How to Run Google Ads in 2026: A Step-by-Step Guide for Real Results (with Smart Optimisation)

A few years ago, running Google Ads felt like adjusting knobs until something worked. In 2026, that approach drains budgets fast. Competition is tighter, clicks cost more, and automation decides most outcomes before a human touches a bid.

Yet businesses still grow with Google Ads every day. The difference lies in clarity. Teams that know how to run Google Ads with purpose see steady sales, qualified leads, and repeat demand. Those who treat it like a traffic tap usually see numbers move without revenue following.

Today, we break down how to run ads on Google step by step, starting with the part most advertisers rush through. The foundation.

Before You Start: Set the Foundation

Before opening the Google Ads dashboard, pause. The strongest campaigns in 2026 share one trait. They start with decisions made outside the platform. This section covers what must be clear before you run a single Google Ads campaign.

1 Pick 1 goal and stay with it

Every marketer wants leads, sales, and traffic. A Google Ads campaign can support only one of these at a time.

Choose based on business need.

• Leads work when sales follow conversations.
• Sales fit ecommerce and direct checkout models.
• Traffic suits awareness or early market entry.

When teams try to mix all three, learning slows. Budgets scatter. Results stall. Clear goals help Google Ads learn faster and push spend toward users who act.

Across industries, Google Search delivers an average conversion rate of 4.4 per cent. Display averages 0.57 per cent. These numbers improve when the campaign goal matches the business outcome. 

If the goal remains unclear, even the best Google Ads guide cannot rescue performance.

2 Define your “ready-to-buy” audience

Knowing how to run Google Ads campaign settings matters less than knowing who is ready to act.

Start with the basics.

• Location and language must reflect where business actually happens.
• Service radius keeps spend local when needed.
• Device preference helps shape bidding choices.

Then define intent in one sentence.

“What is the user searching right before they decide to buy?”

That sentence guides keywords, ads, and landing pages. Web visitors from Google Ads show a 50 per cent higher likelihood to purchase than organic users. That advantage appears only when intent matches the offer. 

This step separates campaigns that attract interest from campaigns that close deals.

3 Choose the right landing page

Where you send traffic decides whether clicks convert.

• A homepage suits brand discovery.
• A service page fits lead-focused campaigns.
• A product page works best for direct sales.

A good landing page for a Google Ads campaign includes three things.

• A clear call to action that appears early.
• Trust signals such as reviews, logos, or guarantees.
• Fast load speed on mobile and desktop.

Google Ads delivers strong returns. Many advertisers see close to an 8:1 revenue-to-spend ratio. That ratio holds only when the page fulfils the promise made in the ad. 

Knowing how to run Google Ads and how to run ads on Google strategy begins here. Everything that follows builds on this base.

Step-by-Step: How to Create Your First Google Ads Campaign?

The steps below show how to run a Google Ads campaign without falling into default shortcuts that limit performance later.

Steps Of Creating an Account

Step 1: Create your Google Ads account the right way

Visit ads.google.com and select “start now.” Google immediately pushes new advertisers toward a Smart campaign. This path looks simple, yet it removes control from the start.

Choose “create account only” instead. Skip goal selection at this stage. Once inside the account, use the plus icon at the top left to begin your first campaign.

This single decision shapes how you run ads on Google long-term. Custom campaign setup gives flexibility with keywords, bids, structure, and learning.

This approach forms the base of how to run Google Ads with intent rather than automation alone.

Step 2: Select the correct campaign type for your goal

A Google Ads account works best when different campaign types serve different needs. One format rarely suits every objective.

Available campaign types include Search, Display, Video, Shopping, App, Demand Gen, Local, and Performance Max.

For this Google Ads guide, choose Search and select website traffic as the objective. Search campaigns capture users who already want answers, services, or products.

Later, mix formats as your account grows. Brands that learn how to run Google Ads campaign setups across formats gain steadier demand.

Step 3: Configure campaign settings

Campaign settings control where and how ads appear.

Name the campaign clearly so teams can track results without confusion. Naming affects organisation rather than performance.

Network selection decides whether ads show beyond Google Search. Partner networks may lower costs, yet impression share tracking becomes harder.

These choices shape how you run ads on Google at scale.

Step 4: Decide when ads appear

Ad scheduling controls spending across hours and days.

Access schedule options through “show more settings.” Choose start dates, end dates, and time slots that match buying behaviour.

Account timezone matters here. If your audience spans regions, align schedules carefully.

Strong scheduling discipline supports how to run Google Ads campaign budgets with control.

Step 5: Set location and language targeting

Ads perform better when the reach stays focused.

Select physical presence rather than interest-based location targeting. This prevents ads from showing to users outside service areas.

Language selection should match how customers search rather than how brands describe themselves.

