Google Ads puts you at the top of search results today, and you pay each time someone clicks. Set up carefully, it's a fast way to get calls. Set up carelessly, it spends money on clicks from the wrong people in the wrong places.
How it works
You choose the searches you want to appear for, set a budget, and bid for clicks. The cost per click varies a lot by trade and area, so start small and measure.
Settings that save money
- Location targeting: only the suburbs you actually service. Set it to people in your area, not people "interested in" it.
- Match types: avoid broad match at the start. Use phrase or exact match for your main services.
- Negative keywords: block searches like "jobs", "salary", "course", "DIY" and "free".
- Ad schedule: run ads when you can answer the phone.
- Call tracking: count calls from ads as conversions so you can see what works.
Send clicks to the right page
Don't send ad clicks to your home page. Send them to the matching service page or a landing page with a clear call button.
Ads vs SEO
Ads are fast and stop when you stop paying. SEO is slower and keeps working. See local SEO vs Google Ads.
Ranktide focuses on websites and SEO, and we build the pages your ads should point to. See website design.