic number. Is the cost of getting that lead worth the potential profit from the job?

Example Scenario: A Plumber Looking for Emergency Work

Let’s say you’re a plumber on the Gold Coast and you want more emergency call-outs.

1. Campaign Goal: Get phone calls for emergency plumbing.

2. Keywords: 'emergency plumber Gold Coast', '24/7 plumber', 'burst pipe repair', 'blocked toilet urgent', 'hot water emergency'. Use Phrase Match.

3. Negative Keywords: 'jobs', 'careers', 'training', 'course', 'parts', 'supplies', 'DIY', 'rental property maintenance' (if you don’t want that type of work).

4. Ad Group: 'Emergency Plumbing'.

5. Ad Copy:

• Headline 1: '24/7 Emergency Plumber GC'
• Headline 2: 'Burst Pipes & Blockages'
• Headline 3: 'Fast Response - Call Now'
• Description 1: 'Got a plumbing emergency? We provide fast, reliable 24/7 service across the Gold Coast. Licensed and experienced professionals. Call us anytime.'
• Description 2: 'Immediate assistance for leaks, blockages, hot water issues & more. Get a free quote over the phone. Your local expert.'
• Display Path: `www.yourplumber.com.au/Emergency/24-7`

6. Extensions: Add Call Extension (your mobile number!), Location Extension, Sitelinks to 'Emergency Services' and 'Contact Us', Callouts like '24/7 Service', 'Local Experts', 'Fast Response'.

7. Budget: Start with $30 per day.

8. Bidding: Maximise Clicks initially.

9. Monitoring: Check daily for the first week. Look at:

• How many calls are you getting?
• Are the calls relevant? (If not, refine keywords and negatives).
• What is your Cost Per Call? Is it profitable?
• CTR: If it’s low (<2%), your ad or keywords might not be relevant enough.

Refining Your Campaigns: Making Them Better Over Time

Google Ads isn't 'set and forget'. You need to tweak it.

Analyse Search Terms Report

This report shows you exactly what people searched for when your ad appeared.

• If you see irrelevant terms, add them to your negative keyword list immediately. This stops wasted spend.
• If you see relevant terms you hadn’t thought of, add them as new keywords.

Adjust Bids

If a particular keyword or ad group is generating a lot of profitable calls, consider increasing its bid slightly. If one is costing money with no results, consider lowering the bid or pausing it.

Improve Ad Copy

A/B test your ads. Create two versions of an ad in the same ad group and let Google show them equally. See which one gets a better CTR and conversion rate, then pause the underperforming one.

Review Your Landing Page

Where does your ad send people? Is it the right page on your website? Does it clearly explain the service, show your contact details prominently, and make it easy to enquire? If your landing page is confusing or slow to load, people will leave before they even contact you.

Google Ads vs. SEO: Which is Right for You?

They aren't mutually exclusive; they work best together.

• Google Ads: Quick results, immediate visibility, great for targeting specific needs and urgent requests. Costs money directly for clicks.
• SEO: Builds long-term authority, gets you free organic traffic over time, establishes credibility. Takes time and effort, results aren't immediate.

If you need jobs *now*, Google Ads is your go-to. If you want sustainable, long-term growth and want to reduce your ad spend over time, invest in SEO. Many successful trade businesses use both.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Leads

Google Ads can feel intimidating, but by breaking it down into these practical steps, you can start getting more customers. Focus on:

• Choosing the right keywords.
• Using phrase and exact match, plus extensive negative keywords.
• Writing clear, benefit-driven ad copy.
• Using ad extensions.
• Setting a controlled budget.
• Tracking your results and refining your campaigns.

Don't be afraid to start small. Experiment, learn, and adjust. The goal is simple: turn those clicks into paying customers and keep your business busy with profitable work. If you can manage the setup yourself, great. If not, consider working with someone who understands trade businesses and can manage your campaigns effectively, ensuring every dollar spent works hard for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

#### Q1: How much should I spend on Google Ads?

Start with a budget you're comfortable losing initially while you learn. $10-$20 per day is a common starting point for small local businesses. The key is to track your return on investment, are the jobs you get from ads worth more than you're spending?

#### Q2: How long does it take to see results from Google Ads?

You can see clicks and impressions within hours of your campaign going live. Meaningful results like consistent leads and conversions can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks as you gather data and start optimising.

#### Q3: Is Google Ads expensive?

It depends on the industry and keywords. Some keywords can be very competitive. However, by targeting specific services and locations, and using negative keywords effectively, you can control costs and ensure you're only paying for relevant clicks. The real question isn't 'is it expensive?', but 'is it profitable?'.

#### Q4: What's the difference between Google Ads and SEO?

Google Ads are paid advertisements that appear at the top of search results, giving you immediate visibility. SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is the process of improving your website’s ranking in the *organic* (non-paid) search results, which takes time but can bring in free traffic long-term.

#### Q5: Can I run Google Ads from my phone?

While you can manage campaigns via the Google Ads app, it’s best to do significant setup and analysis on a desktop or laptop computer for a better overview and easier navigation of all the settings and reports.