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Google Ads for Beginners

Ishita Sinha

In this 2-hour long tutorial, you will learn how to get started with Google Search Ads and create successful campaigns to reach new customers and grow your business. We'll work on Google Ads, Google's online advertising platform.

You will drive qualified traffic, or best-fit customers to your business while they're searching on Google, for products and services like the ones that you offer.

By the end of the tutorial, you will be able to:

- Create your account on Google Ads

- Set up the first campaign structure

- Set up conversion tracking

Read more

In this 2-hour long tutorial, you will learn how to get started with Google Search Ads and create successful campaigns to reach new customers and grow your business. We'll work on Google Ads, Google's online advertising platform.

You will drive qualified traffic, or best-fit customers to your business while they're searching on Google, for products and services like the ones that you offer.

By the end of the tutorial, you will be able to:

- Create your account on Google Ads

- Set up the first campaign structure

- Set up conversion tracking

- Add relevant audience, set bids and budgets and targeting

- Set up ad groups

- Do effective keyword research

- Create impactful and relevant ads

- Navigate through the Google Ads Dashboard

- Learn about Tools and Settings available on Google Ads

- Optimize ad campaigns to generate conversions and be profitable

Note: If you don't have a Google account, you will need to create one to be able to complete the content.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Useful for those interested in understanding search engine marketing and Google's digital advertising programs
Suitable for individuals or businesses looking to increase their online visibility and generate qualified leads using Google Ads
Appropriate for both beginners and those with some experience in digital marketing
Provides a practical step-by-step approach to creating successful Google Search Ad campaigns
Requires a Google account for completion

