Launching your first Google Ads campaign can feel overwhelming. If you run a small business or market locally, you need targeted ads. A Local Google Ads campaign helps you reach nearby customers. This beginner guide shows you How to set up Google Ads from scratch. You will learn about campaign setup, keyword research, location targeting, and optimization. By the end, you will confidently know How to set up Google Ads campaign and attract loyal customers.
Why Local Google Ads Campaigns Matter
Google Ads location targeting lets you choose where your ads appear. You can target countries, cities, a radius, or location groups. Geotargeting prevents wasted spend on distant users. It focuses your budget on nearby, high‑intent customers. Targeting “bakery near me” attracts ready‑to‑buy customers. This boosts ROI compared to broad campaigns.
Steps to set up Google Ads Campaign
Step 1: Define Your Local Advertising Goals
Before setting up your local campaign, define SMART goals. Make them Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time‑bound. Align these goals with your business objectives. When creating a campaign, pick an objective. Examples include store visits, phone calls, or form submissions. Choosing the right objective unlocks goal‑focused settings. For more calls, select “Phone calls” as your conversion goal.
Step 2: Create Your Google Ads Account
Go to ads.google.com and click Start now. Sign in with your Google account. Add your business name and website. Link Google Analytics for deeper insights. Enter your billing information to activate your account. Confirm your payment details and submit to go live.
Expert Mode vs. Smart Mode
Choose Smart Mode for a guided setup. It automates targeting and bidding. Use Expert Mode for advanced features. Expert Mode gives access to Keyword Planner, ad scheduling, and manual bids. For local campaigns with custom keywords, pick Expert Mode.
Step 3: Conduct Keyword Research
Open Keyword Planner in Expert Mode. Enter seed terms with location modifiers. For example, “bakery near me” or “Seattle flower delivery.” Review search volume, competition, and suggested bids. Build a balanced keyword list. Use broad and exact match keywords. This captures high‑intent and exploratory searches.
Using Location‑Specific Keywords
Include location‑specific keywords for relevance. Terms like “coffee shop downtown Seattle” signal intent. They often have lower competition and CPC. Add neighborhood names and landmarks for hyper‑local reach.
Step 4: Configure Location Targeting & Ad Scheduling
In the Locations tab, select your target areas. Choose cities, a radius, or location groups. In Location options, set “People in or regularly in your targeted locations.” This excludes interested‑but‑absent users. Under Ad schedule, run ads during business hours. This prevents paying for off‑hours clicks.
Step 5: Craft Compelling Ad Copy
Write clear, concise headlines and descriptions. Use dynamic keyword insertion sparingly. Highlight local landmarks or promotions. Include a strong call‑to‑action like “Order Now” or “Visit Today.” Keep descriptions benefit‑driven and easy to read.
Including Ad Extensions
Add location extensions to show your address and map pin. Use call extensions for click‑to‑call. Add sitelinks for pages like “Menu” or “Contact Us.” Use callout extensions for perks like free Wi‑Fi or curbside pickup.
Step 6: Set Your Budget & Bidding Strategy
Choose a daily budget, e.g., $10–$20. Select a bid strategy like Manual CPC or Target CPA. Manual CPC lets you set max bids. Smart Bidding uses machine learning to adjust bids. Start small and monitor performance. Increase spend on high‑ROI keywords.
Step 7: Launch, Monitor & Optimize
After launch, track CTR, conversion rate, and cost per conversion. Set up conversion tracking for calls, forms, and visits. Use A/B tests for headlines, descriptions, and extensions. Add negative keywords to filter irrelevant searches. Refine bids by device, location, and time of day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-Too narrow targeting can limit reach.
-Ignoring negative keywords wastes budget.
-Overusing dynamic keyword insertion risks awkward ads.
-Neglecting ad extensions and scheduling misses opportunities.
Best Practices & Pro Tips
-Review search term reports weekly.
-Adjust bids by device and location.
-Refresh ad copy for seasons or events.
-Use remarketing lists to re‑engage visitors.
-Group keywords into tight, relevant ad groups.
Conclusion & Next Steps
By following these steps, you can set up a local Google Ads campaign with confidence. Define clear goals, research keywords, target locations, craft strong ads, and optimize regularly. Launch your first campaign today and start attracting local customers!
FAQs
1. How much does a local campaign cost?
Costs vary. Start with $5–$10 per day and adjust as needed.
2. When will you see results?
You can get clicks immediately. Allow one week for learning and up to one month for full optimization.
3. Can you target multiple locations?
Yes. Add multiple cities or radius targets. For distinct regions, use separate campaigns.
4. What budget should you start with?
A budget of $5–$20 per day helps gather meaningful data.
5. How to measure success?
Monitor CTR, conversion rate, and cost per conversion. Link Google Analytics for deeper insights.
Ready to drive more local customers? Start your Local Google Ads campaign today! Learn more about Local Google Ads Campaigns from our Blog Google Ads for Local Businesses.
At Balistro, we specialize in helping businesses grow through effective digital marketing strategies. From Google Ads to Meta Ads, we deliver data-driven campaigns that maximize your ROI and drive real results. If you’re looking to boost your online presence, generate leads, or scale your e-commerce business, our expert team is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your advertising needs!
