How to Choose the Right Google Ads Campaign for Your Local Business (Even If You’ve Never Run Ads Before)
If you’re a local business owner, you’ve probably heard people say:
“You should run Google Ads to get more customers.”
But here’s the problem — when you log into Google Ads, it can feel like a foreign language. There are so many campaign types to choose from, and it’s hard to know where to even start.
The good news? You don’t need to be a marketing expert. In this simple guide, we’ll break it down step by step — in plain English — so you can pick the right type of ad to bring more people to your store, your website, or your phone line.
🔎 1. Search Campaigns — “Be Found When People Are Looking for You”
Think of a search campaign like putting your business at the top of Google when someone searches for what you offer.
For example:
If someone types “kids consignment shop near me” or “best bakery in town,” your ad can show up right there in the search results.
✅ Why it’s great:
Reaches people who are ready to buy
Simple and effective
Great for phone calls, directions, or website visits
🛍️ Best for: service businesses, salons, repair shops, consignment stores, restaurants, clinics, etc.
👉 Real-life example: If you run a bakery, your ad can show up when someone searches “cupcakes near me.” That means you’re showing up to people who are already hungry.
📍 2. Local Campaigns — “Show Up Around Town”
Local campaigns are designed to help people find your physical store. Your ads can show up on Google Maps, Search, and YouTube — basically anywhere someone nearby might be looking.
✅ Why it’s great:
Brings people straight to your door
Shows your hours, directions, and phone number
Works best when your Google Business Profile is set up
🛍️ Best for: shops, cafes, gyms, salons, or any business with a physical location.
👉 Example: If someone opens Google Maps and searches “coffee,” your shop can pop up with a little ad pin, making it easy for them to tap “Directions” and visit.
🚀 3. Performance Max — “Let Google Do the Heavy Lifting”
Performance Max is like hiring Google to be your marketing assistant. It shows your ad in lots of places at once: Search, Maps, YouTube, Gmail, and more. You just give Google your business info, a few photos, and your goals — and it figures out the rest.
✅ Why it’s great:
Reaches people everywhere
Runs automatically (less setup for you)
Good for both foot traffic and online sales
🛍️ Best for: businesses that want to reach more people but don’t want to spend hours learning all the details.
👉 Example: If someone watches a YouTube video about kids’ clothing, they might see your store ad right after.
4. Display Campaigns — “Stay in Front of People”
Display ads are the picture ads you see on websites or apps. They help remind people about your business even when they’re not searching for you at that moment.
✅ Why it’s great:
Great for staying top of mind
Low cost per click
Perfect for reminding people who visited your site before
🛍️ Best for: businesses running promos, sales, or just wanting more visibility in the community.
👉 Example: Someone visits your website but doesn’t buy anything. A few days later, they see your ad again on another website — and come back to shop.
📹 5. Video Campaigns — “Tell Your Story with a Short Video”
Video ads run on YouTube. This is a fun way to show your personality and connect emotionally with your customers. You don’t need a big production — even a short video with your phone can work.
✅ Why it’s great:
People remember videos more than text
Builds trust
Great for promotions and events
🛍️ Best for: businesses launching something new or telling their brand story.
👉 Example: A hair salon could run a quick video showing a beautiful before-and-after haircut, encouraging people to book an appointment.
✨ Where to Start (If This All Feels Overwhelming)
You don’t need to use every campaign type right away.
For most local businesses, here’s a simple starter plan:
Start with a Search Campaign → get in front of people already looking.
Add a Local or Performance Max Campaign → reach more people nearby.
Use Display or Video later → remind them and build your brand.
💡 Final Tip: Don’t Overthink It — Start Small
Google Ads doesn’t have to be complicated. You can start with a small budget — even $5–$10 a day — and grow as you see results. The key is to pick the campaign type that matches your goal:
Want more calls or website visits? 👉 Start with Search.
Want more foot traffic? 👉 Try Local or Performance Max.
Want to build awareness? 👉 Add Display or Video.
🧭 Need a Little Help?
At Bindi & Blazers Media, we specialize in helping local businesses set up and run ads without the marketing overwhelm.
👉 We can help you pick the right campaign type, set it up correctly, and track your results — so your ad dollars actually work for you.
✨ Simple. Transparent. Affordable. Contact Us Today!
