Hello, This is Kurt Francom with Fiddler Online and this is one of hundreds of videos where I answer some of the most commonly asked questions relating to small business websites.

Today’s question is, “What is Google Adwords?”

This is a fantastic question and one that is incredibly relevant for anyone looking to boost their online presence. Google AdWords, now known as Google Ads, is a powerful advertising platform that allows businesses to create ads that appear on Google’s search results and its advertising network. When users search for specific keywords, these ads can be displayed prominently at the top and bottom of the search results page, often marked with an “Ad” label.

Let’s dive deeper into how it works. When you conduct a search on Google—go ahead and do it now—type in something like “bubble wrap.” Once the results load, you will notice that, above the organic search results, there are listings labeled as ads. This is where Google Ads comes into play. Businesses bid on specific keywords, and when someone searches for those keywords, Google determines which ads to display based on the bid amount and the quality of the ad itself.

For instance, if you type “bubble wrap underwear,” you might see a list of ads for various companies selling bubble wrap or related products. Although it might sound amusing, the point here is that businesses are willing to pay to have their products appear at the top of the search results. The amount they pay can vary widely depending on the competition for that keyword. If the market is saturated, such as in real estate, businesses might pay upwards of $50 or even $60 per click to ensure their ads appear for potential buyers.

One of the reasons why Google Ads can be a lucrative option for small businesses is that it provides a measurable return on investment (ROI). Unlike traditional advertising methods, where it can be difficult to track effectiveness, Google Ads allows you to monitor clicks, conversions, and other vital metrics. This data is invaluable for refining your advertising strategy over time. For example, if you find that certain keywords are generating more clicks and sales, you can allocate more of your budget to those keywords while scaling back on others that aren’t performing as well.

To give you a clearer idea of how Google Ads can benefit small businesses, let’s take a closer look at a scenario. Imagine you are a local bakery looking to attract more customers. You could create an ad that appears when someone searches for “best bakery near me.” If your ad is engaging and relevant, users are more likely to click on it. Each click brings them to your website, where they can learn more about your offerings, place orders, or even sign up for newsletters. If the click leads to a sale, the small cost per click can translate into a significant profit.

If you’re considering running a Google Ads campaign but feel overwhelmed by the complexities of setting it up, you’re not alone. Many small business owners find themselves in the same position. The good news is that there are professionals who specialize in managing Google Ads campaigns. They can help you choose the right keywords, create compelling ad copy, and optimize your budget to get the best results. While I don’t personally manage Google Ads campaigns, I can refer you to experts who can guide you through the process and help you achieve your marketing goals.

In conclusion, Google Ads offers a robust platform for businesses looking to enhance their visibility online. By utilizing this tool effectively, you can connect with potential customers actively searching for your products or services. Just remember, while the ads can be effective, the goal is to ensure your website delivers value and resonates with your audience. This way, when potential customers click on your ad, they are more likely to convert, and you can generate a positive ROI.

So next time you see those ads pop up in your search results, remember that they represent real opportunities for businesses to grow and engage with their customers. And while we might not need to Google “bubble wrap underwear” to see how it works, we can certainly appreciate the power of Google Ads in the ever-evolving landscape of online marketing.