Let’s be honest: when you first open Google Ads, it looks like a cockpit. So many tabs. So many numbers. If you’ve ever closed it out in panic — same here.
But here’s the thing…
You don’t need to be an expert to run successful ads.
I started using Google Ads with zero marketing background, just a simple goal: bring people to my website and make a few sales. That’s it.
And through trial, error, and a bunch of wasted clicks (😅), I figured out what actually works.
So here’s what I wish someone had told me when I started. No jargon, no fluff. Just real, beginner-friendly tips from someone who’s been there.
1. Don’t Start Without a Clear Goal
This was my first mistake. I ran ads “just to see what happens.”
Big mistake.
Before you launch anything, ask yourself:
👉 Do I want more website traffic?
👉 Do I want calls, form fills, or product sales?
Google will ask you this when you set up a campaign — take it seriously. Your goal determines everything else.
2. Start With One Campaign. Just One.
It’s tempting to try everything — search ads, display, YouTube. But as a beginner, pick Search Ads only.
That’s the one where your ad appears when someone types a keyword into Google.
Why? Because intent is everything. Someone searching “plumber near me” is 100x more likely to call than someone who sees your ad while watching a cat video.
3. Keep Keywords Tight and Specific
I once used the keyword “shoes.” Guess what? My ad showed up for “shoe racks,” “shoe repair,” and even “shoe polish.”
If you’re selling leather running shoes, your keyword should look like:
“leather running shoes” (phrase match)
[leather running shoes] (exact match)
Avoid broad keywords in the beginning — they’ll burn your money fast.
4. Use Negative Keywords Like a Pro
Here’s a golden tip: go to the Negative Keywords tab and add words you DON’T want your ad to show up for.
Some of my favorites:
“free”
“cheap”
“DIY”
“job” (unless you’re hiring)
This alone saved me thousands of wasted impressions.
5. Write Ads Like You Talk
Forget the corporate jargon. Your ad should sound like you’re solving a problem for a friend.
Instead of:
“Best-in-class solutions for home renovation”
Try:
“Get Your Dream Home Renovation — Free Quote Today!”
Real language. Real benefits. Real results.
6. Set a Small Budget (And Watch It Closely)
You don’t need ₹10,000 to start. I began with ₹300/day and ran it for 7 days.
The key? Don’t set and forget.
Check your campaign daily. Look at which keywords are triggering your ads, how many clicks you’re getting, and whether those clicks are turning into anything useful.
7. Make Sure You’re Sending People to the Right Place
One thing I learned the hard way: even if your ad is great, if your landing page sucks, people will leave.
Send users to a page that:
Loads fast
Matches the ad content
Has ONE clear call-to-action (like “Buy Now” or “Call Us”)
Your website is part of the ad experience. Treat it that way.
8. Conversion Tracking Is Non-Negotiable
If you don’t track conversions (calls, purchases, form submissions), you’re flying blind.
Set up conversion tracking inside Google Ads. It’s a bit technical, but once it’s done, you’ll know exactly which keyword brought in sales — and which ones are just wasting clicks.
9. Give It 5–7 Days to Learn
Google’s algorithm needs some data to work with. Don’t pause your ad on day 2 because there are no sales yet.
Wait at least a week, gather enough clicks, and then start analyzing.
10. Test, Tweak, Repeat
Google Ads is not a “set it and forget it” tool. It’s more like a plant — water it, trim it, adjust the sunlight. Every few days, look at:
Which keywords are working
Which ad copy is getting clicks
Which device or location performs best
Make small changes. One at a time. Don’t overhaul everything at once.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Be an Expert to Get Results
I’m not a Google Ads specialist. I’m just someone who wanted to get more customers without depending on word-of-mouth or luck. And trust me — if I can figure it out, you can too.
Start small. Stay curious. Don’t be afraid to tweak things. And most importantly — don’t be discouraged by a few bad days. Google Ads gets better with learning, both for you and for the algorithm.
Want help with your first campaign? Drop a comment or message me — happy to help 🙌