1. Learn how Google Ads work<\/h3>\n
The first step to becoming a Google Ads specialist is to know how Google Ads works.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ll explain the most efficient way to learn Google Ads, but first, let\u2019s have an overview of what you\u2019ll need to know.<\/p>\n
Google Ads is an advertising platform that enables businesses to advertise their products and services across Google and its web properties.<\/p>\n
The ads follow a pay-per-click (PPC) model, meaning businesses pay for each click their ads receive.<\/p>\n
The ads run on an auction where various businesses bid to have their ads show to certain users. Google processes these bids and other factors in real-time to determine which ads show.<\/p>\n Businesses can select who to target with their ads and what type of campaigns to run. Campaign type determines what format you can use for your ads. Google currently supports the following types of campaigns:<\/p>\n Google Ads Specialists must have the ability to create and manage all these types of campaigns. There is a lot that goes into optimizing PPC campaigns<\/strong><\/a> so Google Ads specialists are responsible for many tasks.<\/p>\n Here are some of the day to day responsibilities of a Google Ads specialist:<\/p>\n Now, let\u2019s cover how you can best learn what you need to handle these various responsibilities.<\/p>\n The most efficient way to learn about Google Ads is to take a Google Ads course. Courses provide an easy-to-follow learning path and compile all relevant material into a single resource.<\/p>\n My favorite Google Ads course is our own Google Ads Course by Reliablesoft Digital Marketing Academy<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n The course covers everything you need to know about managing Google Ads campaigns, including concepts for beginners, intermediates, and advanced advertisers.<\/p>\n Once you know how Google Ads works, you want to prepare to get Google Ads certified.<\/p>\n Certifications are the process Google uses to recognize your expertise in using their advertising platform.<\/p>\n When you can add a certification to your resume, it shows that you no not only know how to use Google Ads but that you also took the time and effort to pursue further education on your own.<\/p>\n When you run a marketing agency<\/strong><\/a>, certifications can help bring legitimacy to your practice. This allows you to stand out from the competition and can help you win more clients.<\/p>\n Google offers its official certifications through its Google Skillshop<\/strong><\/a> education platform. The learning platform provides courses you can study and an account for managing your certifications.<\/p>\n To get a certification, you need to pass a knowledge exam. The courses on Skillshop are designed to help you prepare for the exams.<\/p>\n There are also plenty of other learning materials you can use to learn about Google Ads.<\/p>\n The next step is to choose what Google Ads certifications<\/strong><\/a> to get. There are certifications for each area of Google Ads. These are as follows:<\/p>\n Google Ads Search Certification<\/strong> – verifies that you know how to build and optimize search campaigns<\/p>\n Google Shopping Ads Certification<\/strong> – verifies that you know how to set up Google Merchant Center and how to optimize shopping campaigns.<\/p>\n Google Display Ads Certification<\/strong> – verifies that you know how display ads work and how to use them in a campaign.<\/p>\n Google Ads Measurement Certification<\/strong> – shows that you know how to measure and optimize campaigns using Google\u2019s reporting tools.<\/p>\n Google Ads Video Certification<\/strong> – shows that you know how to drive results from video campaigns.<\/p>\n Google Ads Apps Certification<\/strong> – shows that you know how to use app campaigns to achieve different marketing objectives.<\/p>\n As a Google Ads Specialist, it is useful to have certifications in more than one Google Ads discipline. Throughout your marketing career<\/strong><\/a>, it is highly unlikely that you will ever need to manage just one type of campaign.<\/p>\n Businesses use Google Ads to cover every area of the marketing funnel<\/strong><\/a>. This can involve search ads for early funnel prospects or remarketing display ads to people further down the funnel.<\/p>\n When you know what certifications you want, it is time to begin preparing for the exams.<\/p>\n The best place to start is with the courses in Skillshop. For each certification, Skillshop offers a set of online lessons you can use to prepare for the exam.<\/p>\n For example, the Google Ads Search certification has the following lessons you can use to prepare:<\/p>\n To access the lessons click the browse icon in the navigation menu. From there go to Google Ads > Google Ads Certifications<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Find the certification you want and click it. You\u2019ll then arrive on a page with links to the exam and all the study material.<\/p>\n The lessons contain videos, written text, and detailed examples. At the end of each lesson, there are assessment questions to test how well you understand the concepts.<\/p>\n When you answer the questions correctly, Google will mark the course as complete.<\/p>\n You can track your progress to see which lessons you have finished and which are left to go back on the certification page.<\/p>\n Once you complete the lessons, you can review the material as needed. Skillshop also has a knowledge check assessment (practice test) you can use to prepare.<\/p>\n This assessment is meant to mirror what you\u2019ll find on the actual exam.<\/p>\n When preparing for the certification exams, it can be helpful to use additional learning resources.<\/p>\n You will also want to try out a few practice tests around the web. There are several websites that offer free prep questions similar to those found in the knowledge check assessment.<\/p>\n Now that you\u2019ve prepared for the exam, it\u2019s time to get certified.<\/p>\n All the exams are available directly through Skillshop. You can take them at home or anywhere else you can access the internet.<\/p>\n While there used to be an exam fee, all Google Ads certification exams are now free.<\/p>\n The exams consist of a mix of true\/false and multiple-choice questions. You must score 80% or higher to pass the exam \u2014 except for the Google Ads App certification which requires a 70%.<\/p>\n The amount of time you have to take the exam varies depending on the certification. The type of certification also impacts how many questions are on the exam.<\/p>\n Once you open the exam, you must complete it in one sitting. If you exit the browser, the exam will immediately end.