If you’ve just started using Google Ads for your business, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when it comes to managing costs. Many beginners face the challenge of overspending on ads without seeing the results they want. The good news? With a few adjustments, you can lower Google Ads costs while still focusing on getting quality leads.
Here are five simple but powerful tips to help you get the most out of your Google Ads — without breaking the bank.
1. Target the Right Audience from the Start
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is targeting too broad an audience. Instead, focus on a specific group of people who are more likely to be interested in what you’re offering. Google Ads lets you target based on:
- Location: Where your potential customers live.
- Demographics: Age, gender, and income.
- Interests: What they’re searching for and interested in.
By narrowing your audience, you can avoid paying for clicks from people who aren’t likely to convert into customers, helping to lower Google Ads costs and improve lead quality.
2. Use Long-Tail Keywords for Higher Quality Clicks
Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases that searchers use when they’re closer to making a purchase decision. Instead of using a generic keyword like “shoes,” try something more specific like “affordable hiking shoes for women in Perth.”
While these keywords may have lower search volumes, they tend to attract more serious buyers and lower your CPC. Plus, there’s usually less competition for long-tail keywords, which helps lower Google Ads costs.
Pro Tip: Use negative keywords to block irrelevant searches. For example, if you don’t sell children’s shoes, you can add “children’s” as a negative keyword so you don’t waste money on clicks from parents looking for kids’ footwear.
3. Schedule Your Ads During Peak Times
As a beginner, you might be running ads 24/7 without realising that your audience might not be active all the time. With ad scheduling, you can control when your ads appear and target times when potential customers are more likely to engage.
For example, if you know your audience is more active during weekday afternoons, set your ads to run during those peak hours. This will help you save money on ads running during less effective times and lower Google Ads costs by focusing on the most valuable time slots.
4. Improve Your Ad Quality to Lower Costs
Google wants to show users the most relevant ads, so it rewards high-quality ads with better placement at a lower cost. Your ad’s Quality Score is based on how relevant and engaging your ads are. A higher Quality Score means Google will charge you less per click!
How to boost your Quality Score:
- Make your ad copy clear and relevant: Ensure it directly relates to the keyword you’re targeting.
- Create user-friendly landing pages: The page your ad links to should be easy to navigate and closely related to what your ad promises.
- Continuously test and tweak: Try different headlines, calls-to-action, and copy to see what works best.
This will help you lower Google Ads costs while attracting higher-quality leads.
5. Start Small with A/B Testing
If you’re unsure which ad will work best, don’t worry! With A/B testing, you can create two versions of your ad and see which one performs better. It’s a great way to experiment with different headlines, copy, or images, so you know which version is giving you the best results.
By testing small changes over time, you’ll learn what resonates with your audience, reduce your CPC, and ultimately lower Google Ads costs while attracting better leads. It’s a great strategy for beginners to refine their campaigns and spend more effectively.
Why You Might Need Help from Ignite Search
Running Google Ads can feel like a full-time job, especially when you’re trying to lower Google Ads costs and increase lead quality on your own. If you find yourself overspending or feeling stuck, that’s where Ignite Search comes in. Our team specialises in optimising Google Ads campaigns for businesses just like yours, helping you achieve better results without blowing your budget.
If you’re ready to take your campaigns to the next level, reach out to us today — we’ll help you make the most of every dollar spent.
