Google Ads is one of the most powerful tools for growing your business online. If you're new to paid advertising, setting up your first Google Ads account might feel overwhelming — but don’t worry. This simple, step-by-step guide will walk you through the process without any confusion.
Let's get started!
Step 1: Visit the Google Ads Website
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Open your browser and go to ads.google.com.
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Click on the "Start now" button.
Tip: Make sure you are logged in with the Google account you want to use for ads.
Step 2: Choose Your Main Advertising Goal
Google will ask you what you want to achieve:
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Get more calls
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Get more website sales or sign-ups
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Get more visits to your physical location
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Or, you can switch to "Expert Mode" if you want full control
Tip: If you’re completely new, starting with the basic setup is fine. You can always switch to Expert Mode later.
Step 3: Set Up Your First Campaign
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Google will guide you to create your first ad.
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You'll need to enter:
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Your business name
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Your website URL (if you have one)
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Tip: Even if you don't have a website, you can still create campaigns like "Smart Campaigns" focused on calls or visits.
Step 4: Choose Your Target Audience
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Select where you want your ads to appear:
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Specific cities
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Entire countries
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Or a custom radius around your business
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Tip: Be specific! Advertising everywhere can waste your budget if you're targeting customers only from certain areas.
Step 5: Set Your Budget
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Google will suggest daily budget options.
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You can choose one or enter a custom daily amount.
Tip: Start small — even $5 to $10/day can give you useful data to optimize later.
Step 6: Create Your First Ad
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Write a simple, clear advertisement.
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Include:
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A strong headline
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A short description highlighting your service
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A call-to-action like "Call Now" or "Get a Quote"
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Tip: Use keywords that your customers would type into Google when looking for your services.
Step 7: Add Your Payment Information
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Enter your billing information (card or bank details).
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Google will only charge you when people actually click on your ad.
Tip: Review the promotional offers. Sometimes new accounts get special ad credits (like $500 in free ad spend after spending $500).
Step 8: Launch Your Campaign!
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Review all your information carefully.
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Click "Publish" to go live.
Congrats! 🎉 Your ads are now ready to show up on Google Search, Maps, and other Google properties.
Final Thoughts
Starting with Google Ads doesn't have to be complicated. Begin with a simple setup, track your results, and adjust over time. As you get comfortable, you can explore more advanced features like keywords, ad extensions, and A/B testing.
Remember: online advertising is a journey. Every click teaches you something new about your audience!