24 Google Ads Formats Every Marketer Should Know

Intro

When you’re looking to grow your business online, Google Ads can be a game-changer. But with so many different types of ads to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll walk through the different Google Ads types, from text ads that show up on search results, to video ads on YouTube, and even ads that help people find your business nearby. Whether you’re a small business just getting started or a bigger company ready to take your marketing to the next level, there’s an ad type that can help you reach the right audience. Let’s dive in and explore the options that are right for you!

1. Search Ads:

Text Ads: These are the most common type of Google Ads. They appear on the search engine results page (SERP) when someone searches for keywords related to your business. They typically include a headline, a display URL, and a description.
Dynamic Search Ads: These ads automatically generate headlines and landing pages based on the content of your website. They are useful for businesses with a large inventory or frequently changing websites.

2. Display Ads:

Banner Ads: These are image-based ads that appear on websites within the Google Display Network. They can include static images, animated GIFs, or rich media.
Responsive Display Ads: These ads automatically adjust their size, appearance, and format to fit available ad spaces. You provide headlines, images, and logos, and Google optimizes the combination.

3. Video Ads:

In-Stream Ads: These ads play before, during, or after other videos on YouTube and across the Google Display Network. They can be skippable or non-skippable.
Video Discovery Ads: These ads appear on YouTube search results, related videos, and the YouTube homepage. They include a thumbnail image and text.

4. Shopping Ads:

Product Listing Ads (PLAs): These ads appear at the top of Google search results when someone searches for a product. They include a product image, price, and store name. They are particularly useful for e-commerce businesses.

5. App Ads:

App Promotion Ads: These ads are designed to promote mobile apps. They can appear on Google Search, YouTube, the Google Play Store, and within other apps. They aim to drive app installs and engagement.

6. Local Ads:

Local Search Ads: These ads appear when someone searches for a business or service near them. They include location extensions that show the business address, phone number, and a map marker.

7. Smart Campaigns:

Smart Ads: These are automated ads designed for small businesses. Google uses machine learning to optimize ad placement and targeting across its network.

8. Discovery Ads:

Discovery Ads: These ads appear on Google’s Discover feed, YouTube home feed, and Gmail promotions tab. They are designed to reach users who are browsing content rather than actively searching.

9. Gmail Ads:

Gmail Sponsored Promotions: These ads appear in the promotions tab of Gmail. They look like regular emails but are marked as “Ad.” When clicked, they expand to show more content.

10. Call-Only Ads

Call Ads: These ads are designed for mobile devices and allow users to call your business directly from the ad. They are useful for businesses that rely on phone calls for leads or sales.

11. Hotel Ads:

Google Hotel Ads: These ads are designed for hotels and travel businesses. They appear in Google Search results, Google Maps, and the Google Hotels tab. They showcase hotel prices, availability, and amenities, often with a “Book Now” button.
Free Booking Links: These are free listings for hotels that appear alongside paid Hotel Ads. They allow users to book directly through the hotel’s website or a partner site.

12. Demand Gen Ads:

Demand Generation Ads: These are visually rich ads designed to drive awareness and engagement. They appear on YouTube, Discover, and Gmail, targeting users who are likely to be interested in your products or services.

13. Performance Max Ads:

Performance Max Campaigns: These are goal-based campaigns that use automation to optimize ad placements across Google’s entire inventory, including Search, Display, YouTube, Gmail, and more. They are designed to maximize conversions or conversion value.

14. Showcase Shopping Ads:

Showcase Ads: These ads appear in Google Search results and allow businesses to showcase a collection of products. When users click on the ad, they see a carousel of products with images, prices, and descriptions.

15. Call Ads:

Call-Only Ads: As mentioned earlier, these ads are designed for mobile devices and encourage users to call your business directly. They are ideal for businesses that rely on phone calls for leads or sales.

16. Local Services Ads:

Local Services Ads: These ads are specifically for service-based businesses (e.g., plumbers, electricians, cleaners). They appear at the top of Google Search results with a “Google Guaranteed” badge, which builds trust with potential customers.

17. Custom Intent Ads:

Custom Intent Audience Ads: These are Display or Video ads that target users based on their search behavior and intent. You can create custom audiences based on specific keywords or URLs related to your products or services.

18. Lead Form Ads:

Lead Form Extensions: These ads allow users to submit their contact information directly within the ad, without needing to visit a landing page. They are available for Search, Display, and YouTube campaigns.

19. Promotion Extensions:

Promotion Ads: These are not standalone ads but rather extensions that can be added to Search or Shopping Ads. They highlight special offers, discounts, or promotions to attract more clicks.

20. Dynamic Remarketing Ads:

Dynamic Remarketing: These ads target users who have previously visited your website or app. They show personalized ads featuring the products or services the user viewed, encouraging them to return and complete a purchase.

21. Travel Ads:

Google Travel Ads: These are specialized ads for travel businesses, such as airlines, travel agencies, and vacation rental companies. They appear in Google Search, Google Flights, and Google Hotels, helping users book flights, hotels, and vacation packages.

22. Auto Ads:

Google Auto Ads: These are designed for automotive businesses, such as car dealerships. They allow users to search for vehicles, compare models, and contact the dealership directly from the ad.

23. Job Ads:

Google Job Ads: These ads are for employers looking to hire. They appear in Google Search results and the Google for Jobs platform, helping businesses reach qualified candidates.

24. Real Estate Ads:

Google Real Estate Ads: These ads are tailored for real estate agents and property developers. They showcase property listings in Google Search and Google Maps, helping users find homes or rental properties.

Conclusion

Now you know about all the different Google Ads. Whether it’s Search Ads, Display Ads, Video Ads, or even Call-Only Ads, each one can help your business grow online. By choosing the right ad type, you can reach more customers and get better results.

Ready to take your business to the next level?
Call Peakontech today and let our experts set up the perfect Google Ads campaign for you!

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