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Google Ads is best in class for search ads
July 01, 2021

Google Ads is best in class for search ads

Lee L Kennedy | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with Google Ads (formerly AdWords)

Google Ads [(formerly AdWords)] is mostly a middle and bottom of funnel marketing channel for our ecommerce brands. We have some success in top of funnel, but it tends to be quite expensive and typically not worth it. We use it for search ads mainly, from capturing branded clicks with the additional real estate, to bidding against competitors on non-branded search terms.
  • Google Ads is the best in class at search ads.
  • The setup of their campaigns is relatively simple, and their support is decent.
  • They have a big display ad network as well, although display campaign management can be difficult.
  • Google's heavy dependence on AI makes many of the campaign behavior inscrutable and, often, it performs poorly as a result.
  • Their responsive ads, for example, which are heavily recommended by them, often perform significantly worse than normal text ads.
  • Their support, while relatively quick, becomes useless if you need any deep insight/help.
  • Shopping ad management.
  • Branded and non-branded search ad management.
  • Display ads are helpful and a good balance to the bottom of funnel channels, even if they're a bit less effective.
  • Google Ads is often one of our highest ROI channels, especially when you factor in branded ads.
  • Depending on the stage your business is in, search ads can be really powerful from an ROI perspective, providing an investment with a very high spend cap.
  • If you do not manage the campaigns well though, you can quickly spend a lot of money on nothing. So make sure someone is keeping an eye on your account.
Google is the most comprehensive search ad network of the ones I work with. They do well top of funnel too, mostly due to YouTube ads, but Facebook ads is great for that if you have good creative. AdRoll also has a good display ad network, but I've struggled to determine their unique value compared to other networks.

Do you think Google Ads delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Google Ads's feature set?

Yes

Did Google Ads live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Google Ads go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Google Ads again?

Yes

Microsoft Advertising (formerly Bing Ads), Facebook for Business, AdRoll
Google Ads [(formerly AdWords)] should be your go-to when running search ads. Branded terms, non-branded terms, and shopping ads are especially powerful. With some extra experience/skill, YouTube ads can be powerful as well. Top of funnel is a bit more difficult though unless you create and manage some very powerful display creative.