Thinking About Running Google Ads? Read This First

It can bring in great leads - if you set it up right. Here’s how.

Author

Local Ad Man
April 22, 2025

Follow the Local Ad Man’s guide to Google Ads strategy

If you’ve ever Googled your service and seen a competitor’s ad sitting at the top—you’ve probably thought:

“Should I be running Google Ads too?”

Short answer: Maybe.
Long answer: Yes, but only if you set it up the right way.

Google Ads can be one of the fastest ways to generate high-quality leads.
But it’s also one of the easiest ways to waste money if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Let’s break down when it is worth it—and how to make it work for your business.

✅ When Google Ads Makes Sense

It’s a great option if:

  • People are actively searching for your service (e.g. “chiropractor repair near me,” “wedding DJ in Nashville”)

  • You offer high-margin or recurring services

  • You want leads quickly while SEO and word of mouth take time

What makes Google Ads different from social media ads?

People on Google are already looking.
You’re not convincing someone—they’re already searching for you.

🚫 When Ads Don’t Work (Or Just Waste Money)

Google Ads won’t work if:

  • You bid on vague keywords like “plumber” or “cleaning”

  • You send traffic to a homepage that doesn’t convert

  • You don’t track what’s working and what’s not

This is how most business owners “try Google Ads” and end up quitting after a month.

✅ What to Do Instead

1. Start With High-Intent Keywords

Choose phrases that show someone’s ready to buy, like:

  • “emergency roof repair Spokane”

  • “best family photographer in Toledo”

  • “licensed home inspector near me”

These are the people you want. And they’re already looking.

a perfect example of a high-intent search - perfect to target with Google Ads

2. Use a Landing Page, Not Your Homepage

Send ad traffic to a dedicated landing page with:

  • A clear headline

  • One strong call-to-action (call, quote, schedule)

  • Trust signals (reviews, photos, certifications)

This small change can double or triple your conversion rate!

3. Track Your Leads

If you don’t track calls or form fills, you won’t know what’s working.
Set up call tracking. Use a basic CRM or Google Sheet. Just don’t run ads in the dark.

💡 A Realistic Budget

You don’t need $1,000/month to get started.

Many local businesses start with $300–$500/month targeting one service in one area.
It’s enough to test the waters—and find what works before you scale.

🧠 Final Thought

Google Ads isn’t “set it and forget it.”
But done right, it can bring in real, ready-to-book leads—fast.

If you’ve been on the fence, consider this your nudge to test it the right way.

Want a simple Google Ads starter checklist?
Reply “Send the checklist” and I’ll hook you up—no pressure, no pitch, just value.

Talk soon,
The Local Ad Man

PS - The Local Ad Man is offering a free digital marketing audit to small businesses until May 1st. Reply to get your free audit.