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Top Types of Google Ads for SMEs

by | Saturday, 11th January 2025

Top Types of Google Ads for SMEs

Discover the most effective types of Google Ads in the UK.

Google Ads play a crucial role in helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) reach their target audience and drive growth. We often see businesses struggling with types of Google Ads to choose, leading to missed opportunities and wasted budgets. We also understand that Google Ads can be overwhelming for SMEs, especially when trying to determine which ad formats will yield the best results.

At WSI Digital Advisors, we have many years of hands on experience in online advertising, so we’ve created a comprehensive guide to the most effective types of Google Ads, which we’ve tailored specifically for SMEs. This guide explains the ad formats available in the UK and gives a sneak peek into some exciting new formats coming soon. To learn more about how an online ads agency can help unlock sales success, check out our article on Unlocking Sales Success with an Online Ads Agency.

 
Search Network Ads: Types of Google Ads for Visibility
Source : Google / Google Ads
Responsive Search Ads
Responsive Search Ads automatically adjust to show the most relevant message. For SMEs, these types of Google ads save time on manual adjustments while ensuring optimal performance. For example, a local bakery increased its reach by using responsive search ads targeting seasonal keywords, capturing local interest and driving more customers to their store.
Text Ads
Text Ads are simple text-based ads that appear on search results pages. They are cost-effective and suitable for any SME looking to enhance their online presence. For SMEs, these ads are straightforward to set up and manage. A local plumbing service used text ads to appear in emergency searches, ensuring they were top of mind for potential customers in urgent need. For more insights on how to maximise your PPC strategy, check out our blog on PPC for SMEs: Strategic Insights for 2024.
Dynamic Search Ads
Dynamic Search Ads automatically generate ads based on your website content, making them useful for businesses with a wide range of products or services. For SMEs, these types of Google Ads reduce the time and effort required for ad creation while ensuring relevant promotion. A regional hardware store used dynamic search ads to showcase in-stock items, attracting customers looking for specific products available nearby.

 
Display Network Ads: Types of Google Ads for Brand Awareness
Source : Google / Google Ads
Responsive Display Ads
Responsive Display Ads adapt to different ad spaces on the Google Display Network, making them great for reaching a broader audience with minimal design effort. For SMEs, these ads offer flexibility and broad reach without extensive resources. A fitness centre attracted new members by featuring locally-themed display ads, connecting with the community on a personal level.
Image Ads
Image Ads, which are static or animated, are shown across various websites. They are perfect for visually-driven businesses, helping to create strong brand awareness. For SMEs, these ads are ideal for showcasing products or services visually. A local boutique showcased new arrivals with eye-catching image ads, drawing the attention of fashion-conscious locals and increasing foot traffic.
Gmail Ads
Gmail Ads are interactive ads that appear in Gmail inboxes, directly engaging users in their email. For SMEs, these ads are effective for promotions and special offers. Including local offers or personalised messages can further enhance engagement. For example, a coffee shop sent exclusive discounts to local subscribers via Gmail ads, encouraging repeat visits and fostering customer loyalty. Learn more about overcoming challenges in advertising by reading our article on 10 Blockers to Advertising Greatness.

 
Video Ads: Types of Google Ads for Engagement
Source : Google / Google Ads
YouTube Skippable Ads
These ads are videos that viewers can skip after 5 seconds. They are cost-effective for increasing brand awareness. For SMEs, these types of Google Ads provide a platform to tell stories or showcase testimonials without high costs. A real estate agent, for instance, used YouTube ads to showcase neighbourhood tours, helping potential buyers connect with the local area and boosting inquiries.
YouTube Non-Skippable Ads
These are videos that must be watched before the actual content begins, they ensure your message is seen, making them ideal for important announcements or promotions. For SMEs, these ads guarantee full attention to the message. A local charity promoted its events with non-skippable ads, raising awareness and encouraging community participation.

 
Shopping Ads: Types of Google Ads for E-commerce
Source : Google / Google Ads
Product Shopping Ads
Product Shopping Ads display product images, titles, prices, and store names directly in search results. These ads are essential for e-commerce businesses, helping to showcase products effectively. For SMEs, these ads simplify the buying process for customers. A local electronics store increased online sales with product shopping ads, offering convenient local pick-up options.

 
Local Ads: Types of Google Ads for Local Reach
Source : Google / Google Ads
Local Search Ads
Local Search Ads promote business locations on Google Search and Maps, driving foot traffic and local awareness. For SMEs, these ads are crucial for increasing local visibility. A nearby coffee shop used local search ads to attract morning commuters, boosting their morning sales and building a loyal customer base.
Local Service Ads
Local Service Ads connect service providers with local customers, making them ideal for tradespeople and local service-based businesses. These types of Google Ads, for SMEs, can enhance trust by showcasing local credentials and customer reviews. A home cleaning service gained new clients with local service ads, highlighting their excellent reviews and trusted local reputation.

 
Remarketing Ads: Types of Google Ads for Re-engagement
Source : Google / Google Ads
Standard Remarketing Ads
Standard Remarketing Ads show ads to past visitors across the Google Display Network, re-engaging potential customers who have visited your site before. For SMEs, these ads keep your business top of mind, increasing the chances of conversion. A local bookstore brought back previous visitors with remarketing ads, promoting new book releases and local author events. To ensure you’re getting the best results from your PPC campaigns, consider learning how to use negative keywords to optimise your PPC campaigns.
Dynamic Remarketing Ads
Dynamic Remarketing Ads show dynamic ads based on past behaviour, offering personalised ads for higher conversion rates. These ads are especially effective for e-commerce businesses. For SMEs, these ads target previous visitors with relevant products or services. A regional travel agency used dynamic remarketing to showcase local tour packages, attracting repeat customers and increasing bookings.

 
Coming Soon

  • Discovery Ads will be perfect for reaching users in their moments of discovery, expanding the audience reach.
  • App Install Ads will encourage app downloads, relevant to businesses with mobile apps.
  • App Engagement Ads will boost engagement with existing app users, increasing retention and activity.

 
Summary
Navigating Google Ads can be challenging but it can effectively connect your business with your target audience, increase brand awareness, and drive conversions. To learn more about Google Ads, visit Google Ads. To get the most out of your campaigns, consider seeking professional help – our experts are ready to assist you in creating and managing effective Google Ads campaigns tailored to your needs. Contact us today for a consultation and to start maximising your reach with Google Ads.

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