Google Ads is a powerful advertising platform and a major part of digital advertising that offers various types of ads to help businesses reach their target audience effectively. Each type of ad serves a specific purpose and caters to different business goals. Google Ads are important due to their massive reach. The Google network reaches 90% of all Internet users worldwide, and its search engine receives 5.4 billion searches a day. Placing Google Ads is a great way for advertisers to tap into a teeming population of users, and target multiple motivated sub-groups which are already searching for products and services. Let’s delve into the different types of Google Ads and discuss which ones are best suited for various businesses.
Search Ads
Search Ads are text-based ads that appear at the top or bottom of search engine result pages (SERPs). 3 out of 4 Google users find search ads useful when seeking information. They are triggered by specific keywords or search terms entered by users. Search Ads are great for businesses looking to increase visibility and drive relevant traffic to their websites. They work well for businesses in industries where users actively search for products or services, such as e-commerce, professional services, or local businesses.
Display Ads
Display Ads are visually appealing banner ads that appear on websites within the Google Display Network. Display ads influence 9 out of 10 buying decisions, and 1 out of 2 who click on ads are likely to make a purchase. They can include images, text, and even interactive elements. Display Ads are ideal for businesses with a strong visual component, such as fashion, travel, or lifestyle brands. They help increase brand awareness and reach a wider audience by displaying ads on relevant websites across the internet.
Video Ads
Video Ads are engaging video-based ads that appear before, during, or after video content on platforms like YouTube.Watching a video ad can influence 8 out of 10 people to buy software or an app. They can be skippable or non-skippable and allow businesses to convey their message through storytelling. Video Ads are perfect for businesses that want to showcase their products or services visually. They are particularly effective for industries like entertainment, food, or fitness, where video content can captivate the target audience.
Shopping Ads
Shopping Ads, also known as Product Listing Ads (PLAs), are ads that showcase product images, prices, and store information. Shopping ads yield high ROIs on ad spend, and make up 60% of paid clicks on Google Ads. 2 out of 3 people prefer online to onsite shopping. They appear alongside search results when users search for specific products. Shopping Ads are an excellent choice for e-commerce businesses looking to promote their products directly. They provide users with detailed information about products and increase the chances of driving qualified traffic to online stores.
In-App Ads
In-app ads are mobile ads that appear within mobile applications. These ads can be banners, interstitials, or native ads seamlessly integrated into the app’s interface. In-App Ads are suitable for businesses that want to target mobile users and engage with them while they are using their favourite apps. They work well for mobile games, utility apps, or any app-driven business.
Local Ads
Local Ads are specifically designed to help businesses promote their products or services to users in their local area. Data suggests that 72% of Facebook engagements happen on local pages, not generic brand pages, and 66% of people on Google want ads personalised to their location. They appear on Google Maps, Google Search, and partner websites and include information such as business address, phone number, and directions. Local Ads are perfect for brick-and-mortar businesses aiming to attract nearby customers and drive foot traffic to their physical stores.
Google Ads offers a wide range of advertising options to suit different business needs. Whether you are looking to increase website traffic, boost brand awareness, promote products, or target local customers, there is a type of Google Ad that can help you achieve your goals. Understanding the various types of Google Ads and their suitability for different businesses is crucial in developing an effective online advertising strategy. As a full service marketing agency, we specialise in a Google Ad’s amongst other things. If you need more guidance, feel free to download our free branding worksheet, read our blog for more inspiration, or contact us for a consultation.
