How To Run eCommerce Ads On Google Ads

Introduction.

Running an eCommerce business is exciting, but let’s be honest—it can get a bit overwhelming. You’ve got products to sell, customers to keep happy, and, of course, sales to grow. And if you’re like me, you’ve probably wondered, “How can I get more people to actually see what I’m selling?”

Well, that’s where Google Ads comes in. It’s one of the best ways to get your products in front of the right people at the right time.

With billions of searches happening every day on Google, there’s a huge opportunity for your business to stand out.

In this guide, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know to set up and run eCommerce ads on Google Ads. I’ll break it down step-by-step so it’s easy to follow, even if you’re new to online advertising.

Let’s get started!

Why Use Google Ads for eCommerce?

Google Ads is one of the most effective platforms for eCommerce advertising. Why? Because it targets people who are already searching for products like yours.

Imagine someone typing “buy running shoes online” into Google. If you sell running shoes, you want your ad to show up right there at the top.

Here’s a quick look at why Google Ads is a smart choice for eCommerce:

Massive Reach: Google processes over 8.5 billion searches every single day. That’s a lot of potential customers.
Intent-Based Advertising: Unlike social media ads that interrupt people while they scroll, Google Ads show up when people are actively searching for something they need.
Flexible Budget: You can start small and scale up as you see results. It’s not about how much you spend—it’s about how effectively you spend it.
Data-Driven Decisions: Google Ads gives you access to detailed analytics. You can see what’s working and adjust your strategy to get the best results.

Types of Google Ads for eCommerce

When it comes to eCommerce, not all Google Ads are created equal. Let me break down the main types of ads that work well for online stores:

1. Google Shopping Ads

These are the ads you see with a product image, price, and link directly to the product page. They’re highly visual and often get the best click-through rates for eCommerce.

Why use them?
They let shoppers see your product before they even click. If you’re selling physical products, these are a must.

2. Search Ads

These are the text-based ads that show up at the top of Google search results. They’re great for targeting specific keywords related to your products.

Why use them?
They can help you reach people who are ready to buy but may not know exactly what product they want yet.

3. Display Ads

These are image-based ads that appear on websites across Google’s Display Network. They’re more about building brand awareness than driving immediate sales.

Why use them?
They’re great for retargeting people who visited your site but didn’t buy anything.

4. YouTube Ads

You can run video ads on YouTube to showcase your products in action. Video is powerful for storytelling and demonstrating how your product solves a problem.

Why use them?
Perfect if your product needs a bit more explanation or you want to connect with potential customers on a deeper level.

How Do I SetUp My First eCommerce Campaign?

Let’s walk through the process of setting up a Google Ads campaign for your eCommerce store. Don’t worry—I’ll keep it simple.

Step 1: Create a Google Ads Account

First, head over to Google Ads and sign up. It’s free to create an account, and you’ll only pay when someone clicks on your ad.

Step 2: Link Your Google Merchant Center Account (For Shopping Ads)

If you’re planning to run Shopping Ads, you’ll need a Google Merchant Center account. This is where you’ll upload your product feed (a file with all your product info).

Once it’s set up, link it to your Google Ads account.

Pro tip: Make sure your product data is accurate and up-to-date. Google is picky about this!

Step 3: Choose Your Campaign Type

Decide which type of ad you want to run—Shopping, Search, Display, or YouTube. For beginners, I recommend starting with Shopping Ads if you sell physical products.

Step 4: Set Your Budget

You don’t need a massive budget to start. Even $10 a day can make a difference. Just remember, the goal is to spend wisely, not necessarily a lot.

Step 5: Choose Your Keywords (For Search Ads)

If you’re running Search Ads, keywords are key. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to find keywords people are searching for that relate to your products.

Pro tip: Focus on long-tail keywords. Instead of targeting “shoes,” go for something more specific like “women’s running shoes size 7.”

Step 6: Create Your Ad

Write a clear, catchy headline and description. Highlight what makes your product special. If you’re running Shopping Ads, make sure your product images are high quality.

Step 7: Launch and Monitor

Once everything is set up, launch your campaign! But don’t just set it and forget it. Check in regularly to see how it’s performing and make adjustments as needed.

Optimizing Your Google Ads for eCommerce

Once your ads are up and running, the next step is optimization. Here are a few tips:

Track Conversions: Make sure you’re tracking sales and other key actions so you know which ads are driving results.
Use Negative Keywords: These are keywords you don’t want your ads to show up for. They help you avoid wasting money on irrelevant clicks.
Test Different Ads: Try different headlines, images, and calls to action to see what works best.
Retarget Visitors: Use Display Ads to retarget people who visited your site but didn’t buy. Sometimes it takes a few reminders!

FAQs

1. How much should I spend on Google Ads?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Start with a budget you’re comfortable with and increase it as you see positive results. Many small businesses start with $10-$50 a day.

2. How long does it take to see results?

It depends on your industry and competition. Some businesses see results in days, while others might take a few weeks. Be patient and keep optimizing.

3. What’s the difference between Google Ads and Facebook Ads?

Google Ads targets people who are searching for your product, while Facebook Ads target people based on their interests and behavior. Both can work well, but Google Ads often lead to higher purchase intent.

4. Do I need a professional to manage my ads?

Not necessarily. Google Ads has a learning curve, but with time and practice, many business owners manage their campaigns successfully. That said, if you have the budget, hiring a professional can save time and improve results.

Ready to Grow Your Sales?

Running eCommerce ads on Google Ads might seem like a lot at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a game-changer for your business. Remember, it’s all about reaching the right people, at the right time, with the right message.

Have you tried running eCommerce ads before? What’s one thing you’d like to improve in your current strategy? Let’s talk!