Google Ads Crash Course 2023 — How to Setup a Google Search Campaign (Part 1)
🔥If you are setting up Google Ads yourself, this is the one checklist I would not skip
👉https://www.skool.com/theconversioncl...
In this crash course tutorial, I walk you through how to use Google Ads to build a proper search ad campaign from scratch, with settings that stop budget leaks.
You will see how I structure each ad group, how I pick target keywords from basic keyword research, and how I use negative keywords to block low intent search queries.
I also cover key campaign types so you know when Search makes sense, and when shopping ads, google shopping, or display ads are the better ad type for the job.
We go through bidding strategies and how to choose a bid based on your goal, cost per click, and the metric that matters most for ROI.
By the end, you will understand why your ads that appear in search results do or do not get clicks, and what to optimise first so your ads work better.
⏩ Skip to Section
00:00 Who this crash course is for
00:29 Paid search ad wastage stats
01:03 What SIAG means (Single Intent Ad Group)
01:28 Create your first Search campaign (objective + campaign type)
02:04 Conversion tracking notes (before you run ads)
02:35 How I name a Google Ads campaign (location + funnel)
03:36 Bidding strategies and why I start with conversions
04:15 Search Network vs Google Display Network (what to untick)
04:37 Location targeting settings (presence vs interest)
04:58 Other Google Ads settings to keep simple
05:10 Stopping point: keyword research is Part 2
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📚 Related resources
Paid Search Strategy: 7 Proven Plays to Spend Less and Convert More: https://josiahroche.co/blog/paid-sear...
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❓FAQs
Q1 What is a Google Ads Search campaign?
It is a Google Ads campaign where ads appear in Google search results when someone searches for terms related to your target keywords.
Q2 Which campaign types should I start with as a new advertiser?
Most advertisers should start with Search first, then add shopping ads or google shopping if you have products, and test display ads later once Search is stable.
Q3 What is the difference between a search ad and display ads?
A search ad shows based on search queries, while display ads show as placements across the Google Display Network, usually aimed more at awareness than direct demand.
Q4 How do I choose an ad group structure that performs?
I keep each ad group focused on one intent, so the ads that appear match the query closely and the landing page stays relevant.
Q5 How much keyword research do I need before I launch?
Enough to group keywords by intent, find obvious variations, and spot the “wrong” queries you will later block with negative keywords.
Q6 What are negative keywords and when should I add them?
Negative keywords stop your ads appear for irrelevant searches, and I add them before launch and then weekly using the Search terms report.
Q7 Which bidding strategies should I use at the start?
If tracking is reliable, I often start with Maximise Conversions, but if data is thin I begin with Manual CPC to control bid and cost per click.
Q8 What is the fastest way to improve ROI in a Google Ads campaign?
Cut wasted spend first by tightening targeting, adding negatives from real search queries, and optimising ads and landing pages around one clear offer.
Q9 Why are my ads that appear not getting clicks?
It is usually a mismatch between keyword intent, ad copy, and landing page, or your bid is too low for the competition in those search results.
Q10 Should I run Google Shopping at the same time as Search?
If you sell physical products, running google shopping alongside Search can work well, but I still separate them by campaign types so reporting is clean.
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