Google Ads 101: Beginner’s Guide to Google Ads

Explore why Google Ads is ideal for high-intent B2B marketing. Compare platforms, formats, CPCs, and discover which businesses should and shouldn't invest.

Written by

Vrushti Oza

Content Marketer, Factors.AI

Introduction

Overview of Google Ads and Its Role in Digital Advertising

Google Ads enable businesses to reach potential customers across search, display, video, shopping, and app networks. Unlike social media advertising, where users are shown ads based on interests and demographics, Google Ads primarily leverages search intent, delivering ads to users actively looking for products or solutions.

With billions of daily searches, Google Ads enables businesses to position themselves at the right place, at the right time, and in front of the right audience. Whether your goal is to drive website traffic, generate leads, or increase online sales, Google Ads offers scalable solutions for businesses of all sizes.

Criteria	Google	YouTube	Facebook	Instagram	X (Twitter)	LinkedIn
Monthly Active Users	N/A (Search engine)	2.7 billion	3 billion	2 billion	650 million	1 billion
Primary Audience for Ads	Diverse, intent-based	Diverse, video-focused	Broad, all ages	Young adults, visual content	News, real-time updates	Professionals, B2B
Ad Types	Search ads, Display ads	Video ads, Display ads	Image/Video ads, Carousel ads	In-feed ads, Stories ads, Reels ads	Promoted Tweets, Trends	Sponsored Content, InMail, Text Ads
Average CPC on Ads	$4.66	$0.49	$1.72	$0.50-$0.95	$0.38	$5.58
Average CTR on Ads	6.11%	0.65%	0.90%	0.22% and 0.88% (feed ads)	0.86%	0.52%
Ad Targeting Options	Keywords, demographics, interests	Demographics, interests, behavior	Demographics, interests, behavior	Demographics, interests, behavior	Keywords, interests, behavior	Job title, company size, industry
B2B Effectiveness for Ads	High	Moderate	Moderate	Low	Low	High

Key Takeaway:

Google Ads outperform many platforms in intent-based targeting, making it an ideal choice for businesses seeking to capture high-intent leads and drive conversions.