Google Ads Myths That Local Businesses STILL Believe…

Myth #1: “Google Ads Is Too Expensive for Small Local Businesses”

Reality: Google Ads can be expensive—but only if you’re running campaigns blindly. With the right targeting and budget control, local businesses can generate high-quality leads without spending a fortune.

  • You only pay when someone clicks your ad (if set up correctly).
  • You can set daily budgets to ensure you never overspend.
  • With proper keyword targeting and negative keywords, you avoid wasting money on irrelevant clicks.

💡 Focus on high-intent keywords (e.g., “best bathroom fitter near me” instead of just “bathroom fitter”) to maximise ROI without unnecessary spend.

Myth #2: “Nobody Clicks on Google Ads”

Reality: A huge 46% of all clicks on Google’s search results page go to ads! That means nearly half of users actively click on paid ads when searching for services.

Why? Because:

  • People searching on Google have high intent—they’re looking for a solution right now.
  • Google Ads appear above organic results, making them the first thing users see.
  • Well-optimised ads (with compelling headlines & offers) get clicks.

💡 Smart Strategy: Use clear, benefit-driven headlines like “✅ 10% Off Kitchen Fitting – Get a Free Quote Today” to stand out and encourage clicks.

Myth #3: “Google Ads Work Instantly”

Reality: While Google Ads can generate leads quickly, expecting instant success is unrealistic. Like any marketing channel, PPC requires testing, optimisation, and data-driven decisions.

Here’s what actually happens:

Week 1-2: Google’s algorithm learns who your ideal audience is (machine learning phase).

Week 3-4: You start refining keywords, adjusting bids, and eliminating wasteful clicks.

Month 2+: Your ads become more efficient, generating more leads for less money.

💡 Smart Strategy: Start with a 3-month test period, allowing time for adjustments and performance improvements.


🚫 Myth #4: “I Can Just Set Up My Google Ads and Forget About It”

✅ Reality: Google Ads is NOT a “set it and forget it” platform. Leaving campaigns unattended often leads to:


❌ Wasted ad spend on irrelevant searches.
❌ Poor-performing keywords draining your budget.
❌ Low conversion rates because of un-optimised landing pages.

💡 Smart Strategy: Regularly review your campaign and:

  • Pause underperforming keywords
  • Adjust bids based on performance
  • Test new ad copy & landing pages

A well-managed campaign will always outperform a neglected one!

Myth #5: “SEO Is Better Than Google Ads”

Reality: SEO (organic search) and PPC (Google Ads) should work together, not compete against each other!

SEO is great for long-term growth, but it takes months (or years) to rank for competitive keywords. Google Ads, on the other hand, can get instant visibility for the same searches.

💡 Smart Strategy: Use Google Ads to get leads quickly, while investing in SEO for long-term brand authority.

If you need support with your Google Ads, click here to find out more about how we can work together.

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