1 by 1 pix

Effectively Using Google Ads to Target Custom Audiences

Oct 26, 2024 | Knowledge, Tik Tok

TikTok for Online Businesses

Effectively Using Google Ads to Target Custom Audiences

Reaching the right audience is crucial for any business aiming to increase visibility and engagement. One effective method is leveraging Google Ads to target custom audiences based on their search behavior. This strategy allows businesses to display video ads to individuals actively searching for relevant products and services. Below is an overview of how to implement this approach, using a property management company specializing in short-term rentals as an example.

Setting Up a YouTube Campaign

The process begins by creating a YouTube campaign within Google Ads to run video advertisements. These campaigns can be organized into various ad groups, each tailored to a specific audience segment. In this case, two distinct groups are targeted:

Structuring Ad Groups

It is essential to create separate ad groups for each audience type to ensure precise targeting and relevant messaging. This allows businesses to control who sees each ad and helps ensure that advertisements are reaching the intended audience.

@digitalmarketingexperts

Sneaky next level strategy to target people on #YouTube who have been looking for the products and aervices you offer #digitalmarketing #digitalmarketingtips #advertising

♬ original sound - digitalmarketingexperts

Setting Up a YouTube Campaign

The process begins by creating a YouTube campaign within Google Ads to run video advertisements. These campaigns can be organized into various ad groups, each tailored to a specific audience segment. In this case, two distinct groups are targeted:

Structuring Ad Groups

It is essential to create separate ad groups for each audience type to ensure precise targeting and relevant messaging. This allows businesses to control who sees each ad and helps ensure that advertisements are reaching the intended audience.

Targeting Custom Audiences with Search Terms

Once the ad groups are established, attention shifts to targeting audiences based on their search activity.

  • Navigate to Audiences: In the Google Ads interface, go to the “Audiences” section and select “Edit Audience Segments.”
  • Use Custom Search Terms: Choose “Custom Search Terms” as the targeting method. This option allows businesses to reach individuals who have recently searched for specific terms related to the services being offered.
  • Incorporate Relevant Search Terms: In the property management example, terms such as “BNB Property Management” and “Airbnb Property Management” are included. These highly relevant keywords correspond directly with the services the business provides.
    Care should be taken to avoid adding too many search terms or terms that are overly broad. Targeting general or irrelevant keywords may lead to wasted ad spend by reaching individuals who are not likely to be interested in the services offered.
  • Save the Custom Audience: After selecting the appropriate search terms, save the custom audience. Google will then use this information to display ads to users whose search activity aligns with the selected terms, improving the likelihood of reaching potential customers.
@digitalmarketingexperts

Sneaky next level strategy to target people on #YouTube who have been looking for the products and aervices you offer #digitalmarketing #digitalmarketingtips #advertising

♬ original sound - digitalmarketingexperts

Targeting Custom Audiences with Search Terms

Once the ad groups are established, attention shifts to targeting audiences based on their search activity.

  • Navigate to Audiences: In the Google Ads interface, go to the “Audiences” section and select “Edit Audience Segments.”
  • Use Custom Search Terms: Choose “Custom Search Terms” as the targeting method. This option allows businesses to reach individuals who have recently searched for specific terms related to the services being offered.
  • Incorporate Relevant Search Terms: In the property management example, terms such as “BNB Property Management” and “Airbnb Property Management” are included. These highly relevant keywords correspond directly with the services the business provides.
    Care should be taken to avoid adding too many search terms or terms that are overly broad. Targeting general or irrelevant keywords may lead to wasted ad spend by reaching individuals who are not likely to be interested in the services offered.
  • Save the Custom Audience: After selecting the appropriate search terms, save the custom audience. Google will then use this information to display ads to users whose search activity aligns with the selected terms, improving the likelihood of reaching potential customers.

Because most online searches begin with Google, this strategy can be applied across a wide range of industries. Whether in real estate, retail, healthcare, or another sector, businesses can use Google Ads to create custom audiences based on the exact search terms used by potential customers. This approach allows for more targeted advertising and improves the chances of connecting with qualified leads.

Want to learn more? Visit our website to see more strategy tips!

Get Your No-Cost Digital Success Blueprint

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form

Recent Blogs

What Are ChatGPT Ads?

As millions of people begin using AI tools like ChatGPT to search for information, business owners are asking an important question: "Can my business advertise on ChatGPT?" The short answer is yes, but probably not in the way you think. Unlike traditional search...

Why NAP Consistency Still Matters

If you've spent any time learning about local SEO, you've probably come across the term "NAP." NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone Number, and it refers to the core business information that appears across your website, Google Business Profile, online directories,...

Why Every Website Needs FAQs

When most business owners think about their website, they focus on the homepage, service pages, and contact form. While these pages are essential, one of the most valuable sections of any website is often overlooked: the Frequently Asked Questions page. An FAQ section...

5 Signs Your Google Ads Budget Is Too Low

Many business owners assume their Google Ads campaign isn't working because they're not generating enough leads. In reality, the issue isn't always the campaign itself, it could be the budget behind it. Google Ads is an auction. Your budget determines how often your...

Why Google Reviews Matter More Than Ever in 2026

When someone needs a roofer, plumber, electrician, or other local service, they rarely start by asking a friend. Instead, they open Google. Within seconds, they're comparing businesses based on one thing before anything else: reviews. In 2026, Google reviews have...

How to Position Your Business as the “Obvious Choice” Online

In competitive industries, most businesses offer something similar: similar services, similar pricing ranges, and similar promises. Yet only a small number of brands consistently win the majority of leads. The difference is not always the product or service, it’s...

Why You’re Getting Leads But No Sales

Getting leads is a good sign. It means your marketing is working at some level. But if those leads aren’t turning into sales, there’s a deeper issue that most businesses overlook. This is one of the most common problems we see at SC Digital when auditing Google Ads...

How Blogs Help With SEO

If your business is investing in a website but not consistently publishing blog content, you’re likely leaving significant SEO opportunities on the table. Blogging is one of the most effective long-term strategies for improving search visibility, driving organic...

Why Follow-Up Systems Matter More Than Lead Volume

Most businesses think growth comes from one thing: more leads. So they invest in ads, SEO, and social media to increase traffic and inquiries. But there’s a problem with that approach, more leads don’t automatically mean more revenue. In many cases, businesses are...

Categories