Audience segments appear at this stage. Skip them for Search campaigns unless remarketing lists already exist.

Clear targeting simplifies how to run Google Ads without wasted spend.

Step 6: Calculate a workable daily budget

Budget planning sets the pace of learning.

Estimate monthly spend using keyword research and average cost benchmarks. Divide this number by 30.4 to reach a daily figure.

Low budgets slow learning. High budgets drain cash fast. Balance keeps campaigns active and informative.

This step anchors how to run ads on Google sustainably.

Step 7: Choose a bidding method

Google Ads offers manual and automated bidding.

Manual bidding allows direct control over maximum cost per click. This suits teams who monitor performance closely.

Automated bidding lets Google adjust bids based on signals. Early campaigns often benefit from this while data builds.

Select the option directly rather than accepting defaults. Bidding choice influences how to run a Google Ads campaign, and learning speed.

Step 8: Build keyword groups

Keywords connect ads to searches. Create ad groups around themes. Each group holds related keywords and ads. Clear grouping keeps relevance high.

Match types guide how closely searches must align.

• Broad match captures related intent.
• Phrase match captures meaning-based queries.
• Exact match restricts reach to close intent.

Negative keywords block unwanted searches. Add them early. Expand the list using the search term reports.

Keyword structure defines how to run Google Ads effectively.

Before finalising your daily spend, use a keyword ideas generator to understand search demand, competition, and estimated costs, which helps you plan how to run a Google Ads campaign without overspending on low-intent terms.

Step 9: Write your ads

Responsive search ads assemble headlines and descriptions automatically.

Each line should stand alone. Headlines must reflect search intent. Descriptions should clarify value.

Calls to action guide clicks. Use language that matches user readiness.

Ad writing shapes how to run ads on Google with consistency and clarity.

Step 10: Add ad assets

Ad assets add context. Sitelinks, callouts, and snippets give users more reasons to click. Assets expand ad size and usefulness. If they do not perform, Google simply hides them.

Add assets through the Assets section in the left menu of Google Ads. Assets support stronger Google Ads visibility without risk.

Step 11: Review device settings

Device controls adjust bids by device type on manual Search campaigns.

Avoid excluding devices without performance data. Early assumptions restrict reach. Testing different setups improves how to run Google Ads campaign strategies over time.

Step 12: Check your landing page again

Ads bring visitors. Pages convert them. Pages should load fast, work smoothly on mobile, and guide users toward one action. Calls to action must stand out. Design should stay clean and readable. Landing page quality shapes how to run Google Ads profitably.

Step 13: Launch and observe

Once live, allow time for data collection. Avoid frequent changes. Review performance every two to four weeks. Learn reporting basics, watch approval status, and track results calmly. Patience plays a central role in how to run ads on Google consistently.

Quick Comparison Table: What to Choose Based on Your Goal?

Optimisation Checklist for 2026

This checklist keeps Google Ads performance steady without rushing decisions that slow learning.

Week 1 fixes

The first week focuses on relevance and hygiene. These actions help the system understand intent faster.

• Add negative keywords.
  Review early search terms and block queries that do not match buying intent. This protects spending and keeps traffic focused.
• Pause irrelevant keywords
  Some keywords attract clicks without action. Pause them early rather than letting them dilute learning signals.
• Improve ad relevance to the landing page
  Check that headlines, descriptions, and landing page messaging align closely. Clear alignment supports a stronger Quality Score and smoother user flow.

Week 2 to 4 scaling

After initial signals stabilise, controlled expansion becomes possible.

• Duplicate winning ad groups
  Ad groups that convert consistently can be copied and adjusted slightly. This approach keeps the structure clean while extending reach.
• Expand locations or keywords carefully
  Add new areas or terms in small batches. Monitor performance before expanding further.
• Switch bidding only after conversion volume stabilises
  Bidding changes too early disrupts learning. Wait until conversions arrive regularly before adjusting strategy.

Mistakes that kill results

Some issues block performance completely, regardless of budget or creative quality.

• No conversion tracking
  Without tracking, Google Ads cannot learn what success looks like. Campaigns drift without direction.
• Broad match too early
  Using broad match before intent and negatives are clear invites irrelevant traffic and wasted spend.
• Wrong location setting
  Targeting interest instead of physical presence pulls clicks from users outside service areas.
• Sending paid traffic to weak pages
  Strong ads cannot compensate for slow load times, unclear calls to action, or confusing layouts.

Smart Optimisation 

When teams understand how to run Google Ads, optimisation becomes repeatable rather than reactive.

Faster keyword discovery happens when search term reports guide expansion. Real queries reveal buying language that keyword tools often miss. Adding these terms steadily keeps campaigns aligned with intent.

Ad variation testing works best when changes are limited. Multiple headlines and descriptions allow rotation without overwhelming the system. Clear messaging differences help identify what drives action.

