Whether you’re a solopreneur, ecommerce brand, or local service provider — Google Ads can deliver your message to the right people at the right time, right where they’re searching. It’s one of the most powerful ad platforms ever built.

How to set up a Google Ads account properly is one of the most essential skills for any digital advertiser in 2025. Whether you’re looking for leads, conversions, or local visits, this Google Ads guide 2025 will walk you through each step in a clear, beginner-friendly way.

If you’re unsure about using Expert Mode or simply don’t have the time to experiment, AWISEE can handle the entire Google Ads account setup for you. Their expert team ensures everything is configured properly—so your budget doesn’t get wasted on clicks that won’t convert.

With AWISEE, you get:

• Expert campaign setup from day one
  
• Conversion-focused keyword selection
  
• Transparent reporting and budget handling
  
• Ongoing support as your campaigns grow
  

Step 1: Visit the Google Ads Website and Click “Start Now”

To set up a Google Ads Account, start by visiting: https://ads.google.com

Click the “Start Now” button at the top right of the homepage.

You’ll be prompted to sign in with a Google account. Use your business email if possible—it helps keep your professional assets organized.

Can I Run Google Ads Without A Website?

Yes. You can use “Call Ads” or run campaigns via your Google Business Profile. However, having a landing page or website allows better tracking, retargeting, and a stronger conversion funnel.

Step 2: Choose Smart Mode or Switch to Expert Mode

By default, you’ll be dropped into Smart Mode, which is Google’s beginner-friendly setup. But there’s a catch:

• Smart Mode simplifies everything but limits your control.
  
• Expert Mode unlocks advanced bidding, keyword control, audience targeting, and full campaign management.

If you’re following this Google Ads setup tutorial, always switch to Expert Mode for maximum flexibility and ROI.

Step 3: Set Your Advertising Goals

Next, you’ll choose the goal that defines your campaign’s objective:

• Drive phone calls
  
• Capture leads or online purchases
  
• Increase foot traffic to a physical store

This decision directly influences campaign settings and available features.

Step 4: Create Google Ads Account Step by Step – Let’s Build the Campaign

Choose Your Campaign Type

• Search Ads – Appear as text on Google search results.
  
• Display Ads – Banner placements across partner websites.
  
• Video Ads – For YouTube placement.
  
• Performance Max – Google uses AI to deliver ads across all platforms.
  

Set a Realistic Budget

Start with a modest daily budget—$10–$50 is often enough to gather early performance data.
Google Ads provides estimated impressions and clicks during campaign setup. Use these forecasts to calibrate expectations before scaling spend.

Pick the Right Network

For lead generation, stick to Search Network only—uncheck the Display Network during setup.
Display traffic is often less intent-driven, which can lead to lower conversion rates and wasted spend.
If you’re running awareness campaigns or have strong creative assets, Display can be effective—but it’s not ideal for cold leads.

Step 5: Target the Right Location & Language

Use Google’s robust targeting features:

• Radius targeting: e.g., 10 miles around your storefront
  
• Multiple cities or countries
  
• Language preferences
  

Choose Presence targeting if your offer is for locals. This ensures your ads show only to people actually in the selected location—not those just researching it.

If you’re targeting Latin American markets, don’t miss our roundup of the Best 4 Google Ads Agencies in Latin America (LatAM).

Step 6: Set Up Ad Groups and Keywords

This step brings in search intent.

Create ad groups for each product or service theme. For example:

• Ad Group 1: “Women’s Running Shoes”
  
• Ad Group 2: “Trail Running Shoes”
  

Use Google’s Keyword Planner to get monthly volume and bid range suggestions. This is where structure really begins to impact cost and quality.

Step 7: Write High-Converting Ads

Your ad copy is what captures attention and drives the click—this is your first impression.

