What Google AdWords Is and How to Use It to Promote Your Website or Business
When I first heard of Google AdWords (now called Google Ads), I thought: “Cool, I’ll pay Google $10, and millions of customers will magically rush to my website like ants to sugar.”
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Spoiler: that did not happen. Instead, my cousin clicked my ad three times, I lost money, and no customer showed up. That’s when I realized Google Ads is powerful—but only if you actually know how to use it.
What Exactly Is Google Ads?
Imagine a giant online billboard that only appears to people already interested in what you’re selling. That’s Google Ads in simple terms.
When you type something into Google, those results at the very top with the little “Ad” label? Yep, those businesses paid for that spot. Unlike a random billboard on the highway (that 80% of people ignore while jamming to Afrobeats), Google Ads puts you in front of people who are actively searching for what you sell.
Example: If you run a bakery in Lagos and someone types “best red velvet cake near me”—Google Ads can put you right in front of their hungry eyes.
Learn WordPress basics if you want to connect Google Ads with a website that’s easy to manage.
Why Should You Care About Google Ads?
When I first launched my website, I proudly sent it to friends and family. Out of 50 people, only 5 clicked. Two of them told me the link was “too long.” That’s when I realized—I needed real traffic, not pity clicks.
Google Ads helps by:
- Bringing instant traffic – no waiting months for SEO.
- Targeting the right people – customers searching for your product/service right now.
- Controlling your budget – you set daily limits (so you don’t go broke overnight).
- Measuring results – connect with Google Analytics to track what’s working.
It’s like switching from shouting in a crowded market to whispering directly in the ear of your ideal customer.
How Google Ads Works (Without the Boring Jargon)
Think of Google Ads like an auction—but instead of people waving paddles, businesses wave money and keywords.
- Keywords = Your Magic Spells
Choose words people are searching for, like “cheap flights to London” or “iPhone repair near me.”
Use Google Keyword Planner to uncover them. - The Auction
Every time someone searches, an invisible auction happens in milliseconds. Who wins? The businesses with the best combo of bid + relevance + quality. (Learn more from Google) - Cost
You only pay when someone clicks. It’s called PPC (Pay-Per-Click). No click = no payment. - Ad Rank = Quality + Money
Even if you bid lower than a competitor, you can win if your ad is more relevant. Translation: Google rewards good ads, not just deep pockets.
During February When I first ran a campaign for my blog, I thought bidding the highest amount would guarantee the top spot. Wrong. My ad was so poorly written it got ignored, and I basically donated money to Google.
My First Google Ads Mistake
I once forgot to set negative keywords (words you don’t want your ad to show for). My cake shop ad was showing up for “cake memes.” Unless someone wants to eat a meme, that’s not my customer. I wasted $5 that day.
Moral of the story: don’t skip negative keywords. They’re your spam filter.
Step-by-Step: How to Use Google Ads to Promote Your Website
Here’s how you (a beginner) can set up your first campaign without crying:
- Create a Google Ads Account
Go to ads.google.com and sign up. Easy. - Pick Your Goal
- Sales?
- Leads?
- Website traffic?
Don’t be like me, who chose all of the above and confused the poor algorithm.
- Choose Campaign Type
- Search Ads → show on Google search results.
- Display Ads → show on websites (banners).
- Video Ads → show on YouTube.
Beginners should start with Search Ads—they’re straightforward and effective.
- Target Your Audience
Set location, age, device, and language. If you only deliver cakes in Lagos, don’t pay for clicks in Canada. Unless you’re planning to ship across the Atlantic (good luck with that). - Set Your Budget & Bids
Start small—₦1,000/day can teach you more than theory. Increase once you see results. - Write Your Ad Copy
Example:
“Fresh Red Velvet Cakes in Lagos – Order Today for Same-Day Delivery!”
Be clear, add a benefit, and use a call to action. - Launch & Monitor
After going live, check your data daily. If one ad is performing badly, pause it. Don’t keep funding a loser.
Pro Tips to Not Waste Money (Like I Did)
- Always use negative keywords – filter out irrelevant searches.
- Test multiple ad copies – even small changes in wording can double clicks.
- Track conversions, not just clicks – clicks don’t pay the bills, customers do.
- Start small – test with a tiny budget before scaling.
- Keep learning – Google’s free Skillshop courses are gold.
Conclusion: Google Ads = Your Website’s Rocket Fuel
If you’re tired of shouting into the void of the internet, Google Ads is like a microphone that amplifies your message to exactly the right people at exactly the right time.
Yes, there’s a learning curve (and yes, you might waste money at first—I did). But once you figure it out, it’s like having customers walk up to your virtual shop every day.
So go ahead—experiment. Even ₦1,000 can teach you more than ten hours of reading.
And if I can survive wasting my first $10 on cousin clicks and cake memes, trust me—you can too.
While you’re here, check out these helpful guides:
- How to Choose the Right Technology for Your Website
- What Is Bluehost and How to Use It for Hosting
- What Is WordPress and How Does It Work?
Hi, I’m Prince Stephen Mordi, the mind behind Voob.com.ng. I write simple, beginner-friendly guides on tech, blogging, and making money online. My goal is to help you navigate the internet without headaches—because tech doesn’t have to be complicated!
