How to Run Google Ads Successfully: A Step-by-Step Guide That Actually Works

Ever wondered why some Google Ads look like they’re reading your mind while others feel like random spam you’d never click?
Spoiler alert  — the difference is strategy, not luck.

Running Google Ads isn’t rocket science, but it is a recipe. Skip ingredients, rush the process, or add too much spice (budget), and the whole dish can flop. At GenNex Marketers, we believe Google Ads should work smart, not scary.

So tie your digital apron and let’s cook up a Google Ads campaign that converts.

Step 1: Create Your Google Ads Account (The Right Way)

Google Ads

When you visit ads.google.com, Google tries to push you into a Smart Campaign. Sounds nice… but “smart” doesn’t always mean “profitable.”

Choose “Create account only.”

This gives you full control over:

  • Keywords

  • Budget

  • Bidding

  • Targeting

Control = better results. Always.

Step 2: Choose the Right Campaign Type

Think of campaign types like workout styles 🏋️‍♂️ — cardio, strength, yoga. Each serves a different purpose.

Popular Google Ads Campaign Types:

  • Search Ads – Best for high-intent buyers

  • Display Ads – Great for brand awareness

  • Video Ads (YouTube) – Perfect for storytelling

  • Shopping Ads – E-commerce goldmine

  • App Ads – Promote mobile apps

  • Performance Max – Automation on steroids

Pro tip: Start with Search Ads if you want traffic that’s ready to convert.

Step 3: Set Up Campaign Basics

Now we prep the kitchen.

Key settings to focus on:

  • Campaign Name: Keep it simple and organized

  • Networks: Stick to Google Search initially (avoid partner networks if you want clean data)

Clean setup = easier optimization later.

Step 4: Schedule Your Ads Wisely

Your ads don’t need to work night shifts unless your customers do.

Set:

  • Start and end dates

  • Ad schedule (days & hours)

Why pay for clicks at 3 AM if nobody converts then?

Step 5: Choose Location & Language

Don’t advertise sunglasses to people in Antarctica ❄️.

Target:

  • Specific locations (city, state, country)

  • Correct language

  • Select “Presence” instead of “Interest” for accurate targeting

This ensures your ads reach real potential customers.

Step 6: Set a Smart Daily Budget

Google Ads budgeting is like seasoning food 🧂
Too little = bland results
Too much = budget burnout

Simple formula:

Monthly budget ÷ 30.4 = Daily budget

 Google may spend more on some days, less on others — that’s normal.

Step 7: Pick the Right Bidding Strategy

You have two choices:

Manual Bidding

  • Full control over cost per click

  • Best for experienced advertisers

Automated Bidding

  • Google adjusts bids for you

  • Ideal for beginners or new campaigns

 At GenNex Marketers, we often start automated and switch to manual once data kicks in.

Step 8: Keyword Research (The Heart of Google Ads)

No keywords = no ads. Period.

Use tools like:

  • Google Keyword Planner

  • Semrush

  • Ahrefs

Best practices:

  • Focus on commercial intent keywords

  • Use a mix of:

    • Broad match

    • Phrase match

    • Exact match

And don’t forget negative keywords 
(You don’t want job seekers clicking your “buy now” ad.)

Step 9: Create Scroll-Stopping Ads

Your ad copy should:

  • Solve a problem

  • Highlight benefits

  • Include a clear CTA

Examples:

  • “Get a Free Quote Today”

  • “Book Your Demo Now”

  • “Limited Offer – Apply Now”

 Boring ads don’t sell. Personality does.

Step 10: Use Ad Assets (Formerly Extensions)

Ad assets are like side dishes  — not mandatory, but they make everything better.

Popular assets:

  • Sitelinks

  • Callouts

  • Structured snippets

  • Call extensions

They:

  • Increase ad visibility

  • Improve click-through rate

  • Boost Quality Score

Step 11: Device Targeting & Extra Tweaks

Check performance by:

  • Mobile

  • Desktop

  • Tablet

If mobile converts better, bid higher 
If desktop underperforms, bid lower 

Data decides — not guesses.

Step 12: Optimize Your Landing Page (Very Important!)

Great ad + bad landing page = wasted money 💸

Your landing page must:

  • Load fast

  • Be mobile-friendly

  • Match ad intent

  • Have a clear CTA

Remember: Ads get clicks. Landing pages get conversions.

Step 13: Launch, Track & Optimize

Once live:

  • Monitor performance

  • Don’t panic in the learning phase

  • Optimize every 2–4 weeks

Track:

  • Clicks

  • Conversions

  • Cost per lead

  • Quality Score

Patience + data = success.

Are Google Ads Worth It?

Short answer: Yes — when done right.

With billions of daily searches, Google Ads lets you reach customers exactly when they’re ready to buy. Whether you want leads, sales, or brand growth, Google Ads can deliver powerful ROI.

 

By- GenNex Marketers

 

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top