In a world of AI search platforms and endless social media feeds, it’s easy to wonder whether Google Ads are still delivering bang for your buck. Our honest take? A resounding YES – if you do it right.
Before you think we’re just saying that because we’re a Google Partner (which we are, by the way), let us explain why Google Ads remain a must for businesses looking to make an impact online.
What are Google Ads?
Google Ads are Google’s paid advertising platforms, where businesses can bid using keywords or target audiences to show ads across multiple formats, including search results, YouTube videos, display banners on websites and apps, shopping product listings ads within Gmail inboxes, and more. They can be powerful tools for driving traffic, generating leads and boosting sales.
But doesn’t everyone search on social or AI now?
Social and AI search tools are growing fast, but Google is still the king of search. In 2025, around eight billion searches happen on Google every day. That’s a huge audience who are still using the search engine to find services, solve problems and buy products. Google Ads place your business right in front of these people at the exact moment they’re searching for what you offer.
So why do people question if it’s worth it?
The main reason people get sceptical is cost, as Google Ads have become more expensive. Depending on your industry and target keywords, the cost-per-click can add up quickly. But cost doesn’t mean it’s not worth it. It just means it needs to be done smartly. And that’s where a professional Google Ads manager comes in. Running a successful Google Ads account isn’t about throwing money at keywords and hoping for the best. You need clear strategy, clever targeting and constant optimisation to get results that justify the spend.
How much do Google Ads cost?
There’s no one-size-fits-all. Costs vary massively depending on your industry, location and the competitiveness of your keywords. To see consistent traction, aim for a budget that can generate at least 10 clicks per day. That’ll give you enough data to see what’s working, and enough exposure to convert interest.
The elephant in the room
Let’s address why some businesses might hesitate. The cost and competitiveness of Google Ads are often cited as concerns. And yes, it isn’t the cheapest advertising option out there, and certain industries are incredibly competitive, driving up keyword costs.
However, this isn’t a sign that Google Ads aren’t worth it; it simply means you need a team who really knows what they’re doing. A poorly managed Google Ads account can drain your budget with little return. But in experienced hands, you can generate incredible results.
Our top 5 Google Ads tips
Our Google Ads experts have some invaluable advice to ensure your campaigns are as effective as possible:
1. Tell Google what you don’t want
A strong negative keyword list prevents your ads from showing for irrelevant searches. For example, for a home removals client, we excluded searches like “asbestos removal” or “waste removal”. A strong negative keyword list saves your budget for people who want what you offer.
2. Ensure you have sufficient budget for your industry
Don’t go in half-hearted with a tiny budget in a highly competitive industry. Research what a realistic budget looks like for your sector and ensure you allocate enough to generate those vital clicks and gather data.
3. Track, track and track
We can’t stress this enough: track what happens after the click. Set up conversion tracking, goal completions and events. It’s the only way to know if your ads are generating leads, sales or engagement. This will also help you make informed improvements.
4. Landing page performance
You’ve spent your money to get someone to click on your ad, so don’t let them down when they arrive! If the landing page they hit isn’t engaging, loads slowly or isn’t user-friendly, you’re effectively throwing your money away. We’ve talked about the importance of Core Web Vitals before, which is extremely relevant for Google Ads success.
5. Help Google help you
Let Google know what interests and behaviours your ideal customers have. By feeding in the right audience signals, you guide Google’s AI to find more people like them, leading to better results and better spend efficiency.
So . . . is Google Ads still worth it?
Absolutely. But it’s no longer a “set it and forget it” platform. It’s a smart investment, and like any investment, it works best with experts behind it. We’re a Google Partner, meaning we’re certified, trusted and experienced in getting real results from Google Ads. Whether you’re launching your first campaign or optimising an existing Google Ads account, we can help you turn clicks into customers.