A standard text ad includes:

• Up to 3 headlines (30 characters each)
• 2 descriptions (90 characters each)
• Final URL (where the user lands)

✅ Tips for stronger performance:

• Align the headline with your keyword to improve relevance and Quality Score
• Use urgency to prompt action (e.g., “Limited Time Offer” or “Sale Ends Today”)
• Include a clear CTA, such as “Book Now,” “Start Free Trial,” or “Get a Quote”
  

Step 8: Choose the Right Bidding Strategy

In 2025, Google’s AI bidding strategies are stronger than ever. Your best options:

• Maximize Clicks – Good for early traffic.
  
• Target CPA (Cost-Per-Acquisition) – Focuses on conversions.
  
• Manual CPC – Offers the most control but needs close monitoring.

This is where beginners often get confused. But with the complete guide to launching Google Ads campaigns, you’re equipped to make smart choices here.

Average Cost-Per-Click (CPC) Trend (2021–2025)

The line graph illustrates a steady increase in the average CPC (Cost-Per-Click) for Google Ads between 2021 and 2025. It highlights how advertising costs are rising, which makes mastering campaign setup and budget control in 2025 even more crucial.

Step 9: Add Ad Extensions

Ad extensions make your ads more prominent and more clickable—at no extra cost. They add valuable details that encourage users to engage with your ad directly from the search results.

Most Common Extensions:

• Sitelink Extensions – Direct users to specific pages on your website like About Us, Pricing, or Contact.
• Callout Extensions – Highlight unique benefits or selling points (e.g., “No Setup Fees”, “24/7 Support”).
• Call Extensions – Add a phone number so users can click to call directly from the ad. Great for mobile.
• Location Extensions – Show your physical address and make it easier for local users to find you.

Extensions lead to 10–15% higher click-through rates, giving your campaign more value without increasing cost.

Step 10: Review, Confirm & Launch

Before hitting publish, Google will show you a summary screen with your full campaign setup.

• Campaign type- Ensure it aligns with your goals (e.g., Search, Display, Shopping)
  
• Targeting- Are your audience settings and location filters accurate?
  
• Budget- Confirm your daily or monthly cap reflects your current testing goals
  
• Bidding strategy- Is it set to your current phase (Maximize Clicks, Target CPA, etc.)?
  
• Ads and keywords- Review messaging, spelling, and keyword relevance

Ready to go live? Click Publish to launch your first Google Ads campaign—and join the thousands of advertisers earning an average 200% ROI from Google Ads.

Is a Google Ads Setup Tutorial Really Necessary for 2025?

Yes—and here’s why.

In 2025, Google Ads offers more automation than ever. But that doesn’t mean you should skip the basics. Without structure, campaigns can burn money fast. This Google Ads setup tutorial ensures you maintain control while letting automation assist—not override—your strategy.

How to Start Advertising with Google in 2025 — Without the Guesswork

Setups are smoother now thanks to AI-powered tips, keyword suggestions, and live ad previews.

However, automation is only as smart as your inputs. If you understand structure, campaign types, and intent, you’ll get far better results than someone who lets the system decide everything.

That’s what separates advertisers who win from those who wonder why they spent $500 with no sales.

How Much Should I Spend To Test My First Google Ads Campaign?

Start with at least $10–$20 per day for 7–14 days. This gives you enough data to evaluate performance and adjust your bidding strategy. High-competition industries (like law or insurance) may require higher bids, but local service businesses can succeed with smaller budgets.

Why Google Advertising for Beginners Is Better Than Ever

2025 is the best time to get started.

Here’s why:

• AI-generated keyword insights based on your website
  
• Smart bidding strategies optimized for your industry
  
• Seamless integration with Google Analytics and Tag Manager
  

But remember—don’t “set and forget.” Even beginners can outperform agencies if they learn how to set up a Google Ads account the right way.

Why AWISEE Is the Smart Choice for Google Ads Setup?

Don’t waste hours figuring out account structures, conversion settings, and bidding strategies. At AWISEE, our PPC specialists set up high-performance Google Ads accounts tailored to your business goals. 

Whether you’re a small brand or a scaling eCommerce store, we take the stress off your plate — so you can focus on growth, not guesswork.