Top Hacks For Google Ads

Google Ads can be a powerful tool for driving traffic to your website and generating leads, but it can also be a minefield. With so many options and settings, it's easy to get lost in the complexity.

We're here to share some expert hacks to help you unlock the full potential of Google Ads and achieve success.

1. Target Long-Tail Keywords

It might be tempting to focus on broad, high-volume keywords, but targeting long-tail keywords can be a more effective strategy. Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases that people search for.

For example, instead of targeting the keyword "shoes", you could target "women's running shoes for flat feet". While the search volume for the latter is lower, the people searching for it are more likely to be ready to buy. Understanding Google ads match types can be tricky - read our latest blog for some help on this. 

Benefits of Long-Tail Keywords

Less Competition

Long-tail keywords often have less competition, meaning your ads are more likely to show up in a prominent position.

Higher Conversion Rates

People searching for long-tail keywords are further along in the buying cycle and more likely to convert into customers.

Lower Cost-per-Click (CPC) 

Due to lower competition, long-tail keywords often have a lower CPC, meaning you can get more clicks for your budget.

2. Use Dynamic Keyword Insertion (DKI)

DKI is a powerful feature that allows you to dynamically insert the user's search query into your ad headline. This makes your ads more relevant and increases their click-through rate (CTR).

For example, if someone searches for "red leather handbag", your ad headline could dynamically change to "Shop Red Leather Handbags".

Benefits of DKI

Improved Ad Relevance

DKI ensures that your ads are always relevant to the user's search query.

Increased CTR

More relevant ads are more likely to be clicked on.

Time-Saving

DKI automates the process of creating multiple ad variations.

3. Leverage Ad Extensions

Ad extensions provide additional information and a call to action in your ads. They can help you improve your ad's visibility and encourage users to click. Read 3 easy ways to instantly improve your Google ads for more tips like this. 

Some popular ad extensions include:

Sitelink Extensions

Add links to specific pages on your website, such as your contact page or product pages.

Callout Extensions

Highlight key features or promotions, such as "Free Shipping" or "24/7 Customer Support".

Location Extensions

Show your business address and map to encourage local customers to visit your store.

Call Extensions

Allow users to call your business directly from your ad.

Benefits of Ad Extensions

Increased Ad Visibility

Ad extensions make your ads larger and more prominent on the search results page.

Improved CTR

Ad extensions provide more information and calls to action, encouraging users to click.

Enhanced Quality Score

Using ad extensions can improve your Quality Score, which can lead to lower CPCs.

4. Optimise Your Landing Pages

Your landing page is the page that users arrive on after clicking your ad. It's important to ensure your landing pages are relevant to your ads and optimised for conversions.

Message Match

Ensure your landing page content matches the message of your ad. If your ad promotes a specific product, your landing page should feature that product prominently.

Clear Call to Action

Include a clear and compelling call to action on your landing page, such as "Shop Now" or "Get a Quote".

Fast Loading Speed

Optimise your landing pages for fast loading speeds to avoid losing visitors.

5. A/B Test Your Ads

A/B testing involves creating multiple versions of your ads and testing them against each other to see which performs best. This can help you identify the most effective ad copy, headlines, and calls to action.

Test One Element at a Time

When A/B testing, it's important to test only one element at a time. This allows you to isolate the impact of each change.

Test a Significant Number of Impressions

Run your A/B tests for a sufficient amount of time to gather a statistically significant number of impressions. We recommend at least 3 weeks.

Continuously Test and Optimise

A/B testing is an ongoing process. Continuously test and optimise your ads to improve their performance. If using a marketing agency to manage your Google ads, this is where you get bang for your buck so to speak. They will not only strategise the best approach, build the campaigns and monitor them daily for search terms to add or remove, but they will also manage A/B testing so that you get the best return on the investment of budget that you make. 

6. Use Negative Keywords

Negative keywords are keywords that you don't want your ads to show for in search. They help you refine your targeting and avoid wasting your budget on irrelevant clicks.

For example, if you sell high-end jewellery, you might add negative keywords like "cheap" or "discount" to prevent your ads from showing to people searching for budget options. Use negative keywords in conjunction with other targeting options, such as demographics, interests, and behaviours, to create highly targeted campaigns.

Benefits of Negative Keywords

Reduced Wasted Spend

Negative keywords help you avoid paying for clicks from people who are not interested in your products or services.

Improved Targeting

Negative keywords help you refine your targeting and ensure your ads are shown to the most relevant audience.

Increased ROI

By reducing wasted spend and improving targeting, negative keywords can help you increase your return on investment.

7. Monitor Your Campaigns Regularly

It's important to monitor your Google Ads campaigns regularly to track their performance and identify areas for improvement.

Key Metrics to Track

• Impressions: The number of times your ads have been shown.
• Clicks: The number of times your ads have been clicked on.
• CTR: The percentage of impressions that result in clicks.
• Conversions: The number of times users have completed a desired action, such as making a purchase or filling out a form.
• Cost-per-conversion: The average cost of acquiring a conversion.

Use Google Ads Reporting Tools

Google Ads provides a range of reporting tools to help you track your campaign performance. Use these tools to identify trends, spot opportunities, and make data-driven decisions. Ensure you are using Google Tag Manager and Google Analytics as well. 

8. Utilise Google's Smart Bidding Strategies

Google's Smart Bidding strategies use machine learning to optimise your bids in real-time. This can help you improve your campaign performance and save time.

Some popular Smart Bidding strategies include:

Target CPA

Set a target cost-per-acquisition (CPA) and Google Ads will automatically adjust your bids to try and achieve that target.

Maximise Conversions

Google Ads will automatically set your bids to try and get you the most conversions possible within your budget.

Maximise Clicks

Google Ads will automatically set your bids to try and get you the most clicks possible within your budget.

Benefits of Smart Bidding

Improved Performance

Smart Bidding can help you achieve better results than manual bidding.

Time-Saving

Smart Bidding automates the bidding process, freeing up your time to focus on other tasks.

Data-Driven Decisions

Smart Bidding uses data to make informed decisions about your bids.

9. Take Advantage of Remarketing

Remarketing allows you to show ads to people who have previously visited your website. This can be a powerful way to re-engage potential customers and encourage them to return to your site.  

Create Targeted Remarketing Lists

Create different remarketing lists based on user behaviour. For example, you could create a list of people who abandoned their shopping cart or a list of people who visited a specific product page within a set number of days.

Tailor Your Ads to Each List

Create specific ads for each remarketing list. For example, you could show people who abandoned their shopping cart an ad with a discount code to incentivise them to complete their purchase.

Set Frequency Capping

Avoid bombarding people with your remarketing ads by setting frequency capping. This limits the number of times someone sees your ad within a given period.

Unlocking the Power of Google Ads

By implementing these Google Ads hacks, you can improve your campaign performance, maximise your return on investment, and achieve instant success.

To discuss how Childsey can help you implement these hacks and optimise your Google Ads campaigns, get in touch with us for a chat.