If you’ve ever thought about running online ads, you’ve likely heard of Google Ads and Google AdWords. You might even be using the terms interchangeably, but here’s the thing: while they refer to the same platform, they’re actually two different stages in its evolution. I know it can get a bit confusing, so don’t worry—I’m here to break it down for you! In this blog, I’ll dive into the Google Ads vs Google AdWords debate, walk you through the key features, and help you figure out which one is best for your business. Along the way, I’ll share insights on cost and conversion rates and give you some expert tips to get the most out of your ad campaigns. Let’s get started!
What is Google AdWords?
If you’ve ever wondered about Google AdWords, you’re not alone! Google AdWords was the original name for Google’s advertising platform, and it played a huge role in changing the way businesses advertise online. It all started back in 2000, and Google AdWords was a game-changer for advertisers looking to reach new customers through the web. With AdWords, businesses could bid on specific keywords, and their ads would show up in Google search results or on websites that were part of Google’s advertising network. So, if you’ve ever clicked on an ad in Google search results, you’ve interacted with Google AdWords.
However, in 2018, Google decided it was time for a change and rebranded Google AdWords to Google Ads. So, when we talk about Google AdWords today, we’re really talking about what is now Google Ads—just under its old name.
Key Highlights of Google AdWords
- Launched in 2000: Google AdWords marked a huge shift in online advertising, allowing businesses to run targeted ads based on user search queries.
- Keyword Bidding: Advertisers could bid on keywords that were relevant to their products or services, and ads would appear when users searched for those keywords.
- Search & Display Ads: Initially, AdWords allowed businesses to display ads in Google search results and on websites within the Google Display Network.
- Rebranded to Google Ads in 2018: The platform’s name changed to reflect its expansion beyond just search ads, covering a wider range of advertising options like video ads on YouTube and display ads across websites.
So, while the name has changed, the core idea remains the same. Google Ads still lets businesses reach users through paid ads based on keywords, but now it offers a lot more opportunities across Google’s vast network of platforms!
Why the Name Change from AdWords to Google Ads? 
You might wonder why Google decided to change the name from AdWords to Google Ads. In a nutshell, it was about simplicity and expanding the platform’s scope. Google Ads now includes not just search ads (which AdWords focused on) but also display ads, YouTube ads, app ads, and more. The name change reflects the broader range of advertising solutions Google now offers.
Key Differences Between Google Ads and Google AdWords
When we talk about Google Ads vs Google AdWords, it’s not about the features being drastically different; it’s more about how Google expanded the platform’s capabilities. The difference between Google Ads and AdWords lies in the following:
- Branding: As mentioned, Google AdWords became Google Ads in 2018, but the services offered remain the same.
- Expanded Reach: Google Ads has expanded to include ads beyond search results. Now you can place ads on YouTube, Google Display Network, and more.
- User Interface: The interface is cleaner and more intuitive in Google Ads. It also integrates more seamlessly with Google’s other services.
So, at its core, Google Ads and AdWords difference is just a matter of a new name for an old system that’s evolved significantly over time.
Google Ads Cost: How Much Does It Really Cost?
If you’re wondering about Google Ads cost in UAE, the pricing works on a pay-per-click (PPC) model. You pay for every click someone makes on your ad. The cost per click (CPC) varies depending on factors such as:
- The competition for your chosen keywords.
- Your quality score, which is determined by the relevance and performance of your ads.
- Your bid, which is the amount you’re willing to pay per click.
Google Ads spending can range from a few cents to hundreds of dollars per click. If you’re wondering about the Google AdWords cost, know that it works similarly, but the rebranding to Google Ads doesn’t change the cost structure.
Google Ads Cost Factors
Here are the key factors that impact Google Ads cost:
- Keywords: Highly competitive keywords (like “insurance” or “mortgage”) will cost more.
- Quality Score: Google rewards relevant ads with lower CPC.