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Reviews summary

Practical google ads for beginners

According to learners, this course offers a well-structured and easy-to-understand introduction to Google Ads, making it an ideal starting point for absolute beginners aiming to grow their business. Students particularly appreciate the hands-on approach, praising the clear guidance on setting up campaigns, conversion tracking, and effective keyword research. While highly practical and successful at demystifying the platform, some students note that the course is too basic for advanced users and lacks deeper strategic insights. There's also a recurring observation that the Google Ads interface shown can be outdated due to frequent platform updates, which may require minor adjustments from learners.
Provides direct, actionable steps for setting up campaigns.
"I loved the hands-on approach and felt confident applying what I learned immediately to my small business."
"Very practical and hands-on. The instructor does a great job explaining the Google Ads interface and setting up the first campaign."
"I'm now running my first successful campaign thanks to this course. It's concise and to the point, no fluff."
Excellent for absolute beginners with its step-by-step guidance.
"This course is incredibly well-structured for beginners. The instructor breaks down complex topics into easy-to-understand steps..."
"Fantastic course! The step-by-step guidance on setting up campaigns and conversion tracking was invaluable."
"I appreciated the practical exercises and how the instructor guided us through the platform. The pacing was good for a beginner."
A few felt the instructor rushed or lacked deep explanations.
"I was very disappointed. The instructor just reads off slides and rushes through important concepts."
"There's minimal explanation beyond surface-level steps. I had to look up a lot of information elsewhere to understand things fully."
Due to platform updates, some visual elements in videos may differ.
"I found some of the information a bit outdated already, especially regarding the Google Ads interface updates."
"While the core concepts are still relevant, I found the UI shown in the videos sometimes differed, which can be confusing for me as a beginner."
"As the platform evolves, I realize some aspects might become outdated quickly, so regular updates from the instructor would be beneficial."
Best for novices, but lacks deeper strategic insights or advanced topics.
"It's okay for a complete novice, but if I have any prior knowledge of digital marketing, I might find it too basic."
"My only minor critique is that some sections felt a bit rushed, especially the optimization part, and could use more depth..."
"This is a decent overview, but it lacks the depth needed for real-world campaign management. It feels more like a 'how-to click' guide."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Google Ads for Beginners with these activities:
Watch Google Ads tutorials
Understand Google Ads and search engine marketing concepts through video tutorials.
Browse courses on Google Ads
Show steps
  • Watch video tutorials on Google Ads basics and best practices.
Review basic concepts of marketing
Refresh your understanding of marketing principles and concepts to prepare for this course.
Browse courses on Marketing Fundamentals
Show steps
  • Review notes or textbooks from previous marketing courses.
  • Attend a seminar or workshop to refresh basic marketing concepts.
Take a practice test
Refresh your knowledge of digital marketing by simulating a test environment.
Browse courses on Google Ads
Show steps
  • Identify areas for improvement by simulating a test environment.
Ten other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
Organize Google Ads Resources
Organize and compile valuable Google Ads resources, ensuring easy access to relevant information.
Browse courses on Google Search Ads
Show steps
  • Gather resources from various sources, such as Google Ads Help Center, webinars, and industry blogs.
  • Categorize and organize the resources based on specific topics or themes.
  • Create a centralized repository or document to store the compiled materials.
Create a practice campaign
Create a test campaign with the basics of a real campaign to practice the platform fundamentals.
Browse courses on Keyword Research
Show steps
  • Create a sample campaign with example products or services.
  • Practice writing ad copy and selecting keywords.
  • Set a small budget and monitor the campaign's performance for a few days.
Attend a Google Ads Workshop
Attend a comprehensive Google Ads workshop to gain practical insights and hands-on experience.
Browse courses on Google Search Ads
Show steps
  • Research and register for a Google Ads workshop.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in all sessions.
  • Apply the knowledge and skills gained in your own Google Ads campaigns.
Follow Google Ads Best Practices
Learn and adopt Google Ads best practices to enhance campaign performance and achieve optimal results.
Browse courses on Google Search Ads
Show steps
  • Review Google's recommendations and guidelines for effective Google Ads campaigns.
  • Research industry best practices and case studies to identify successful strategies.
  • Implement best practices in your own campaigns and track the improvements.
Learn About Google Ads Tools and Settings
Enroll in a series of guided tutorials to master the nuances of Google Ads tools and settings.
Browse courses on Google Search Ads
Show steps
  • Identify the key tools and settings within Google Ads.
  • Explore the functionality of each tool and setting.
  • Apply your knowledge by adjusting settings and using tools to enhance your campaigns.
Compilation of Google Ads Case Studies
Gather and analyze successful Google Ads case studies to identify commonalities and best practices that can enhance your campaigns.
Browse courses on Google Search Ads
Show steps
  • Search for and collect case studies from reputable sources.
  • Review and analyze the case studies, extracting key insights and strategies.
  • Organize and summarize the findings in a comprehensive document or presentation.
Practice Setting Up Google Ad Campaigns
Regularly set up Google Ad campaigns to develop proficiency and identify key areas for improvement.
Browse courses on Google Ads
Show steps
  • Review the Google Ads documentation on campaign structure.
  • Set up several different types of campaigns, such as search, display, and video campaigns.
  • Experiment with different targeting options, such as demographics, keywords, and interests.
  • Monitor the performance of your campaigns and make adjustments as needed.
Participate in Google Ads Contests
Engage in Google Ads contests to assess your skills, gain recognition, and learn from industry experts.
Browse courses on Google Search Ads
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant Google Ads contests.
  • Thoroughly prepare for the contest by practicing and refining your skills.
  • Submit your entry and eagerly await the results.
Create a Google Ads Campaign for a Local Business
Develop a comprehensive Google Ads campaign for a local business, putting your skills into practice and demonstrating proficiency.
Browse courses on Google Search Ads
Show steps
  • Identify a local business that could benefit from Google Ads.
  • Set clear goals and objectives for the campaign.
  • Conduct thorough keyword research and audience analysis.
  • Create compelling ad copy and landing pages.
  • Monitor and optimize the campaign performance to maximize results.
Mentor New Google Ads Users
Share your knowledge and experience by mentoring new Google Ads users, reinforcing your understanding and refining your teaching abilities.
Browse courses on Google Search Ads
Show steps
  • Identify opportunities to mentor individuals interested in learning Google Ads.
  • Create a structured mentoring plan, including regular check-ins and guidance.
  • Provide personalized support and guidance to help your mentees succeed.

