Google Ads
Paying to appear at the top of Google search results.
The Tradie Take
Google Ads is like paying for a spot at the front of Bunnings when every tradie is competing for attention. You pay for that spot, but you only pay when someone actually takes your brochure (clicks your ad). SEO is free but takes 6 months to earn that spot. Google Ads gets you there today.
Definition
Google Ads (formerly Google AdWords) lets you pay to appear at the top of Google search results when someone searches for specific keywords. For tradies, this means paying to appear when someone searches "plumber in Bondi" or "emergency electrician near me." You only pay when someone clicks your ad (cost per click). Unlike SEO (which is free but takes months), Google Ads can get you to the top of search results within hours.
How It Works
- 1 You choose keywords your customers search for (e.g., "roof repair Sydney")
- 2 Write your ad - headline, description, and a link to your site
- 3 Set your budget and max bid per click
- 4 Your ad appears above or below organic results, marked as "Sponsored"
Tips for Tradies
- Target specific services and locations, not broad terms ("emergency plumber Sydney" not just "plumber")
- Use call extensions so people can call directly from the ad
- Track calls and bookings, not just clicks - a click that doesn't call is wasted money