How to Become a Google Ads Specialist?
Currently, it’s evident to even the most casual observer that Google stands out as the predominant search engine.
Its widespread usage translates into extensive exposure to advertisements, making it a prime platform for businesses seeking visibility.
Consequently, today I am delving into the realm of Google Ads specialists.
This article will uncover the role of a Google Ads specialist, elucidate their responsibilities, discuss the pathway to becoming one, explore potential employment avenues, delve into expected earnings, and offer other intriguing insights.
What Is A Google Ads Specialist?
A Google Ads specialist is someone skilled in strategizing, organizing, and overseeing campaigns within the Google Ads platform.
These professionals may concentrate on aiding businesses in promoting their products or services on the platform or possess a broader skill set, encompassing various online marketing tasks like managing websites, creating landing pages, and executing email campaigns, among others.
While some Google Ads specialists specialize in specific areas of online advertising, such as video ads or search engine optimization, all proficient Google Ads specialists should possess a strong foundation in essential advertising principles.
What Is Google Ads?
Google Ads serves as a platform designed to facilitate businesses in promoting their services and products across Google and its affiliated web platforms.
Operating on a pay-per-click (PPC) framework, this system entails businesses paying for each click garnered by their advertisements.
Employing an auction model, various enterprises bid to display their ads to specific users.
Google dynamically evaluates these bids alongside other relevant factors in real time to determine the ads to be showcased.
What Do Google Ads Specialists Do?
Google Ads specialists are adaptable professionals capable of undertaking a variety of tasks and projects.
Below are some of the responsibilities typically handled by a Google Ads specialist when managing a Google Ads Account:
some of the responsibilities typically handled by a Google Ads specialist when managing a Google Ads Account
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Monitoring Current Google Ads Performance
Initially, a Google Ads Specialist must assess ad performance to discern successful strategies and areas needing improvement.
This involves scrutinizing various metrics such as impressions, clicks, conversions, conversion rate, cost, and click-through rate.
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Review The Results Of Google Ads Targeting
Precise targeting plays a pivotal role in online advertising as it ensures ad delivery reaches the right customers or potential leads.
This involves various options such as location and device targeting within campaigns, demographics, in-market audiences, and remarketing strategies.
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Launch A New Online Campaign
Google Ads experts regularly undertake the task of examining current keywords while also exploring fresh ones.
When the latter aligns with advertising goals, these experts proceed to craft and initiate new ad campaigns or groups.
Moreover, they may also be tasked with developing comprehensive campaigns encompassing various types such as display, video, and shopping.
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Optimizing Campaigns
Google Ads specialists are tasked with overseeing and refining campaigns to ensure optimal outcomes are achieved.
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Offer Recommendations
Google Ads specialists not only oversee campaigns and advertisements but also guide on enhancing landing pages and website performance.
This role is crucial for campaigns aimed at driving conversions, given that a significant number of conversions take place on a company’s website.
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Reporting
A Google Ads Specialist is responsible for monitoring campaigns and distributing relevant performance reports.
These reports are typically generated on a weekly or monthly basis, tailored to the specific needs of the campaign and account.
They serve as valuable tools for clients to evaluate campaign performance about their established KPIs and objectives.
Here are some of the day-to-day responsibilities of a Google Ads specialist:
- Developing and experimenting with fresh iterations in advertising.
- Comparing campaign performance against the campaigns of their main competitors.
- Selecting the optimal bid adjustments for maximizing campaign performance.
- Creating suitable ad extensions.
- Initiating alterations to enhance account effectiveness.
- Overseeing bidding strategies and fine-tuning campaign configurations.
- Choosing keyword match types and evaluating search queries.
How To Become A Google Ads Specialist
Below are the steps you need to follow to become a Google Ads Specialist.
Steps On How To Become A Google Ads Specialist
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Learn How Google Ads work
Becoming proficient in Google Ads begins with understanding its mechanics.
Before delving into the most effective learning methods for Google Ads, it’s essential to grasp the fundamental concepts.
Let’s start with an overview of the key components you’ll need to familiarize yourself with.
Google Ads functions as a platform facilitating businesses in promoting their products and services across Google and its affiliated web properties.
Utilizing a pay-per-click (PPC) model, wherein businesses remunerate for each click garnered by their ads, it operates through an auction system.
