Top of Google! Search Advertising for Beginners
LYNNIE VERSION
Would you like to read this article in more grown-up words, still easy to understand? Jump here.
Hi! I’m Lynnie! Today I’m telling you about search advertising for beginners. It’s way number nine on Lynnaider’s list!
When someone types something into Google, they’re telling Google EXACTLY what they want. Search ads let your business show up at the top, right at that moment!
Way 9: search ads (paid)
Grown-ups also call it SEM, search engine marketing. You pay to show up at the top of search results when someone types words that match what you sell.
Why it’s special. People searching are already looking to buy or learn! On social media, people mostly scroll for fun, and your ad interrupts them. So search ads often turn into sales more easily. But they can also cost more per click, because lots of businesses want the same searches.
How it works
Usually you only pay when someone clicks your ad. Google Ads and Bing Ads are the big ones.
You pick keywords (the search words you want), a budget, and the most you’d pay per click. The platform decides when to show your ad.
Google Shopping, for products! Connect your product list to Google Merchant Center, and your pictures and prices can show up in a shopping box at the top. Shopify makes it easy!
What content you need
Normal search ads are just words! A headline and one or two short lines, typed right into the ad platform. No designing!
For Google Shopping, your pictures and prices come automatically from your product list. So make sure your photos are clear and your titles describe things well. They become your ads!
Writing a good search ad:
- Use the words people searched for in your headline.
- Say clearly what you offer and why it’s a good choice. Like free shipping, handmade, or instant download.
- End with one simple action, like “Shop now.”
Beginner’s tip
Keyword ads need some special know-how. So learn the basics BEFORE you spend money! Google has free lessons, and lots of platforms suggest keywords to start with.
Start with a small daily budget and a few very exact keywords. “Handmade ceramic coffee mug” usually costs less and sells better than just “mug”!
An example
You sell custom pet portraits as digital downloads. You make a small Google Ads campaign with keywords like “custom pet portrait digital” and “dog portrait from photo.” Your ad says what you offer, mentions fast delivery, and links to your pet portrait page.
After two weeks, you pause keywords that cost money without sales, and give more to the ones that work.
Oopsies
- Picking super broad keywords that bring lots of clicks from people who aren’t interested.
- Sending clicks to your home page, not the matching product page.
- Starting without learning the basics of how bidding works.
When to start
Most beginners should start with free ways, and add search ads once their offer sells.
And search ads are words and product pictures. No face needed!
What’s next?
Search ads help lots of the ten ways to earn. The next article is about way number ten: getting quoted by AI helpers. The whole lesson is in the book on our products page. Want a grown-up to help with search ads? Go to our services page.
What grown-ups usually ask (and I answer)
What is search advertising?
Paying to show up at the top of search results when people search for what you sell.
Why is it called “high intent”?
Because people searching are already looking to buy or learn!
How do I pay?
Usually only when someone clicks.
Which platforms are there?
Google Ads, and Bing Ads.
What is Google Shopping?
A shopping box with product pictures and prices at the top of Google.
Do search ads need designing?
Normal ones are just words! Shopping ads use your product pictures.
Is it easy for beginners?
It needs some know-how. Learn first, then test small!
Are there step-by-step lessons for starting each of the ten ways cheaply?
Maybe! If lots of people want them. Join the waitlist and you’ll know first.
How can I start for free or almost free?
Lynnaider shows you how to start each of the ten ways for free, or for very, very little money. You’d be surprised! And a free robot helper called Lynnaider Compass helps you step by step!
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be regarded as legal, tax, or business advice. Pursuing an online business does not guarantee income; results depend on many factors including the business environment, individual effort, skills, and consistency. Some links on this site may allow Lynnaider to earn a commission at no additional cost to the reader.
