Types of Google Ads: A Complete Guide for Beginners

🚀 Types of Google Ads: A Complete Guide for Beginners

Google Ads is one of the most powerful online advertising platforms, allowing businesses to reach potential customers at the right time and place.

However, many beginners feel confused because Google Ads offers several different campaign types.

This guide explains the main types of Google Ads, their functions, and when to use each one.

1️⃣ Search Ads

Search Ads appear at the top of Google search results when users type specific keywords.

Example: When someone searches for “digital marketing service in Aceh”, your ad can appear above organic results.

Best for:

• Selling products or services
• Generating leads (WhatsApp, phone calls, forms)
• High-intent customers ready to buy

2️⃣ Display Ads

Display Ads are image or banner ads shown across millions of websites and apps in the Google Display Network.

Best for:

• Brand awareness
• Retargeting previous website visitors
• Promoting visual products or services

3️⃣ Video Ads (YouTube Ads)

Video Ads appear on YouTube before, during, or after videos.

Popular formats:

• Skippable in-stream ads
• Non-skippable ads
• In-feed video ads

Best for:

• Brand awareness
• Education and storytelling
• Growing YouTube channels

4️⃣ Shopping Ads

Shopping Ads display product images, prices, store names, and reviews directly in Google search results.

Best for:

• E-commerce businesses
• Online stores selling physical products
• High conversion-focused campaigns

5️⃣ App Campaigns

App Campaigns are designed to promote mobile applications across Google platforms.

Main objectives:

• App installs
• In-app actions
• App engagement

Ads appear automatically on Search, Play Store, YouTube, and Display Network.

6️⃣ Performance Max Campaigns

Performance Max (PMax) is an automated campaign type that runs ads across all Google platforms from a single campaign.

Channels included:

• Search
• Display
• YouTube
• Discover
• Gmail

Best for:

• Beginners
• Businesses with limited time
• Conversion-focused advertising

7️⃣ Discovery Ads

Discovery Ads appear in visually rich placements such as Google Discover, YouTube Home, and Gmail Promotions.

Best for:

• Brand awareness
• Engagement campaigns
• Reaching new audiences

🏁 Conclusion

Google Ads offers seven main campaign types, each designed for different business goals.

If your goal is sales or leads, start with Search Ads.

For branding and awareness, choose Display, Video, or Discovery Ads.

For an all-in-one solution, Performance Max is a strong option.

Understanding these ad types is the first step toward running effective Google Ads campaigns.