In this dynamic setup, multiple businesses engage in bidding to display their ads to particular users.
Google employs real-time processing of these bids alongside other pertinent factors to ascertain the ads that get showcased.
Enterprises possess the flexibility to choose their target audience for advertising and the type of campaigns to deploy.
The chosen campaign type dictates the permissible formats for advertisements.
Presently, Google accommodates the following campaign types:
Search Campaigns
These are textual advertisements displayed prominently at the top of Google search results pages.
Additionally, they may appear on affiliated websites within Google’s network.
Display
These are visual and text-based advertisements that are displayed across various websites and applications within the Google Display Network.
Shopping
These advertisements showcase specific eCommerce items.
You’ll spot them prominently displayed at the forefront of search result pages or nestled within the Shopping tab just below the search bar.
Each shopping ad features product images, a brief description, and its corresponding price.
App
These advertisements are intended for various applications and may be found across Google Play, YouTube, or Google Search.
Video
These advertisements are displayed before videos on YouTube as well as on other platforms partnered with Google.
Google Ads Specialists need to possess the capability to craft and oversee various types of campaigns.
There’s a multitude of intricacies involved in optimizing PPC campaigns, which can be overwhelming for beginners.
The most effective approach to mastering Google Ads is through enrollment in a comprehensive course.
These courses offer structured learning paths and consolidate pertinent materials into a singular source.
My preferred Google Ads course is the Google Ads Course provided by Reliablesoft Digital Marketing Academy.
It encompasses a comprehensive guide to managing Google Ads campaigns, catering to individuals at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
Additionally, other reputable Google Ads courses are available through platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, CXL, and Google’s training programs.
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Get Acquainted With The Google Ads Certification Process
Certification demonstrates to your clients or colleagues that you possess the essential skills and expertise required for the job.
Successfully passing the Google Ads exam is necessary to obtain certification, and Google’s Skillshop platform provides official certification programs.
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Pick Your Google Ads Certification
Numerous certifications are accessible for consideration.
It’s advisable to select one or more of these certifications, as they validate your expertise within their respective fields.
Google Ads Search Certification
Confirms your ability to construct and enhance search campaigns.
Google Ads Apps Certification
Demonstrates your proficiency in utilizing app campaigns to accomplish various marketing goals.
Google Ads Measurement Certification
Demonstrates proficiency in utilizing Google’s reporting tools to measure and enhance campaigns.
Google Ads Video Certification
Demonstrates your ability to achieve tangible outcomes through video campaigns.
Google Shopping Ads Certification
Confirms that you possess the skills to configure Google Merchant Center proficiently and enhance shopping campaigns for optimal performance.
Google Display Ads Certification
Confirms your understanding of display advertising mechanics and proficiency in deploying them within a campaign.
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Prepare For The Google Ads Exam
Once you’ve determined the certifications you’re aiming for, it’s time to gear up for the exams.
Begin your preparation journey by exploring the courses available on Skillshop.
Each certification track on Skillshop provides a comprehensive array of online lessons tailored to help you ace the exam.
For instance, the Google Ads Search certification offers the following lessons for your preparation:
- Grow Your Business with Google Ads.
- Explore the Value of Google Search.
- Understand the Google Ads Auction.
- Deliver the Right Message with Text Ads.
- Make Ads Relevant with Search Ad Extensions.
- Increase Efficiency with Automated Bidding.
- Reach Valued Customers with Search Audiences.
- Boost Performance with Optimization Score.
- Increase Conversion with Performance Planner.
To access the lessons, simply click on the browse icon located in the navigation menu.
Next, navigate to Google Ads > Google Ads Certifications.
Once there, locate the certification you are interested in and click on it.
This will take you to a page where you can find links to the exam and all accompanying study materials.
The lessons encompass a variety of resources including videos, written content, and thorough examples.
Following each lesson, there are assessment questions designed to evaluate your comprehension of the concepts.
Successfully answering these questions will prompt Google to acknowledge the completion of the course.
You can monitor your progress, noting which lessons you’ve completed and those remaining, accessible through the certification page.
Upon finishing the lessons, you have the option to revisit the material as necessary.
Additionally, Skillshop provides a knowledge check assessment (practice test) to aid in your preparation.
