Google Ads #2 - Account & 1st Campaign Setup (Apr 10th 2024)

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on setting up your first Google Ads campaign. This guide is tailored for health practitioners new to Google Ads and looking to reach potential patients or clients online effectively. Following these instructions will teach you how to create, optimize, and manage your Google Ads campaign from the ground up, ensuring that your advertising efforts align well with your health services.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Understanding Google Ads and Initial Setup

Overview of Google Ads: Google Ads allows practitioners to advertise their services to a targeted audience. It is particularly useful for generating leads through customized ad campaigns that appear in Google search results and other Google-affiliated sites.
Access Google Ads: Start by creating a Google Ads account at ads.google.com. You can use your existing credentials to sign in if you already have a Google account.
Navigate the Initial Setup: You will be prompted to start your first campaign after logging in. Since this is your initial setup, skip the campaign creation step and focus on setting up your account basics first.

Step 2: Creating Your First Campaign

Select Your Campaign Goal: Choose 'Leads' as your campaign goal to focus on generating client leads, which could include booking appointments or filling out contact forms.
Campaign Type: Opt for a 'Search' campaign to have your ads appear in Google search results. You can avoid 'Performance Max' at this stage, since it requires a well-defined strategy and understanding of conversions.
Set Your Campaign Name: Identify your campaign clearly (e.g., "New Patients Search Campaign") to track its performance easily.

Step 3: Configuring Campaign Settings

Budget Management: Decide on a daily budget that fits your financial comfort (e.g., $15 per day). This budget can be adjusted as you understand more about your ad performance.
Target Audience: Specify your target locations (e.g., Halifax, Nova Scotia, if you're practicing locally). This helps you focus your ad spend on areas where your potential clients are located.
Choose Languages and Networks: Select the languages known by your target audience. Exclude Google's broader networks to focus your ads more directly on potential clients.
Bidding Strategy: Since you're new to Google Ads, start with manual bidding to control costs. Set a maximum cost-per-click (CPC) that you are comfortable with based on typical rates in your area (e.g., up to $3 per CPC).

Step 4: Creating Ads

Ad Configuration: Use the keywords that best describe your services (e.g., "naturopathic doctor Halifax") to help your ads appear in relevant searches.
Writing Effective Ad Copy: Develop clear and concise ad text that includes major keywords and conveys the value of your services. Ensure the ad copy aligns with the content on your landing page.
Adding Extensions: Use site link extensions to direct potential clients to specific pages, such as 'About Us' or service pages. This can enhance user engagement and improve conversion rates.

Step 5: Review and Launch

Final Review: Double-check all settings and content. Ensure there are no errors and that your ads convey the intended message.
Launch Campaign: Once satisfied, publish your campaign. Monitor its performance closely to make adjustments as needed.

Conclusion

This guide has walked you through setting up your first Google Ads campaign focusing on attracting new patients or clients. By implementing these steps, you can establish a solid foundation for your digital marketing efforts and enhance your online visibility. Remember, continuous optimization based on performance data is the key to a successful campaign. Adjust your strategies based on analytics and refine your approach to improve outcomes.

Feel free to revisit this guide as you expand your Google Ads skills and explore more advanced features and strategies. Enjoy your journey into online advertising and the growth it brings to your practice!