
Google Ads (formerly known as Google AdWords) is a paid advertising platform that allows businesses to create and display ads across Google’s vast network, including search results, websites, YouTube, and mobile apps. Google Ads helps businesses reach potential customers based on their search queries, demographics, interests, and online behavior. Here’s an overview of how Google Ads works and the key components involved:
1. Search Ads
Search ads appear at the top or bottom of Google search results when users search for specific keywords. This form of advertising is based on a pay-per-click (PPC) model, where businesses bid on keywords relevant to their products or services. When users click on the ad, the business is charged. The goal is to target high-intent search queries, driving qualified traffic to the website.
2. Display Ads
Display ads appear on websites within the Google Display Network (GDN). These ads can be in various formats, such as text, image, video, or interactive. Display ads are excellent for brand awareness and retargeting, as they help businesses reach users who may not be actively searching for products but are browsing websites within the network.
3. Video Ads
Video ads on platforms like YouTube can be skippable or non-skippable and are designed to reach users in a more engaging format. Video ads can target specific audiences based on demographics, interests, and behaviors. They’re great for increasing brand awareness, driving engagement, and promoting products or services in a visually dynamic way.
4. Shopping Ads
Google Shopping ads are product-based ads that appear in search results and the Google Shopping tab when users search for specific products. These ads include product images, prices, and the name of the retailer, providing an attractive and informative ad format that leads users directly to the product page on the retailer’s website.
5. App Ads
App ads promote mobile apps across Google’s platforms, including Google Search, YouTube, and the Google Display Network. These ads are designed to drive app installations and engagement by targeting users based on their behavior and interests.