Do Google Ads (Adwords) Really Work for Small Businesses?

While weighing your options to promote your business, you must have come across Google Adwords quite a few times. Pay-per-click ads displayed on google search engine result pages can be quite a lucrative option for generating targeted traffic. It helps you get in front of the audience searching for keywords related to your product or service over the organic results. 

If you create a compelling ad optimized as per google guidelines and set the right keywords & budget, you can buy a place at the top of the results page. That means maximum exposure. At the same time, however, exhausting money with poor results is also a genuine possibility if you don't know what you are doing. Fortunately, some companies can assist with placing your ads effectively. If you're in Melbourne or Australia, for example, you can explore Google advertising services in Melbourne to help you configure effective Google advertising.  

Now, as far as small businesses are concerned, is Google adwords the right way to spend a fraction of your marketing budget? Let's take a look at some statistical data about PPC ads for small businesses: 

  • According to a survey by Webvisible, 72% of consumers prefer to find information on local merchants via search.

  • 29% of consumers look up Google to search for local businesses.

  • According to Google Economic Impact report, Businesses receive a 2:1 average ROI through Google ads– 2$ for every dollar spent.

  • 70% of people looking for a service from their mobile phones directly call the business from the Google search results.

Google Ads can really be advantageous for small businesses if done in the right way. Here are some ways small businesses can benefit from advertising on Google. 

5 ways small businesses can use google adwords to their advantage

Reaching prospects that are looking for a service you provide 

When you target the right keywords, PPC ads can expose potential customers at the exact moment they are looking for the service. It's a great advantage to reach potential customers as soon as they search for the service you provide. 

Additionally, understanding the nuances of how Google ranks and displays ads can significantly enhance your campaign's effectiveness. By harnessing expert insights into Google's search algorithms and ad placement strategies, businesses can optimize their ads for better visibility and engagement. This knowledge is crucial, especially in competitive markets where every detail in ad placement and keyword selection can make a substantial difference.

For instance, let's say you sell leather shoes for women. Wouldn't it be great if you appeared in any of the top three results when someone searches "buy leather shoes for women"?

Target based on geography– reach potential customers near you

If you have a physical presence like a local store, you won't need to target the whole city– just the people near your area. This is where Google Adwords can come in handy. You have the option of targeting based on geography, which means you can target the potential customers in your area. So, whenever someone looks up service in your area, your ad will pop up. You can use geographically-targeted ads to increase the footfall in your store. 

Run your ads when you are comfortable doing so

The timeline of the ad remains in your hands. You can always change the campaign time at your discretion. Let's imagine you are a shop owner selling seasonal items, you will have the option to set your ads a month before closing. Or, if you like to take a vacation every quarter, you will also be able to turn your ads on or off, anytime you like. 

Budget flexibility – Spend as per your discretion

Google enables budget flexibility in running your campaigns. It works on a pay-per-click model, which means you pay only when someone clicks your ads. How much you spend is totally in your control. Also, you will always have the option of setting a budget cap so that your Google ads don't affect your overall marketing budget.

Easily track your results

PPC ads can be tracked very easily. Using the right strategies, you can access exclusive data to help shape your marketing efforts. You can track your budget spend, see how many people are clicking what, see what is prompting them to click through A/B testing, and the best of all – track the return on investment. This way, you can always control your ads and tweak them based on data to get better results. 

Final Words

Small businesses have unique marketing needs, and with Google adwords, you can quickly grow your business without burning a hole in your pocket. When done right, google advertising campaigns can reward you by strengthening your bottom line, even with a minimal budget. It's a cost-effective method of acquiring new customers and generating traffic. Get ahead of the competition and reach out to your potential audience efficiently with Google Adwords.