<\/p>\n After you pass the exam, you will receive immediate access to your certificate. There is a sharing link you can use to show the certification to others.<\/p>\n You can add this link to your resume, LinkedIn profile, or anywhere else it may boost your credibility.<\/p>\n With several Google Ads certifications on your resume, you will become a strong candidate for a Google Ads Expert at an agency or any other business.<\/p>\n If you fail the exam, don\u2019t panic. You can retake the test as many times as needed. However, you will have to wait 24 hours from the previous attempt to take a retest.<\/p>\n Google Ads certifications don\u2019t last forever so there is some work involved to keep yours active. More on this to come.<\/p>\n Once you earn your Google Ads certificates, it is time to put your skills to work. Online courses<\/strong><\/a> and exams can only teach you so much. You will not fully develop as a Google Ads expert until you apply your knowledge in real situations.<\/p>\n Here are some practical ways to apply your Google Ads skills:<\/p>\n Get an entry-level position<\/strong><\/p>\n The best way to put your skills to the test is to get an entry-level job<\/strong><\/a> as a Google Ads specialist.<\/p>\n As an entry-level Google Ads professional, you will get to start working on much of what you learned when becoming certified.<\/p>\n As an entry-level employee, you also get to work alongside experienced Google Ads experts.<\/p>\n These colleagues can share their knowledge with you to help you learn even more about Google Ads.<\/p>\n As you develop your skills, you\u2019ll take on new responsibilities and have the opportunity to handle more of the campaign management.<\/p>\n Find clients<\/strong><\/p>\n There are always more individuals and businesses that need help from a PPC expert<\/strong><\/a>. You can develop your skills as a Google Ads specialist by working with these clients on their Google Ads campaigns.<\/p>\n Here are some good places to find clients<\/strong><\/a> looking for Google Ads services:<\/p>\n Along with checking job boards and freelance sites, you can also use your own network to find clients. See if you know anyone who needs help managing a Google Ads campaign.<\/p>\n You can consider offering a free pilot project that way the client can assess your skills with less of a risk.<\/p>\n It can also benefit you to look for smaller clients. A full-fledged digital marketing agency may provide more resources for managing Google Ads but not everyone can afford these services.<\/p>\n For these smaller clients, a less expensive, independent Google Ads expert may be a better option.<\/p>\n Work on your own properties <\/strong><\/p>\n Another way to hone your Google Ads skills is to work on your own properties. If you have a website or blog it can serve as an effective medium for ad campaigns.<\/p>\n When managing campaigns for your own projects, you can apply everything you\u2019ve learned on your path to become a Google Ads expert.<\/p>\n If you generate positive results from your efforts, you can use the project as an example to showcase your ability to potential clients.<\/p>\n Being a Google Ads specialist requires constant learning.<\/p>\n Advertising best practices change and Google makes frequent updates to their platform.<\/p>\n If you want to remain an expert in Google Ads, you must keep up with all changes.<\/p>\n A simple way to do so is to find reputable sites that post regular Google Ads content.<\/p>\n Here are some of the sites I have found particularly useful in staying on top of the latest Google Ads news:<\/p>\n Blog.google.com <\/strong><\/p>\n Google\u2019s official blog<\/strong><\/a> is a great place to stay up to date with everything the company is doing. The blog is active and there are multiple posts most days. When Google rolls out changes for any of their properties, details are likely added to the blog.<\/p>\n In addition to updates, Google\u2019s blog offers other resources you can use to further your knowledge.<\/p>\n If you go to the Google Ads Manager category, you can find helpful guides and blog posts on how to use the advertising platform.<\/p>\n Thinkwithgoogle<\/strong><\/p>\n Think with Google<\/strong><\/a> is another Google-owned property featuring useful market research and news on digital trends.<\/p>\n The website contains a mix of articles, presentations, and videos you can use to stay current on all things Google Ads.<\/p>\n Google Ads social media profiles<\/strong><\/p>\n You can also stay up to date with any Google changes by following Google Ads on social media.<\/p>\n Google Ads has official accounts on popular platforms like Twitter<\/strong><\/a> and Youtube<\/strong><\/a>. They understand that social media is one of the best ways to reach their audience so any updates are shared across their different profiles.<\/p>\n You will need to renew your certifications over the course of your career as a Google Ads specialist.<\/p>\n All the specifics of the exam are the same as the initial test. You\u2019ll have the same amount of time, the same number of questions, and must achieve the same score to pass.<\/p>\n After you retake the exam, your certification becomes valid for another year past that date.<\/p>\n The expiration date is listed on each certification for you to know when to complete the renewal. Plus, Skillshop will send you a reminder email about a week before the certification expires.<\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve built your skills and have started to gain some experience, you can focus on growing your business and sharing your expertise with others.<\/p>\n![\"Google](\"https:\/\/www.reliablesoft.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/google-ads-auction.png\")
\n
\n
2. Understand the Google Ads certification process<\/h3>\n
3. Choose your Google Ads certifications<\/h3>\n
4. Prepare for the Google Ads exam<\/h3>\n
![\"Google](\"https:\/\/www.reliablesoft.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/google-skillshop-courses.png\")
\n
![\"Google](\"https:\/\/www.reliablesoft.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/preparation-resources.png\")
5. Get Google Ads certified<\/h3>\n
![\"Google](\"https:\/\/www.reliablesoft.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/google-skillshop-sample-exam-question.png\")
6. Apply your skills<\/h3>\n
\n
7. Stay informed of Google Ads changes<\/h3>\n
8. Renew your certification<\/h3>\n
9. Start blogging about Google Ads<\/h3>\n
![\"Google](\"https:\/\/www.reliablesoft.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/google-ads-specialist-salary.jpg\")