Curious about Google Ads but only able to spend $200-$300 to test the waters? You’re not alone. With the right strategy, even a small budget can deliver promising results. Here’s how to maximize your Google Ads campaign with a limited budget:
- Use a Search Campaign for Lead Generation
- Focus on a Search campaign to capture people actively looking for your services. This approach typically yields higher conversion rates than Display or Video ads. Performance Max (PMax) campaigns can be an option for building conversion data, but they don’t work well for every niche.
- Target a Single Keyword Group
- Keep it simple and precise. Choose a specific keyword group to avoid wasting clicks on irrelevant searches. Use Google’s Keyword Planner to find keywords with lower competition and good ROI potential.
- Advertise Your Highest-ROI Service
- Prioritize keywords related to services with the biggest return potential. For example, an HVAC company might focus on high-value services like “geothermal heat pump installer” instead of broad keywords like “air conditioner repair.”
- Leverage Long-Tail Keywords
- Narrow your focus with long-tail keywords, such as brand-specific searches like “Carrier Geothermal heat pump installer.” This can attract ready-to-buy customers who know exactly what they want.
- Use Exact Match Keywords
- Exact Match keywords help ensure your ad is shown for specific terms you’ve chosen, reducing the chances of paying for unwanted clicks. Avoid Broad Match for small budgets, as it can increase irrelevant clicks.
- Set a Maximum CPC Bid Limit
- Limit how much you’re willing to pay per click by using “Maximize clicks” or manual bidding strategies with a maximum CPC bid. Adjust your bids based on performance, starting low and increasing if necessary to achieve visibility.
- Set a Daily Budget
- To stretch your $200 across a full month, set an average daily budget of around $6. Remember that Google may vary daily spending, but it will stay within your monthly budget.
Measuring Results: How to Know If Google Ads is Worth It
Spending $200 won’t give a complete picture of your Google Ads potential, but it can help you gather insights:
- Conversions: How many clicks led to calls, form submissions, or sales?
- Revenue vs. Ad Spend: Did your revenue cover the ad costs, including any management fees?
- Conversion Volume Needed: How many more conversions would you need for a positive ROI?
- Potential for Scaling: Would increasing the budget amplify returns?
For many service-based businesses, a single successful conversion can cover the ad spend. Even with a limited budget, you can see real results and understand if scaling is worthwhile.
Interested in a custom plan for your budget? Book a discovery call with WEBSHARK today, and let’s explore how to make Google Ads work for you!
