How to Use Google Ads to Drive Foot Traffic to Your Store

Whether you run a boutique, café, salon, or service business, Google Ads can help bring real people into your location — not just clicks to your website.

✅ Step 1: Set Up a Google Business Profile

Before running ads, make sure your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is claimed and up to date — address, hours, phone number, photos, etc.
This is how people find you on Maps — and it connects directly to your ads.

✅ Step 2: Use “Local” Campaigns or Location Extensions

Google offers campaign types specifically made to drive store visits:

• Local Campaigns (now under Performance Max) automatically show ads across Google Search, Maps, YouTube & Gmail to people nearby.

• Add Location Extensions to your search ads so your address, directions, and phone number show up with your ads.

📍 Your store will literally appear on Maps with a clickable “Directions” button right in the ad.

✅ Step 3: Target People Nearby

Use radius targeting (e.g., within 5-10 miles) so your ads only show to people physically close to your store.
You can even schedule your ads to run during business hours to drive same-day visits.

✅ Step 4: Use Local Keywords

Run ads with keywords like:

• “Coffee shop near me”

• “Nail salon open now”

• “Best tacos [your city]”

• “Gift shop downtown [your neighborhood]”

These search terms catch people when they’re looking to walk in right now.

✅ Step 5: Create a Special Offer

Give people a reason to visit today:

• "Show this ad & get 10% off"

• "Walk-ins welcome – $5 off today only"

• "First-time customers: Free drink with purchase"

Add this to your ad copy and also post it on your Google Business profile.