This assessment mirrors the format of the actual exam, serving as a valuable tool in readiness.
Supplementing your studies with additional learning materials is advisable, with PPC Certifications serving as a comprehensive guide to utilizing Google Ads effectively.
Exploring practice tests available online is also beneficial.
Numerous websites offer free prep questions akin to those featured in the knowledge check assessment.
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Get Your Google Ads Certification
After completing your exam preparation, it’s now the moment to pursue certification.
Access all exams conveniently via Skillshop, allowing you to take them from the comfort of your home or anywhere with internet access.
Excitingly, Google Ads certification exams no longer incur any fees, making them freely available.
These exams feature a blend of true/false and multiple-choice questions.
To successfully pass, you need to achieve a score of 80% or above, except for the Google Ads App certification, where a 70% score suffices.
The duration of the exam varies depending on the certification, as does the number of questions.
It’s essential to complete the exam in one session; exiting the browser will terminate it instantly.
Upon passing, your certificate is accessible immediately via a sharing link, which can be added to your resume, LinkedIn profile, or other platforms to enhance your credibility.
Having multiple Google Ads certifications on your resume enhances your candidacy for roles such as Google Ads Expert at agencies or other businesses.
In the event of exam failure, there’s no need to panic.
Retakes are allowed, with a 24-hour waiting period between attempts.
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Apply Your Skills
After obtaining your Google Ads certificates, it’s essential to apply your skills in practical scenarios.
While online courses and exams provide a foundation, true expertise in Google Ads comes from real-world applications.
Here are several practical methods to leverage your Google Ads skills effectively:
Get An Entry-Level Position
To truly challenge your skills, consider securing an entry-level position as a Google Ads specialist.
This role allows you to apply the knowledge gained during certification training.
Working alongside seasoned Google Ads professionals as an entry-level employee offers invaluable learning opportunities.
Collaborating with experienced colleagues provides insight and guidance for further mastery of Google Ads.
As you progress, expect to assume additional duties and gain more hands-on experience in campaign management.
Find Clients
There’s a continual demand for PPC expertise from both individuals and businesses.
Enhance your proficiency as a Google Ads specialist by collaborating with these clients on their campaigns.
Here are several avenues to connect with clients seeking Google Ads services:
- Upwork.
- Freelancer.
- Peopleperhour.
In addition to browsing job boards and freelance platforms, leverage your network to seek out potential clients.
Reach out to connections and inquire if anyone requires assistance with Google Ads campaign management.
You might want to consider proposing a complimentary pilot project.
This approach allows the client to evaluate your abilities with minimal risk.
Additionally, targeting smaller clients could prove advantageous.
While a comprehensive digital marketing agency may offer greater resources for handling Google Ads, not all clients can accommodate such services financially.
For these smaller clients, engaging an independent Google Ads expert at a more affordable rate could be the preferred choice.
Work On Your Properties
Another method to refine your proficiency in Google Ads involves leveraging your platforms.
Whether it’s a personal website or blog, these channels can serve as potent avenues for advertising campaigns.
By overseeing campaigns for your endeavors, you can implement the knowledge gained along your journey toward mastery in Google Ads.
Should your endeavors yield favorable outcomes, you can utilize the project as a demonstration of your capabilities to prospective clients.
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Stay Informed Of Google Ads Changes
Becoming proficient as a Google Ads specialist necessitates ongoing education.
Given the dynamic nature of advertising practices and Google’s frequent platform updates, maintaining expertise in Google Ads demands staying abreast of all developments.
One effective approach is to seek out reliable sources that consistently publish updated content on Google Ads.
Here are a few sites I’ve found especially valuable for staying informed about the latest Google Ads developments:
Blog.google.com
The Google official blog serves as an excellent resource to keep abreast of the company’s activities.
It remains consistently active, with multiple posts published most days.
Whenever Google introduces changes to its various properties, you can expect detailed updates on the blog.
Beyond mere updates, the blog provides additional resources to enhance your understanding.
Exploring the Google Ads Manager category on the blog yields valuable guides and blog posts to assist you in navigating the advertising platform effectively.
Think With Google
Think with Google, a property owned by Google, that offers valuable market research and updates on digital trends.