- Ad Placement: Ads in more prominent spots (top of the search results) tend to cost more.
- Location: Advertising in certain regions (like the UAE) may have different costs.
If you’re unsure about how to set up a spending limit for your campaign or optimize your conversion rate, getting help from a Google Ads expert or Google AdWords consultant can save you time and money.
The Difference Between Google Ads and Facebook Ads
Credit: reliablesoft.net
When comparing Google AdWords vs Facebook Ads, both platforms offer powerful ad tools, but they cater to different types of campaigns.
- Google Ads targets users based on their search intent. If someone searches for “best smartphones,” Google Ads will display ads related to smartphones.
- Facebook Ads allows for demographic targeting, meaning you can reach people based on interests, age, and location. While Facebook ads are great for brand awareness, Google Ads tends to perform better for high-conversion intent.
For many businesses, the choice between Google Ads vs Facebook Ads depends on whether you want to target people actively looking for your product or services (Google Ads) or build awareness among a specific audience (Facebook Ads).
Google Ads vs Bing Ads: Which Is Better?
Another comparison that often comes up is Bing Ads vs Google AdWords. While Google dominates the search engine market, Bing Ads offers a more cost-effective alternative.
- Bing Ads typically has lower competition, which can lead to lower CPC.
- Google Ads, on the other hand, has a larger reach, which could result in higher conversion rates, despite the higher CPC.
If you’re operating in the UAE or the Middle East, working with a Google AdWords expert in UAE can help you determine which platform is best for your local audience.
Getting the Best Results with Google Ads
Whether you’re just starting with Google Ads or looking to improve your campaign, here are some best practices to follow:
- Set a Clear Goal: Do you want more website traffic, product sales, or lead generation? Define your objective early.
- Keyword Research: Use tools like Google’s Keyword Planner to find the most relevant keywords for your ads.
- Use Negative Keywords: Exclude irrelevant search terms that could waste your budget.
- Optimize Landing Pages: Make sure your landing page is relevant to your ad for a better conversion rate.
- Monitor and Adjust: Regularly check your campaigns for performance and adjust bids or keywords if needed.
Hiring a Google Ads expert can also give your campaign a huge boost. These experts are familiar with the ins and outs of the platform, including advanced strategies for reducing costs and increasing returns.
Online Reputation and Google Ads
Having solid online reputation management tools is crucial when running ads. If you’re driving traffic to your website, you want to ensure your brand is perceived positively. If potential customers see negative reviews or outdated information, they might bounce off your site. Learn more about online reputation management here.
FAQ’s
Let’s answer some of your questions!
What’s the difference between Google Ads and AdWords?
Google AdWords is the old name for the platform, now rebranded as Google Ads, which includes more ad formats like display ads and YouTube ads.
How much does Google Ads cost in the UAE?
Costs vary by keyword and competition, but the average CPC can range from a few cents to over $10, depending on the industry.
Is it worth using Google Ads or Facebook Ads?
Google Ads is great for intent-based marketing, while Facebook Ads is better for targeting specific demographics. The right choice depends on your goals.
How do I improve my conversion rate?
Focus on optimizing your landing pages, using relevant keywords, and setting clear goals for your campaigns.
Can I set a spending limit on Google Ads?
Yes, you can set daily or monthly spending limits to control your budget effectively.
Final Word
So, which one should you choose: Google Ads vs Google AdWords? It all comes down to terminology. Google Ads is the newer, broader version of what used to be called Google AdWords. Whether you’re looking to run search ads, display ads, or YouTube ads, Google Ads has you covered.
With proper keyword research, monitoring, and a clear strategy, you can maximize your ROI from Google Ads. If you’re unsure where to start or need help fine-tuning your campaigns, partnering with a Google Ads expert can help you get the best results. If you’re interested in a personalized solution, consider exploring professional PPC services like those offered by Hashtag Media.
Ready to get started? Let’s make your ads work harder for you!
