What are the Different Types of Google Ads Campaigns?

Google Ads offers various campaign types to help you achieve different marketing goals. Knowing the unique features and best uses for each type can help you choose the right campaign for your business objectives. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of Google Ads campaigns and when to use each one.

What are Google Ads Search Campaigns?

Search campaigns involve text ads that appear on Google search results pages when users search for keywords related to your business. These are ideal for capturing leads, boosting online sales, and increasing website traffic. Use search campaigns to reach potential customers who are actively looking for your products or services.

What are Google Ads Display Campaigns?

Display campaigns feature visually engaging ads that appear across Google’s Display Network, which includes millions of websites, apps, and Google-owned properties like YouTube. These are perfect for building brand awareness and retargeting users who have previously visited your website. They’re best for reaching a broad audience and reinforcing your brand message through eye-catching visuals.

What are Google Ads Video Campaigns?

Video campaigns use video ads that run on YouTube and other Google Display Network sites. These are effective for storytelling, demonstrating products, and engaging with your audience on a deeper level. Video campaigns are suitable for increasing brand awareness, driving website traffic, and promoting specific products or services through compelling visuals and narratives.

What are Google Ads Shopping Campaigns?

Shopping campaigns display product ads directly in Google search results and the Google Shopping tab. These ads show users a photo of your product, a title, price, store name, and more. Shopping campaigns are particularly effective for e-commerce businesses looking to promote their product inventory, drive traffic to their online store, and increase sales.

What are Google Ads App Campaigns?

App campaigns promote your mobile app across Google Search, Play Store, YouTube, and the Google Display Network. These campaigns automate ad creation and targeting to help you reach the most relevant audience. Use app campaigns to drive app installs, engagement, and in-app conversions. They are ideal for businesses looking to grow their mobile app user base and increase app interactions.

What are Google Ads Smart Campaigns?

Smart campaigns are designed for small businesses and automate much of the ad creation and management process. Google uses machine learning to optimize your ads based on your business goals. These campaigns are great for businesses new to Google Ads or those with limited time and resources. They can help you drive website visits, phone calls, and store visits with minimal effort.

What are Google Discovery Campaigns?

Discovery campaigns deliver visually rich ads across Google’s feeds on platforms like YouTube, Gmail, and the Google Discover feed. These ads are perfect for capturing attention and sparking interest among users who are not actively searching for products but are likely to be interested based on their online behavior. Use discovery campaigns to reach new audiences and generate interest in your brand.

Choosing the right type of Google Ads campaign depends on your specific business goals and target audience. Whether you’re looking to generate leads, boost sales, increase brand awareness, or promote a mobile app, Google Ads offers a variety of campaign types to meet your needs. Understanding the unique features and best applications of each campaign type can help you optimize your advertising efforts and achieve your marketing objectives. For expert guidance and tailored strategies, consider partnering with a Google Partner Agency to maximize your campaign success.

To dive deeper into Google Ads, read our other Google Ads blog articles. Or if you’re interested in partnering with STORY to optimize your current Google Ads or create a new campaign for you, read more about our Google Ads agency services.