Google Ads: What Are Google Ads & How Do They Work?
- Jorge Melo
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
by Jorge Melo Founder, J Melo Media
What are Google Ads?
Google Ads is Google’s pay-per-click (PPC) advertising platform. It helps businesses show up in front of people who are already searching for products or services like theirs. You can advertise across Google Search, YouTube, Display Network, Shopping, and more.
Google Search Ads
These are the text-based ads that show up when people search for something on Google. They appear at the top and bottom of search results.
Google Display Ads
These are visual ads (image, video, or interactive) that show up on websites across Google’s Display Network.
Google Shopping Ads
These show your products with images, prices, and store info at the top of the page or in the Shopping tab.
YouTube Ads
Since Google owns YouTube, video ads also run through Google Ads. You can show skippable, non-skippable, and discovery video ads.
Why Google Ads Appear on the SERP
Google Ads are triggered by keywords. When someone types a search query, Google runs an auction to see which ads are most relevant based on keyword match, bid amount, and ad quality. The higher your Ad Rank (Quality Score x Bid), the better your ad position.
Google Ads Costs
Costs vary by keyword, location, and industry. In the U.S., the average cost per click is around $2.32. You only pay when someone clicks your ad (PPC).
The Google Ads Performance Grader
Use tools like WordStream’s free Google Ads Grader to check how well your ads are doing and find ways to improve.
Drive sales, Stand out, Be found, Show up, with Google Ads
Drive sales
Reach people who are actively searching for your products or services and turn clicks into conversions.
Stand out
Show up on top of search results or across sites and apps your audience uses every day.
Be found
Whether someone’s looking for a plumber or a local boutique, be the business they find first.
Show up
Make sure your brand shows up where it matters—across Google Search, YouTube, Maps, and the Display Network.
Google Ads gives you many ways to be seen with Performance Max
Performance Max lets you advertise across all of Google’s platforms with one campaign. Google’s AI helps find the best placements, formats, and audience segments.
Make the most of Google Ads
Start with search
Capture high-intent traffic by appearing at the top of Google search results.
Engage the eye
Use display ads to grab attention with images and graphics.
Offer up your inventory
Use shopping ads to put your products in front of buyers with images and prices.
Bring your brand to life with video
Video ads let you tell your story visually on YouTube.
Promote your app
Push installs and engagement by advertising your app across Google’s properties.
Choose a sign-up offer to jumpstart your first campaign
If you’re new to Google Ads, take advantage of one of these credit offers:
$500
Spend $500 and get $500 in ad credit within the first 60 days.
$700
Spend $780 and get $700 in ad credit.
$900
Spend $1200 and get $900 in ad credit.
Select an offer to continue
Pick the one that fits your budget best.
How to claim your offer
Create a new account, launch your first campaign, and reach the spend threshold within 60 days.
Achieve all your goals in one place
Whether your goal is more leads, online sales, in-store visits, or brand awareness, Google Ads helps you get there.
The power of Google, for your business
Reach customers wherever they are
Your ads can show on Google Search, YouTube, Maps, Discover, and 2M+ partner websites.
Track, learn, and optimize for ROI
Google provides real-time analytics and AI tools to improve your return on ad spend (ROAS).
Stay in full control of your budget
Set your monthly budget and pause or edit campaigns anytime.
Let us help.
Need help setting up or managing Google Ads? Contact us at J Melo Media and we’ll guide you through it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of Google Ads campaigns I can run?
Search
Display
Video (YouTube)
Shopping
App
Performance Max
Which type of Google Ads campaign is right for my business?
It depends on your goals:
Sales? Use Shopping or Performance Max
Leads? Use Search
Brand awareness? Use Display or YouTube
Does Google Ads use AI?
Yes. Google uses AI to automate bidding, placements, targeting, and more for better results.
How can I use Google Ads to reach potential customers?
Use audience targeting, keywords, and geo-targeting to show your ads to the right people at the right time.
FAQs About J Melo Media
What services does J Melo Media offer?
We offer Google & Facebook Ads, SEO, web design, branding, and printed marketing materials.
Where is J Melo Media located?
Bridgewater, Massachusetts. We serve businesses all over New England and beyond.
Can J Melo Media help manage my Google Ads?
Yes. We create, manage, and optimize campaigns to help you reach your business goals.
Citations:
Google. Google Ads – Official Site. Google, https://ads.google.com. Accessed 10 June 2025.
Instapage. “7 Reasons Why You Should Use Google Ads.” Instapage Blog, 2025, https://instapage.com/blog/why-you-should-use-google-ads. Accessed 10 June 2025.
WordStream. “Google Ads: What Are Google Ads & How Do They Work?” WordStream Blog, 2025, https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2017/03/22/what-is-google-adwords. Accessed 10 June 2025.
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