Maximize Your Search Ads with Google Ad Extensions

March 2, 2024
Posted by
Andrew Pottruff
Maximize Your Search Ads with Google Ad Extensions

Introduction

Google Ads extensions allow advertisers to append additional information to their search ads, helping to catch users' attention and improve ad relevance. Extensions can boost ad click-through rate (CTR) by up to 20% and decrease cost-per-click (CPC) by up to 29% (1). This article will provide tips on how to utilize different types of extensions to enhance performance for your Google search campaigns.

TL;DR

This article covers the various ad extension formats available in Google Ads, including sitelink, call, location, affiliate, app, price, and callout extensions. You'll learn best practices for setting up and optimizing extensions to increase CTR, conversions, and return on ad spend. Tips are provided on A/B testing extensions, analyzing performance data, and troubleshooting issues.

Types of Ad Extensions

Google offers several ad extension formats to choose from:

  • Sitelink Extensions: Display additional links to important pages on your website, helping searchers easily navigate to relevant content.
  • Call Extensions: Show your business phone number prominently in ads, enabling users to call you directly.
  • Location Extensions: Display your business addresses and map pins to drive in-store traffic.
  • Affiliate Extensions: Show product pricing and promo codes from your affiliate partnerships.
  • App Extensions: Promote your mobile apps by showing app store icons and descriptions.
  • Price Extensions: Highlight product pricing and sales to entice bargain hunters.
  • Callout Extensions: Append short messages like "Free Shipping" or "15% Off" to highlight deals and offers.

Setting Up Ad Extensions

To add extensions in your Google Ads account:

  1. Select "Extensions" from the left navigation menu.
  2. Click the "+" button to add a new extension.
  3. Choose the extension type and enter the required information.
  4. Enable the extension at the ad group or campaign level.

When selecting extensions, consider your campaign goals and target audience. Extensions like call and location are ideal for driving phone calls and in-store traffic. Sitelinks help guide searchers to more pages on your site.

Optimizing Ad Extensions

Follow these tips to optimize extensions for better performance:

  • A/B test extensions against each other and against having no extensions.
  • Analyze clicks, CTR, conversions, and cost data for each extension type.
  • Troubleshoot low CTR or conversions by adjusting targeting options, headlines, etc.
  • Make extensions dynamic by personalizing with keyword Insertion tags.
  • Add frequently asked questions (FAQs) with callout extensions.

Conclusion

Ad extensions are a powerful tool for enhancing relevance, visibility, and engagement for Google search ads. By A/B testing extensions, monitoring performance data, and optimizing based on results, you can maximize the impact extensions have on your PPC campaigns. Leverage extensions to boost your Google Ads results in 2024!

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