How does Google Ads work

Google Ads works by allowing businesses to bid on specific keywords to display ads on Google search results and partner sites. When users search for those keywords, Google runs an auction to decide which ads appear, based on a combination of bid amount, ad relevance, and expected user experience. Advertisers only pay when someone clicks on their ad—this is known as pay-per-click (PPC) advertising.

Let’s start with the basics!

What Is Google Ads?

Google Ads is an online advertising platform by Google. It helps businesses show ads on Google’s search engine and across websites, YouTube, apps, and more.

Let’s say you run a bakery in New York. If someone searches “best cupcakes in New York,” your ad could appear at the top of the page, before any other result. That’s the power of Google Ads.

There are different types of Google Ads, such as:

• Search Ads (text ads on Google search results)
• Display Ads (image ads on websites)
• Video Ads (like YouTube ads)
• Shopping Ads (for products)
• App Ads (to promote mobile apps)

A Google specialist can help decide which type fits your business.

How Does Google Ads Work?

Google Ads works like an auction. But instead of buying ads with the highest price, Google also considers the quality of your ad.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

• You choose keywords: Words people might search for, like “affordable gym near me.”
• You write your ad: A short text that promotes your product or service.
• You set a budget: How much you want to spend per day or month.
• Google decides which ads to show based on:
  • Your bid (how much you’re willing to pay)
  • Ad relevance (how closely your ad matches the search)
  • Landing page experience (is your website helpful?)

The more relevant your ad and the better your website, the higher your chances, even if your bid is lower than others.

That’s why many companies hire a Google Ads specialist to manage all of this professionally. They make sure your ad performs well and reaches the right people.

How Much Do Google Ads Cost?

This is one of the most common questions: How much do Google Ads cost? The answer depends on your goals, industry, and competition.

Key points:

• Cost-Per-Click (CPC): You only pay when someone clicks your ad.
• Flexible Budget: You can set daily or monthly limits. Even $10/day can work for small businesses.
• Varies by Industry: Ads for lawyers or insurance may cost more per click than ads for local cafes.

For example:

• A bakery might pay $1–$2 per click.
• A law firm could pay $50 or more per click.

That’s why businesses often work with an ads specialist or a Google Ads company. They help control your spending while improving ad performance.

How to Run Google Ads: A Step-by-Step Guide

Running Google Ads can seem scary at first, but we’ll walk you through it in simple steps.

1. Create a Google Ads account

Go to ads.google.com and sign in with your Gmail. It's free to set up.

2. Choose your campaign goal

Google will ask what you want:

• More website visits?
• More calls?
• More app downloads?

3. Pick your target audience

You can select:

• Location (your city, country, or worldwide)
• Language
• Age group and more

4. Choose keywords

Think about what people type when they need your product. Tools like Google’s Keyword Planner help with this. Here’s where a Google specialist can help. Picking the right keywords can make or break your campaign.

5. Write your ad

Keep it short and catchy:

• Headline: Grab attention.
• Description: Show benefits.
• Call to action: “Shop now” or “Call today.”

6. Set your budget

Decide how much you’re willing to spend daily. Google won’t charge more than your limit.

7. Launch your ad

Once your ad is approved, it goes live!

Still confused? That’s where hiring a Google Ads agency or an ads specialist becomes super helpful. They handle everything—setup, optimization, and reports.

Why Many Businesses Work with a Google Ads Specialist

Running ads isn’t just about throwing in some money and hoping for the best. It needs:

• Good strategy
• Keyword research
• Eye-catching ad copy
• Regular performance checks

That’s where a Google Ads specialist steps in. They know what works and what doesn’t. They’ve tested different industries and know how to save you money while getting better results.

Even better, some businesses partner with a full Google Ads company or Google Ads agency. These teams have multiple experts who can manage everything—ads, landing pages, conversions, and more.

If you’re serious about growing your business through ads, this investment is worth it.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make

Let’s look at a few things to avoid when running your first Google Ads campaign:

• Choosing too many keywords: Too many keywords make your ad less focused. Instead, choose a few that are highly relevant.
• Ignoring negative keywords: Negative keywords prevent your ad from showing for unrelated searches. For example, if you sell men’s shoes, adding “women” as a negative keyword is helpful.
• Setting it and forgetting it: Ads need regular checks. You should see which ones are working and which aren’t.

A Google Ads company often uses tracking tools and weekly reports to stay ahead. That’s why so many companies rely on a Google specialist to handle this.

Conclusion: Let the Experts Handle It

Google Ads is a great tool for getting new customers fast. It helps businesses reach the right people at the right time—whether you’re a small shop or a large company.

But like any powerful tool, it works best in skilled hands. A Google ads specialist or ads specialist knows how to set up smart campaigns, lower costs, and bring in real results. They know how to use every dollar wisely.

If you're looking for a trusted Google Ads agency, consider working with a team like Seoraft. Their expert strategies, honest reporting, and deep knowledge in running successful campaigns can make a real difference for your business, especially if you’re just starting.

Whether you're a local shop or an online brand, learning how Google Ads works is just the beginning. Smart execution is where the magic happens.