Step-by-Step Guide to Launching Your First Google Ads Campaign

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Google Ads is one of the most powerful tools available for businesses and marketers — allowing you to reach people exactly when they’re searching for what you offer. But if you’ve never created a campaign before, the platform can feel intimidating.

Don’t worry. This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to launch your first Google Ads campaign — the right way — so you can start generating traffic, leads, and sales with confidence.

Step 1: Set Up Your Google Ads Account

Before anything else, you’ll need to create an account.

  1. Go to ads.google.com
  2. Click Start Now
  3. Use a Google account (Gmail) to sign in
  4. Choose Switch to Expert Mode (gives you full control — don’t use Smart Mode)
  5. Select Create an account without a campaign if you want to start clean

Once the account is set up, you’ll land on your main dashboard.

Step 2: Define Your Campaign Goal

Your first decision is the objective of the campaign. Ask yourself:

  • Do I want sales?
  • Do I want leads?
  • Do I want to drive website traffic?

Google will offer pre-built goals, but you can also create a campaign without a goal for more control.

For beginners, starting with the “Website Traffic” or “Leads” objective is a great place to learn how the platform works.

Step 3: Choose a Campaign Type

Google offers several campaign types. Here are the most common:

  • Search: Text ads on Google’s search results (best for beginners)
  • Display: Visual ads across websites and apps
  • Shopping: Product listings for e-commerce (requires Merchant Center)
  • Video: YouTube ads
  • Performance Max: Google automates across all networks (advanced)

For your first campaign, choose Search Campaign — it’s based on keywords and intent.

Step 4: Configure Basic Campaign Settings

You’ll now be prompted to fill out essential settings:

● Campaign Name

Choose something descriptive, like:
Website_Traffic_Shoes_June2025

● Networks

Uncheck Display Network to keep your budget focused on search results.

● Locations

Select where your ads should appear:

  • Country
  • Region
  • City
  • Zip code

Tip: Start local if you’re working with a small business.

● Languages

Choose the language your audience speaks.

Step 5: Set Your Budget and Bidding

● Daily Budget

Set a daily amount you’re comfortable spending. For beginners, $5–$10/day is a solid start.

● Bidding Strategy

Choose what you want to focus on:

  • Clicks: If you’re trying to drive traffic
  • Conversions: If you have tracking set up
  • Manual CPC: Gives you full control

💡 Start with Maximize Clicks if you don’t have conversion tracking yet.

Step 6: Add Ad Extensions (Now Called Assets)

Assets improve your ad visibility and can increase your click-through rate.

Add the following if applicable:

  • Sitelink Extensions: Links to different parts of your site
  • Callout Extensions: Highlight offers or features
  • Call Extensions: Show a phone number
  • Location Extensions: Link to Google Business profile

These make your ad bigger, more credible, and more clickable.

Step 7: Create Your Ad Groups

Ad groups organize your campaign into themes or products.

Each ad group should:

  • Focus on 1 specific product or service
  • Have tightly related keywords
  • Contain its own set of ads

Example:

  • Campaign: Shoes
    • Ad Group 1: Running Shoes
    • Ad Group 2: Walking Shoes
    • Ad Group 3: Trail Shoes

This structure improves relevance and Quality Score.

Step 8: Choose Keywords

Keywords are the backbone of your campaign. Use:

  • Google Keyword Planner to find ideas
  • Match types to control search intent: Match TypeExampleWhat It TargetsBroad Matchred shoesAny related search (very loose)Phrase Match”red shoes”Search includes that phraseExact Match[red shoes]Exact search only

💡 Start with Phrase Match or Exact Match for better targeting and control.

Avoid wasting budget on irrelevant searches by adding Negative Keywords (e.g., “free,” “job,” “wholesale”).

Step 9: Write Your Ads

Each ad has three main components:

● Headlines (up to 15)

  • Use keywords directly
  • Mention benefits and outcomes
  • Include call to action (CTA)
  • Example: “Buy Lightweight Running Shoes – Free Shipping”

● Descriptions (up to 4)

  • Expand on the offer
  • Use trust signals (returns, guarantee, testimonials)
  • Highlight urgency or scarcity if relevant

● Final URL

Where users land after clicking. This must match the ad’s promise and be optimized for conversion.

Step 10: Launch and Monitor

Click Publish Campaign — but your work isn’t done yet.

● Check performance daily:

  • Click-through rate (CTR)
  • Cost per click (CPC)
  • Impressions
  • Conversion rate (if tracking set up)

● Make adjustments weekly:

  • Pause underperforming keywords
  • Test new ad copies
  • Add negative keywords
  • Adjust bids for high-performing keywords

Bonus Tip: Use Conversion Tracking

Set up Google Ads Conversion Tracking to measure:

  • Purchases
  • Sign-ups
  • Phone calls
  • Form submissions

Use Google Tag Manager or install code manually.

Without conversion tracking, you’ll be guessing — not optimizing.

Final Thoughts: Start Simple, Learn Fast

Your first Google Ads campaign won’t be perfect — and that’s okay.

The most important thing is to:

  • Start with a simple, focused campaign
  • Monitor results daily
  • Make small, smart adjustments
  • Keep learning with each test

Google Ads is one of the best platforms for reaching people with intent — and now, you have the tools to use it.

Next stop: results.

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