Google Ads provides a range of assets (formerly known as ad extensions) that can improve the performance of ad campaigns by adding value and providing extra information to attract potential customers. This guide explores the types of Google Ads assets, their benefits, and best practices for implementing them in your campaigns to maximize impact.
1. What are Google Ads Assets?
Google Ads assets are additional information or features that appear alongside your main ad copy in search results. These assets can include phone numbers, links to specific pages on your website, promotional details, and more. Assets improve the visibility, relevance, and click-through rate (CTR) of ads by giving users more reasons to engage with your brand.
2. Benefits of Using Google Ads Assets
Using assets with Google Ads provides multiple benefits:
- Enhanced Visibility: Assets make your ad larger and more eye-catching in the search results, helping it stand out from competitors.
- Increased CTR: By providing more information upfront, you give users specific reasons to click, improving CTR and, ultimately, ad relevance.
- Higher Ad Rank: Assets contribute to a higher Quality Score, which positively affects ad ranking and can lower your cost per click (CPC).
3. Types of Google Ads Assets and Their Uses
Here are some of the most commonly used Google Ads assets and how they can be applied effectively:
A. Sitelink Assets
- Purpose: Directs users to specific pages on your website.
- Example Use: A clothing retailer can link to "New Arrivals," "Sale," or "Men’s Collection."
- Best Practices: Use sitelinks for pages that are relevant to your ad’s theme and provide value to the user, like popular product categories or special promotions.
B. Call Assets
- Purpose: Allows users to directly call your business with one tap.
- Example Use: A local service provider can add a call asset for potential customers to reach them immediately.
- Best Practices: Set call assets to appear during your business hours to avoid missed calls.
C. Location Assets
- Purpose: Shares your business location and lets users find you on Google Maps.
- Example Use: Ideal for brick-and-mortar stores, like restaurants or retail stores.
- Best Practices: Connect your Google My Business account for accurate and updated location data.
D. Image Assets
- Purpose: Adds visual appeal to your ad with images that showcase your products or services.
- Example Use: An e-commerce site might add product images to entice users to click.
- Best Practices: Use high-quality, relevant images that align with the message of your ad and represent your brand well.
E. Price Assets
- Purpose: Displays the price of specific products or services directly in your ad.
- Example Use: Perfect for seasonal sales, limited-time offers, or price-sensitive products.
- Best Practices: Keep the pricing up-to-date and accurate to prevent user dissatisfaction.
F. App Assets
- Purpose: Directs users to download your mobile app.
- Example Use: Encourages mobile users to download an app for better user experience or exclusive app-only discounts.
- Best Practices: Set app assets to target mobile traffic and test different landing pages.
4. How to Implement Google Ads Assets
Setting up assets in Google Ads is straightforward:
- Go to Your Google Ads Dashboard and select the campaign or ad group where you’d like to add assets.
- Navigate to the “Ads & Assets” Tab, then click on “Assets.”
- Choose the Asset Type you want to add (e.g., site links, calls, or locations) and fill in the relevant details.
- Preview Your Assets to ensure they look appealing and are error-free.
- Save and Monitor their performance, adjusting as needed based on CTR and conversion data.
5. Best Practices for Using Google Ads Assets
To maximize the effectiveness of your assets, keep these best practices in mind:
- Align Assets with Campaign Goals: Match assets to your campaign objectives. For instance, use call assets for service-based ads or app assets if app downloads are your goal.
- Test and Optimize Regularly: Not all assets will work equally well across campaigns, so continuously monitor performance and tweak as necessary.
- Use Multiple Assets: Google allows you to use multiple asset types in a single ad, so experiment to find the best combination that increases user engagement.
- Keep Information Accurate: Since assets are designed to give users more details, inaccurate information could lead to a poor user experience and lower ad quality.
6. Measuring the Impact of Google Ads Assets
Google Ads provides data on how each asset performs in the “Ads & Assets” section, showing CTR, conversions, and other engagement metrics. Use these insights to determine which assets contribute the most to your campaign goals and make data-driven decisions on asset optimization.
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls when using assets:
- Overloading Assets: Using too many can clutter your ad and confuse users. Select assets that align well with your ad’s goal.
- Ignoring Mobile Preferences: Certain assets, like call or app assets, may work better on mobile than on desktop. You can adjust the settings accordingly.
- Neglecting Updates: If you have changing prices, locations, or promotions, ensure your assets are kept up to date.
Conclusion
Using Google Ads assets is an essential way to increase the effectiveness of your ad campaigns, offering additional touchpoints and helping users take action more easily. By carefully selecting and optimizing your assets, you can drive higher engagement, improve CTR, and ultimately achieve better results for your ad spend.