- Home
- Blog
- Online Advertising Blogs
- The Ultimate Guide to Google Ads
The Ultimate Guide to Google Ads
What are Google PPC Ads, and why should you use them?
Guide to Google Ads – Google Ads, once known as Google AdWords, is Google’s advertising platform that helps businesses reach potential customers through targeted online campaigns. These days, it remains one of the most effective ways to drive traffic to your website, boost sales, or generate leads. With more people glued to their screens, getting your business in front of the right eyes has never been more important.
The best part? Google Ads let you target specific people based on what they’re searching for, where they are, and even what interests them. That means no wasted money on ads that hit the wrong audience.
Ultimate Guide to Google Ads by OMG
You may also want to review:
Click Here To Learn More About / Hire Our Google Ads Management Agency | Should I Inhouse Or Outsource Adwords Management? | Learn About / Hire Our Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Agency | Google Ads: What You Need to Know About CTR and Other Benchmarks | Review 27 Winning Google Ads Examples | How to Run Google Shopping Ads: Step-By-Step Guide
How do Google Ads actually work?
Think of Google Ads as a digital auction. When someone searches for something, advertisers bid to have their ad show up at the top of the results page. While these are PPC (pay per click) campaigns, the winner isn’t always the one who spends the most—it’s a mix of bid amount and ad quality.
If your ad is relevant, clear, and useful, you can beat out bigger budgets. This system rewards smart advertisers, not just those with deep pockets
Guide to Google Ads – at OMG – we specialize in turning clicks into customers
Learn more about paid search strategies and PPC bid adjustments | Top 5 PPC Tactics For Your 2025 Ad Campaigns
What is PPC, and How Does It Work with Ads?
PPC stands for Pay-Per-Click, a simple concept where you pay each time someone clicks on your ad. It’s a bit like renting a billboard but only paying when someone actually stops to look at it. Google Ads is the biggest platform for PPC, letting you put your business in front of people who are already searching for what you offer.
The best part of PPC is that you’re in charge. You set a budget, choose the maximum amount you’re willing to pay for a click, and adjust things as you go. This makes it perfect for businesses that want to control costs and see quick results.
In Australia, where competition can be fierce in industries like retail, real estate, or trades, PPC is a great way to stay ahead. It’s targeted, flexible, and gives you the chance to show up when it matters most—when someone’s looking for a product or service like yours.
Learn How To Write Better PPC Ads
How Does Google Ads Charge You?
When it comes to costs, Google Ads is refreshingly straightforward. You’re charged based on how well your ad performs, not just for placing it.
Here’s how it works:
Your bid is the highest amount you’re willing to pay for a single click on your ad. But you don’t always pay the full amount you bid. Instead, Google runs an auction for each search query, looking at your bid and how relevant your ad is to the person searching.
Relevance is key here. Google gives every ad a Quality Score, which looks at things like how well your keywords match the search, how appealing your ad is, and how good your website is. A higher Quality Score means you’ll pay less for clicks because Google sees your ad as valuable.
It’s not all about big budgets either. Even if you’re competing against businesses with deeper pockets, a well-crafted ad and a good Quality Score can push you higher up the rankings.
So, what does this mean for you? Focus on writing ads that are clear, useful, and relevant to your audience. Make sure your website backs up what the ad promises. For example, if your ad says “Same-Day Plumbing Services in Melbourne,” make sure your site is easy to navigate and clearly explains your same-day services.
What is Google Adwords Quality Score?
What’s new with Google Ads?
The big update this year is the increased focus on automation and AI-driven tools. Google’s machine learning has leveled up, allowing you to optimize campaigns faster and smarter. Tools like Performance Max, which runs ads across all of Google’s channels—Search, YouTube, Display, and more—are getting even better.
You’ll also find more options for video ads and interactive formats, which are great for grabbing attention in a crowded market. Plus, privacy changes have made targeting trickier, but smarter tools ensure your ads still hit the mark.
How do you set up your first Google Ad campaign?