Budget waste is reduced through regular search term filtering. Removing irrelevant queries protects spend and sharpens learning signals. This practice supports long-term control while running Google Ads at scale.

Structured testing improves results over time. A single change per test keeps outcomes readable. Ads that perform well stay active. Others step aside. This rhythm supports better performance without overcorrection.

Businesses that manage multiple campaigns often rely on an AI ad manager to monitor bids, budgets, and performance signals while keeping Google Ads optimisation consistent.

How Can GrowEasy Help Businesses Run Better Google Ads?

GrowEasy is an AI-powered digital marketing service tool designed to simplify how businesses plan, launch, and optimise Google Ads campaigns from start to scale.

1 Keyword Planner

Finding high-intent keywords remains one of the hardest parts of running Google Ads. GrowEasy’s AI-powered Google Keyword Ideas tool generates keyword suggestions for ads and search visibility using full business context.

How does it work?

• Start by describing your product or service in plain language.
• Share your email address to receive results.
• Get a curated list of relevant keywords aligned with intent.

What are the key benefits?

• Discover keyword opportunities missed by common tools.
• Receive suggestions tailored to your niche and audience.
• Reach queries competitors often overlook.
• Get results quickly without technical setup.

Google Ads Keyword Planner often feels complex for beginners. Many tools focus on generic terms that attract low-intent clicks. GrowEasy analyses complete business descriptions to produce precise keyword lists that support how to run Google Ads campaign targeting with focus.

Who benefits from our tool?

• Small business owners improving their online presence.
• Marketing agencies aiming for sharper targeting.
• Startups planning cost-aware growth.
• E-commerce brands increasing search visibility.
• Lead generation teams focused on conversions.

2 Ad Copywriter

The Ad Copywriter generates multiple headlines and description options for testing. These variations support ongoing experiments without rewriting ads manually. This helps teams test messaging faster while learning what attracts clicks.

3 Lead Cost Generator

Budget planning becomes easier with estimated cost per lead ranges. The Lead Cost Generator helps teams plan spending before campaigns go live. 

4 Ad Creative Generator

Display and remarketing need visual assets that stay consistent with brand identity. The Ad Creative Generator supports this stage during scaling.

DesignEasy by GrowEasy helps businesses create branded posters and creatives using AI-driven templates. Upload photos, add business details, and generate designs quickly. These assets suit remarketing, social sharing, and promotional use without design overhead.

Features include brand-matching formats, flexible templates, and quick output. This supports consistent messaging once Google Ads traffic grows.

5 Video Script Generator

Video ads support awareness and retargeting. The Video Script Generator creates YouTube ad scripts after collecting basic inputs.

Users share business details, preferred language, campaign goal, tone, key offer, and video duration. The output aligns messaging with intent and stage of the funnel.

This helps brands test video ads without long scripting cycles.

6 WhatsApp Marketing

Fast follow-ups improve lead conversion rates. GrowEasy’s WhatsApp Marketing tool supports direct communication using the official WhatsApp Cloud API.

Upload CSV contacts, personalise messages with names and order details, schedule campaigns across time zones, and track opens and clicks. Pay-as-you-go pricing keeps costs predictable.

This tool supports lead conversion once Google Ads traffic starts flowing.

6 Free Marketing Poster and Social Media Video Ads

Consistency across channels builds recognition. GrowEasy offers a free poster and social media ad creator that reuses the same offer across platforms.

Users select a category, choose a template, customise design elements, and download assets for sharing or printing. Output suits Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and offline use.

No design experience is required. The tool supports consistent messaging while running Google Ads across multiple touchpoints.

FAQs

How much should I spend on Google Ads to start?

A starting budget should allow the campaign to collect enough clicks and conversions within a month. Many businesses begin with an amount that covers a realistic daily spend based on the expected cost per click in their category. The goal at this stage is learning, not aggressive growth. A budget that runs consistently for at least three to four weeks gives clearer signals on performance.

Which Google Ads campaign type is best for beginners?

Search campaigns work well for beginners. They focus on users already looking for a product or service. This intent makes results easier to track and improves understanding of keyword behaviour. Once Search performance becomes stable, other campaign types can follow.

Why am I getting clicks but no leads?

Clicks without leads often point to a mismatch. Keywords may attract curiosity rather than buying intent. Ads may promise one thing while the landing page delivers another. Slow page speed, unclear calls to action, or complex forms can also block conversions. Reviewing search terms, ad copy, and landing page clarity usually reveals the gap.

How do I know if my keywords are correct?

Correct keywords bring visitors who act. Check search term reports to see what users actually type before clicking. Keywords that attract repeated clicks without conversions often signal weak intent. Keywords that consistently convert align with user needs and campaign goals.