Its content includes a variety of articles, presentations, and videos to help you stay informed about Google Ads and other relevant topics.
Google Ads Social Media Profiles
You can keep yourself informed about Google updates by following Google Ads on social media platforms such as Twitter and YouTube.
Google Ads recognizes the power of social media in reaching their audience, hence they share any updates across their official accounts.
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Renew Your Certification
Throughout your career as a Google Ads specialist, it’s essential to keep your certifications up to date.
Upon passing the exam again, your certification extends for an additional year from that date.
Each certification includes an expiration date to guide you on when to renew.
Additionally, Skillshop will send you a reminder email approximately a week before your certification expires.
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Start Blogging About Google Ads
Once you’ve honed your skills and accrued valuable experience, directing your focus toward expanding your business and imparting your expertise becomes paramount.
Embarking on a digital marketing blog centered around Google Ads presents a potent avenue to achieve both objectives effectively.
Consistently crafting content dedicated to Google Ads allows you to showcase your depth of knowledge on the subject to your audience.
This endeavor not only positions you as a trusted authority within the industry but also enhances your overall credibility.
Your content serves as a powerful tool for garnering exposure and broadening your audience base, as those who engage with it likely possess a vested interest in Google Ads.
Such engagement can potentially translate into opportunities for collaboration with individuals seeking the expertise of a Google Ads specialist.
Beyond maintaining your blog, leveraging opportunities to contribute guest posts to reputable websites further amplifies your reach.
This proactive approach not only extends your influence to a wider audience but also solidifies your standing as a recognized expert in the realm of Google Ads.
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Create A Portfolio and Gather Customer Reviews
As you embark on your journey as a Google Ads specialist, it’s crucial to amass customer feedback and construct a comprehensive portfolio showcasing your previous endeavors.
When engaging with potential clients, demonstrating your track record becomes paramount.
The most effective approach is to present testimonials and reviews from satisfied past customers.
Positive endorsements from previous clients instill confidence in prospective clients, encouraging them to entrust you with their Google Ads campaigns.
Establishing a mechanism for gathering client feedback upon project completion is imperative.
The more detailed the feedback, particularly with quantifiable results, the more impactful it becomes.
Upon receiving reviews, integrate them into your portfolio of past achievements.
As your portfolio expands, leverage it to highlight your successes to potential clients.
A robust portfolio not only enhances your credibility but also unlocks opportunities for securing larger projects.
Significant clients typically require comprehensive documentation of past engagements before committing.
Moreover, your portfolio serves as a cornerstone if you aspire to launch your agency.
Prospective clients gauge the caliber of your business by evaluating your previous work.
How Much Do Google Ads Specialists Make?
According to Glassdoor, the typical annual salary for Google Ads Specialists stands at $71,000.
In the United States, seasoned Google Ads professionals might command a salary as high as $93,000.
However, actual earnings can vary depending on one’s experience and geographical location.
Is It Worth Becoming A Google Ads Expert?
Investing time in mastering Google Ads is highly rewarding.
This field offers lucrative opportunities and serves as a testament to your competency to prospective employers and clients.
Moreover, obtaining certification is a prerequisite for becoming an authorized Google Ads Partner.
By becoming proficient in Google Ads, you’ll gain comprehensive knowledge of its functionalities, enabling you to deliver exceptional outcomes for your clientele.
Becoming a Google Ads expert has never been more accessible.
Begin by enrolling in a course, acquiring certification, and embarking on gaining practical experience.
With dedication, you’ll establish yourself as a bona fide authority in Google Ads, reaping the associated benefits along the way.
Final Thoughts
Google Ads specialists are vital in modern digital marketing, handling campaign strategy, organization, and optimization on Google’s platform for optimal visibility and ROI.
Mastery of Google Ads mechanics through courses and certification on Skillshop is crucial.
Practical experience, ongoing learning, and staying abreast of Google’s algorithms are key.
With dedication, specialists can seize lucrative career opportunities, establish authority, and drive exceptional results for clients or employers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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How long does it take to become a Google Ads specialist?
Becoming proficient in Google Ads typically requires approximately 100 hours of dedicated learning, varying based on individual learning speed and commitment to study and practical application.
Both free and paid courses, such as those available through Noble Desktop, can accelerate this learning journey.
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