How To Set Up Your First Google Ads Campaign

Wondering if Google Ads can actually bring in leads, sales, or just better brand exposure?

Maybe you've heard the buzz about it but don’t know if it's worth the spend.

Or you're thinking, "Sure, I’ll give it a go… but where do I even start?"

Let’s keep it simple and get you set up without any fluff.

By the end of this, you’ll be ready to launch your first Google Ads campaign, spending only what you want and targeting the exact audience you need.

Step 1: Define Your Goal

Before you spend a single penny, answer this:

What do you want to achieve?

Is it more website visits? Leads? Sales? App downloads?

Choose one clear goal.

Google Ads will ask you about this upfront, so having a solid answer matters.

Step 2: Find Your Keywords

You don’t need to be a keyword wizard.

Google’s got a built-in Keyword Planner that does the heavy lifting.

Enter words that describe your business or service.

Check out the list and look for keywords with a mix of good search volume and manageable competition.

Example: If you run a local bakery, skip general terms like "baking" and go for “fresh bread delivery” or “artisan bakery near me.”

Your aim? Find keywords that match what your ideal customer types in.

Plus, keep an eye on Keyword Match Type—it’s how Google knows how closely to match your ads to search terms. Broad, exact, or phrase match all have different targeting strengths.

Step 3: Set Up Your Google Ads Account

If you haven’t already, go to ads.google.com and sign up.

Choose "Switch to Expert Mode" right away.

It sounds intense, but don’t worry. It just gives you more control, and that’s what you want.

Step 4: Create Your Campaign

Choose your campaign goal based on Step 1.

Pick the campaign type. For beginners, Search Campaigns are the sweet spot.

Search ads pop up when someone actively searches for your product or service. No distractions, just straightforward intent.

Step 5: Define Your Target Audience

This is where Google Ads shines. You get super-specific options:

Location: Narrow it down to countries, cities, or even postcodes.

Language: Choose the languages your customers speak.

Demographics: Age, gender, and household income targeting are all here.

Define your ideal audience, so you’re only paying for clicks from people who might actually convert.

Step 6: Set Your Budget & Bidding Strategy

Let’s talk numbers.

For your first campaign, keep the budget modest.

Daily budget, monthly budget—it’s all flexible. Test it out and adjust as you learn.

For bidding, go with Maximize Clicks or Manual CPC (Cost Per Click) to control costs in the beginning. You can try more advanced options later once you’re comfortable.

Step 7: Write Your Ad Copy

Alright, here’s where the magic happens.

Your ad has three main parts:

Headlines: You get three headlines. Make them count.

Description: Two lines to give context and convince them to click.

URL: Where they’ll land after clicking.

Headline Tip: Include the keyword right here.

People need to see instantly that your ad matches what they searched.

Example: “Fresh Bread Delivery | Artisan Bakery Near You | Order Now”

Step 8: Set Up Extensions

Extensions are little add-ons to make your ad pop even more.

Use them to include links to specific pages, call buttons, or highlight things like free shipping or special offers.

Sitelink Extensions: Direct people to specific parts of your site.

Call Extensions: Let people tap and call directly.

Location Extensions: Show your address if you have a physical store.

These are optional but can boost clicks without costing you extra.

Step 9: Launch and Monitor

Hit that “Go” button and breathe.

You’re live. But don’t sit back just yet.

Check your ads daily at first.

Look at clicks, impressions, and especially the Click-Through Rate (CTR)—it shows if people like what they’re seeing.

If something’s off, tweak it.

Adjust keywords, update headlines, or change bids. It’s all a learning process.

FAQs

1. How much should I spend on my first Google Ads campaign?

Start small. £5-£10 per day is a safe bet for testing without breaking the bank.

2. Can I change my budget later?

Absolutely. Google Ads is flexible, and you can adjust your budget as you go.

3. How long until I see results?

Depends on the competition and budget. But usually, a few days should give you a hint if your ad is working or needs adjustments.