Getting Started With Google Ads - the simple must-do steps.

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I split into three sections -? setup, optimization, education

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Section 1: Campaign Setup

An effective campaign setup is crucial for the success of Google Ads. Here are some key considerations:

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1.1 Keyword Research and Targeting

• Conduct thorough keyword research to identify high-intent and relevant keywords.
• Use tools like Google's Keyword Planner to analyze search volume, competition, and cost estimates. Found in Tools > Keyword Planner > "Get search volume and forecasts."

• Consider creating separate ad groups for different keyword themes or variations to tailor ad copy and landing pages.

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1.2 Landing Page Relevance

• Ensure your landing pages are highly relevant to the keywords and ad copy you're targeting, especially in the Web Page Title, Header 1, Subheader, and the first section of your body copy.
• A relevant and optimized landing page can improve your Quality Score, potentially lowering your cost-per-click (CPC).

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1.3 Bidding Strategies

• There is a lot to test, and it depends on your goal (e.g., Start with a "Maximize Clicks" bidding strategy to generate traffic and gather data.
• Once you have conversion data, consider switching to a "Target CPA" (Cost-Per-Acquisition) or "Maximize Conversions" strategy for a more conversion-focused approach.
• Note, if you are going for "Competition takeout," use the Bid strategy of Target impression share and around 60% to 80% of the absolute top of the page—basically, you want it to be above the fold of your browser's search results; otherwise, you are going to pay a lot.

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Customize your Ad headlines with pins & insertions

This is a great way to A/B test your ads.

Section 2: Optimization and Maintenance

Optimization and maintenance are essential for achieving the best results from your Google Ads campaigns.

2.1 Search Terms Report

• Review the Search Terms report to identify new negative keywords and add relevant keywords as phrases or exact matches.
• Pause keywords with low search volume or poor performance to maintain a focused keyword list.

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2.2 Conversion Tracking

• Implement proper conversion tracking to attribute sales or leads to specific campaigns, ad groups, and keywords.?
• This easy way would be to focus on your “thank you for registering” or similar page. That is the page where a visitor submits a form and receives a thank you page.

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2.3 Budget Management

• Monitor your daily budgets and adjust them based on performance and cost data from the Keyword Planner.
• Consider implementing shared budgets across campaigns or individual budgets for better control and optimization.

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Section 3: Education & Resources

Leveraging the right tools and resources is essential to stay ahead of the curve.

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3.1 Google Ads Tools

• Utilize the Keyword Planner for keyword research, forecasting, and budget planning.
• Leverage the Search Terms report, Auction Insights, and other reporting tools to gain valuable insights.

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3.2 Third-Party Tools

• For competitive analysis and keyword research, consider using third-party tools like SEMrush, SpyFu, Ahrefs, and Google Search Console.

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3.3 Educational Resources

• Follow industry experts, blogs, and podcasts like https://edgeofthewebradio.com/ to stay current with the latest trends and best practices in Google Ads.
• YouTube channels - there are many great ones, like https://www.youtube.com/@WesMcDowellInc

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Mastering Google Ads requires strategic planning, data-driven optimization, and continuous learning. By following the insights shared in this guide, you'll be well-equipped to create effective campaigns, maximize your return on investment, and stay ahead of the competition in the ever-evolving world of digital advertising.