Career center

Learners who complete Google Ads for Beginners will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Search Engine Marketing (SEM) Specialist
An SEM Specialist plans and executes search engine marketing campaigns for businesses. This course will help you build a strong foundation in Google Ads, a key tool for SEM Specialists. You will learn how to create and manage Google Ads campaigns, target your audience, and track your results.
See salaries and explore the career path for Search Engine Marketing (SEM) Specialist
Digital Marketing Manager
A Digital Marketing Manager plans and oversees the execution of digital marketing campaigns for businesses. This course will help you build a strong foundation in Google Ads, a key tool for digital marketing managers. You will learn how to create and manage Google Ads campaigns, target your audience, and track your results.
See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Marketing Manager
Digital Marketing Specialist
A Digital Marketing Specialist creates and executes digital marketing campaigns for businesses. This course will help you build a foundation in Google Ads, a key tool for digital marketers. You will learn how to create and manage Google Ads campaigns, target your audience, and track your results.
See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Marketing Specialist
Web Analyst
A Web Analyst measures and analyzes website traffic and data to help businesses improve their website and marketing campaigns. This course will help you build a foundation in Google Ads, a key tool for web analysts. You will learn how to track your Google Ads campaigns and use the data to improve your website and marketing efforts.
See salaries and explore the career path for Web Analyst
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialist
An SEO Specialist helps businesses improve their visibility and ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs). While this course focuses on Google Ads, which is a paid advertising platform, it can still be helpful for SEO Specialists as it provides insights into how Google's search algorithm works.
See salaries and explore the career path for Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialist
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to help businesses make better decisions. This course will help you build a foundation in Google Ads, a key tool for data analysts. You will learn how to track your Google Ads campaigns and use the data to make better marketing decisions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst
Market Researcher
A Market Researcher conducts research to help businesses understand their target market and make better marketing decisions. This course will help you build a foundation in Google Ads, a key tool for market researchers. You will learn how to use Google Ads to gather data about your target market and use the data to make better marketing decisions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher
Customer Success Manager
A Customer Success Manager helps customers achieve success with a company's products or services. While this course focuses on Google Ads, which is primarily a paid advertising platform, it can still be helpful for Customer Success Managers as it provides insights into how to build and maintain strong customer relationships.
See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Success Manager
Account Manager
An Account Manager manages relationships with clients to ensure their satisfaction and continued business. While this course focuses on Google Ads, which is primarily a paid advertising platform, it can still be helpful for Account Managers as it provides insights into how to build and maintain strong customer relationships.
See salaries and explore the career path for Account Manager
Content Marketing Manager
A Content Marketing Manager plans and executes content marketing campaigns for businesses. While Google Ads is primarily a paid advertising platform, it can be helpful for Content Marketing Managers to understand how to use Google Ads to promote their content and reach a wider audience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Content Marketing Manager
Product Manager
A Product Manager plans and executes the development and launch of new products and features for businesses. While this course focuses on Google Ads, which is primarily a paid advertising platform, it can still be helpful for Product Managers as it provides insights into how to market new products and features.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager
Business Development Manager
A Business Development Manager identifies and develops new business opportunities for businesses. While this course focuses on Google Ads, which is primarily a paid advertising platform, it can still be helpful for Business Development Managers as it provides insights into how to reach and acquire new customers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Development Manager
Sales Manager
A Sales Manager leads and manages a team of sales professionals to achieve sales goals for businesses. While this course focuses on Google Ads, which is primarily a paid advertising platform, it can still be helpful for Sales Managers as it provides insights into how to reach and acquire new customers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager
Social Media Marketing Manager
A Social Media Marketing Manager plans and executes social media marketing campaigns for businesses. While Google Ads is primarily focused on search advertising, it can be helpful for Social Media Marketing Managers to understand how to use Google Ads to complement their social media marketing efforts.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Marketing Manager
Email Marketing Manager
An Email Marketing Manager plans and executes email marketing campaigns for businesses. While this course focuses on Google Ads, which is primarily a paid advertising platform, it can still be helpful for Email Marketing Managers as it provides insights into how to target and reach your audience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Email Marketing Manager