Starting a campaign might seem overwhelming, but it’s more straightforward than it looks. First, sign in to Google Ads and click “Create Campaign.” You’ll choose a goal, like sales, leads, or website traffic, and follow the prompts to define your audience, budget, and keywords.
Make sure your ad copy is simple but punchy. Highlight what makes your offer unique—whether it’s a discount, free shipping, or an exclusive product. Don’t forget to include a clear call to action like “Shop Now” or “Learn More.”
How much should you spend on Google Ads?
This is a question every business owner asks, and the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Start small—maybe $10 to $20 a day—to test the waters. From there, adjust based on what works.
If you’re not seeing results, it’s not always about spending more. Sometimes tweaking your targeting or improving your landing page can make a huge difference. Google Ads is all about refining your approach over time.
How do you know if your ads are working?
Google Ads gives you all the tools you need to measure success. Keep an eye on metrics like click-through rate (CTR), cost per click (CPC), and conversions. These numbers tell you how your ad is performing and where to improve.
If your CTR is low, your ad might not be catching attention. If your CPC is too high, you might need to refine your keywords. It’s a bit like tuning an instrument—small changes lead to big improvements.
Google Ads: What You Need to Know About CTR and Other Benchmarks | How Long To See Results With Google Ads?
How Do You Choose the Right Keywords for PPC?
Picking the right keywords is all about thinking like your customer. What would they type into Google if they were looking for your product or service? Start with specific terms that match what you offer, like “affordable Brisbane electricians” rather than just “electricians.”
Google’s Keyword Planner is a handy tool to find ideas and see how often certain words are searched. Focus on keywords with good search volume but not too much competition. It’s all about striking the right balance—relevant, targeted, and cost-effective.
Learn more about researching to best keywords for your PPC campaigns
What’s the secret to a winning ad strategy?
The secret sauce is testing and tweaking. Try different headlines, images, and keywords to see what resonates with your audience. Don’t be afraid to let the data guide you—Google’s analytics tools are your best mate here.
Finally, remember to think about the whole journey. It’s not just about getting clicks; it’s about what happens after someone lands on your website. Make sure your site is user-friendly and delivers what your ad promised.
Why should you jump into Google Ads now?
It is a competitive time for businesses, but that’s exactly why Google Ads matters. It’s your ticket to cutting through the noise and reaching the people who are already searching for what you offer.
The sooner you get started, the sooner you can start seeing results. With Google’s tools doing more of the heavy lifting, there’s never been a better time to give it a go.
What’s the Difference Between Organic SEO and PPC?
In this Guide to Google Ads we talk about PPC but there is also organic Search Engine Optimization / SEO which our Australian agency is known for as well. But what is organic Search Engine Optimisation SEO? Well, SEO is about earning your spot on Google’s search results pages (SERPs) through quality content and a well-optimized website. It’s a long-term strategy, like planting a garden, tending it constantly and waiting for it to bloom. PPC, on the other hand, is instant—you’re paying to jump to the front of the queue.
While SEO builds trust and domain authority over time, PPC lets you get immediate visibility, especially for competitive keywords. A smart approach often combines both—use PPC to drive quick traffic today while building your SEO foundation for sustainable growth for tomorrow.
Learn More About SEO vs PPC: Pros, Cons & Combining The Two
How Do You Create Local PPC Google Ads?
Local PPC ads are perfect for targeting customers in your area. Start by setting your location targeting in Google Ads so your ads only show to people nearby. Use keywords with location terms, like “Gold Coast hairdresser” or “Perth car repairs,” to make your ads super relevant.
Make sure your ad copy highlights local benefits, like “Family-owned business in Melbourne” or “Serving Sydney’s Inner West for 10+ years.” Add a clear call to action, such as “Visit our shop today!” or “Call now for a free quote.” Local ads work best when they feel personal and community-focused.
We at OMG Offer Local PPC Campaign Management – See Our:
In this guide to Google ads we naturally focus on google but here you can learn about Bing and Microsoft Ads and you may want to review: Bing Ads vs Google Ads: Where Should You Invest Your Time And Money?
