Google Ads that reach people already searching for you
Someone typing "emergency plumber near me" wants a plumber now. Google Ads puts you at the top of that search the same day. The hard part is not paying for the wrong clicks. That's the part I manage.
Most wasted ad spend comes from four places
When I look at a small business Google Ads account, the leaks are usually the same. Fixing them is most of the job.
- Searches you never meant to pay forBroad keywords matching "free", "jobs", "DIY" or a competitor's name. The search terms report shows them; negative keywords stop them.
- No conversion trackingWithout counting calls and forms, Google's bidding is guessing, and so are you. Tracking comes first, before any budget increase.
- Showing to the wrong placesLocation settings that include people merely "interested in" your area, or campaigns quietly running on networks you didn't choose.
- Clicks landing on a weak pageA homepage with no clear offer or call button. The ad gets the click; the page loses it.
Running ads already? Check your own account with the free Google Ads checklist.
What you get each month
Search campaigns are the core. I add Performance Max or Local Services Ads only where they fit your business and goals.
Every month
- Campaign setup or rebuild, then ongoing management
- Conversion tracking for calls and form submissions
- Keyword and negative keyword management from the search terms report
- Ads and assets: sitelinks, calls, callouts, images
- Weekly optimization of bids, budgets and searches
- Plain-English monthly report: cost per call or lead, not just clicks
- Your account, billing and data stay in your name
How much should you spend on ads?
Your ad budget is separate from my fee and goes straight to Google from your own card. How much you need depends almost entirely on your industry and area.
| Type of business | Typical click cost | What that means |
|---|---|---|
| Cafes, salons, retail | Usually lower | A modest budget can bring steady traffic, but each sale is smaller |
| Trades, cleaning, detailing | Middle | Good fit for search ads; calls convert well when the page is clear |
| Legal, emergency plumbing, roofing, HVAC | Often very high | Each click is expensive, so tracking and negative keywords matter most |
Google Ads vs Facebook & Instagram ads
| Google Ads | Facebook & Instagram ads | |
|---|---|---|
| Who sees it | People actively searching for your service | People nearby who weren't searching yet |
| Best for | Urgent and high-intent services: repairs, legal, clinics | Offers, events, visual businesses: food, beauty, fitness |
| Click cost | Often higher | Often lower, with less intent |
| My fee | $250/month + budget | $250/month + budget |
Many local businesses do best with one first, then both. See Facebook & Instagram ads.
From audit to first calls
Audit or plan
Existing account: I review it and show you the leaks. New account: we pick services, areas and a budget using Keyword Planner.
Tracking
Calls and forms are set up as conversions before any serious spend.
Launch
Campaigns go live with tight keywords, negatives from day one, and ads that match your landing page.
Optimize weekly
Search terms, bids and budgets reviewed every week; a short report each month.
If your website isn't ready for paid traffic, a dedicated landing page is $149. See the PPC landing page guide.
Google Ads questions
How much does Google Ads management cost?
My management fee is $250 a month. Your ad budget is separate and paid directly to Google from your own account. Agencies commonly charge a flat fee or a percentage of ad spend, often with a minimum.
How much should a small business spend on Google Ads?
It depends on click costs in your industry and area. Some local businesses start with a few hundred dollars a month; expensive industries like legal or emergency trades usually need more. We check estimates in Keyword Planner before deciding.
Who owns the Google Ads account?
You do. The account and billing are in your name and I get manager access. If we stop working together, you keep everything, including the history and conversion data.
Do you run Local Services Ads?
Where your business category and country are eligible, yes. Local Services Ads are only available for certain service categories in certain countries, so I check eligibility for your business first.
How soon will I get calls?
Search ads can start showing within a day or two of approval. The first weeks are about learning which searches and ads bring real calls, then cutting what doesn't.
Related pages
See it before you pay
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