To begin, you need to set up a Google Ads account. Start by visiting the Google Ads website and clicking on the "Start Now" button. You will be prompted to sign in with your Google account. If you don't have one, create a new Google account. Once logged in, you'll be guided through the initial setup process, where you'll enter basic information about your business, such as your website and billing information.
Next, you will create your first campaign. Google Ads will ask you to choose your primary advertising goal. This could be to get more calls, increase website traffic, or boost in-store visits. Choose the goal that aligns with your business objectives.
You will then need to define your campaign type. The most common types are:
- Search Network campaigns: Ads appear on Google's search results pages.
- Display Network campaigns: Ads appear on websites, apps, and videos.
- Shopping campaigns: Ads showcase your products directly on Google’s search results.
- Video campaigns: Ads appear on YouTube and other Google video partners.
Once you've selected your campaign type, you'll need to set your campaign's location and language settings. This determines where and in what language your ads will be displayed. For local businesses, it's crucial to target the geographic area where your customers are located.