How do I create a Google Ads account?
To create a Google Ads account you need a Google Account (an email address) and your business website. Google Ads Help describes three parts to sign-up: add your business information, choose your campaign goal and budget, and enter your payment details.
ShoaibUpdated 3 min read
What are the steps?
- Sign in with the Google Account you want to manage ads from. A business email is better than a personal one
- Add your business details: business name and website. Google lets you link things like a YouTube channel or Google Business Profile to speed this up
- Choose a goal and budget, or skip the campaign for now (Google allows this)
- Set up billing: billing country and time zone, any promo code, account type (Organization or Individual), and a payment method such as a card, PayPal or bank account, depending on your country
The billing country and time zone matter, so pick them carefully. For how charges work afterwards, see how Google Ads billing works.
Smart campaigns or the full Google Ads?
Google Ads Help says Smart campaigns can only be created in Smart Mode, and advertisers who aren't in Smart Mode can use a wider range of campaign types.
| Smart Mode | Full (Expert) Google Ads | |
|---|---|---|
| Campaign types | Smart campaigns | Search, Display, Shopping, Video and more |
| Control | Mostly automatic | You choose keywords, bids, targeting |
| Best for | Trying ads with little time | Businesses that want to measure and optimise |
If you plan to run Search ads with your own keywords, set up the account with that in mind.
What should I do right after sign-up?
- Set up conversion tracking before spending, so you know which clicks became enquiries or sales
- Keep login access with the business owner, then add others as users
Then follow how to run an ad on Google to build your first campaign.
Want the account set up properly from day one as part of your digital marketing? See our Google Ads service.