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Google Ads for Beginners.
Cover image
The Art of SEO
Save
The Art of SEO classic guide to search engine optimization. It provides a comprehensive overview of the field, covering everything from keyword research to link building. adds more depth to the existing course.
The Art of SEO: Mastering Search Engine Optimization
Paperback
$$
The Art of SEO: Mastering Search Engine Optimization
Paperback
$$
The Art of SEO: Mastering Search Engine...
Paperback
$$
The Art of SEO
Paperback
$$
(中文) SEO Art (Chinese Edition)
Paperback
$$
The Art of SEO
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Winning Results with Google AdWords, Second Edition
Save
Specialized guide to Google Ads for e-commerce businesses. It covers everything from product listing ads to retargeting campaigns.
Winning Results with Google AdWords, Second Edition
Paperback
$$
Winning Results with Google AdWords, Second Edition
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Warner Brothers
Save
Google Ads for Business practical guide to using Google Ads to grow your business. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to create and manage campaigns, as well as how to track and measure results. adds more depth to the existing course.
The Warner Brothers (Screen Classics)
Hardcover
$$
The Warner Brothers (Screen Classics)
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Art of SEO
Save
The Search Engine Optimization Bible comprehensive guide to SEO. It provides detailed instructions on how to optimize your website for search engines, as well as how to track and measure your results. adds breadth to the existing course.
The Art of SEO
Paperback
Check
The Art of SEO
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Ultimate Guide to Link Building
Save
The Art of Link Building comprehensive guide to link building. It provides detailed instructions on how to build high-quality links to your website, as well as how to track and measure your results. adds more depth to the existing course.
Ultimate Guide to Link Building
Paperback
Check
Ultimate Guide to Link Building
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Ultimate Guide to Google Ads
Save
The Google AdWords Guide classic guide to Google Ads. It provides detailed instructions on how to create and manage campaigns, as well as how to track and measure results. useful reference tool.
Ultimate Guide to Google Ads
Paperback
$$
Ultimate Guide to Google Ads
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Advanced Google AdWords
Save
The Ultimate Guide to Google AdWords comprehensive guide to Google Ads. It provides detailed instructions on how to create and manage campaigns, as well as how to track and measure results. is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference.
Advanced Google AdWords
Paperback
Check
Advanced Google AdWords
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Winning Results with Google Ad Words
Save
Google Ads for E-commerce comprehensive guide to using Google Ads to drive traffic to your e-commerce website. It provides detailed instructions on how to set up your campaigns, target your audience, and write effective ads. is particularly useful for businesses that sell products or services online.
Winning Results with Google Ad Words
Paperback
Check
Winning Results with Google Ad Words
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
From Trophy Towns to City-States
Save
Google Ads: Step by Step step-by-step guide to creating and managing Google Ads campaigns. It provides clear and concise instructions on how to set up your account, create campaigns and ad groups, and write effective ads. is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.
From Trophy Towns to City-States: Urban...
Hardcover
$$$
From Trophy Towns to City-States: Urban...
Kindle Edition
$$$

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Course image
Effort
2 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Coursera Project Network
Instructor
Ishita Sinha
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Useful for those interested in understanding search engine marketing and Google's digital advertising programs
Suitable for individuals or businesses looking to increase their online visibility and generate qualified leads using Google Ads
Appropriate for both beginners and those with some experience in digital marketing
Provides a practical step-by-step approach to creating successful Google Search Ad campaigns
Requires a Google account for completion
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