Should You Run Google Ads for Your Small Business? An Honest Answer

Should You Run Google Ads for Your Small Business? An Honest Answer

If you've been thinking about running Google Ads for your small business, you've probably heard all sorts of things. Some people swear by it. Others say it's a waste of money. And if you've never done it before, the whole thing can feel a bit overwhelming.

So let's cut through the noise and talk about what Google Ads actually is, whether it's right for your business, and how to avoid throwing money away on campaigns that don't work.

What Google Ads Actually Does

Google Ads is the system that lets you pay to appear at the top of Google search results. When someone searches for something you offer—say, "plumber in Manchester" or "wedding photographer near me"—your ad can show up right at the top of the page, above the organic results.

You only pay when someone clicks on your ad, which is why it's called pay-per-click (PPC) advertising. The idea is simple: you bid on keywords, your ad appears when people search for those keywords, and you pay Google every time someone clicks through to your website.

It sounds straightforward, and in theory, it is. But in practice, there's a lot that can go wrong if you don't know what you're doing.

When Google Ads Works Brilliantly

Google Ads can be incredibly effective for the right kind of business. If you offer a service or product that people actively search for, and if you can make a decent profit from each customer, then Google Ads can bring you a steady stream of enquiries.

Here's when it tends to work well. You offer something people search for. If you're a locksmith, a dentist, a solicitor, or a tradesperson, people are constantly searching for what you do. Google Ads puts you right in front of them at the exact moment they're looking.

You have a clear offer. If someone clicks your ad and immediately understands what you're offering and how to get in touch, you're halfway there. Clarity converts.

You can afford the cost per click. Some industries are expensive. If you're bidding on competitive keywords, you might pay several pounds per click. That's fine if each customer is worth hundreds or thousands to you, but if your margins are tight, it can get expensive fast.

Your website is ready. This is crucial. If your website is slow, confusing, or doesn't work properly on mobile, people will click your ad, land on your site, and leave immediately. You'll have paid for the click and got nothing in return.

When Google Ads Wastes Your Money

Google Ads isn't magic. It's a tool, and like any tool, it only works if you use it properly. Here's where it tends to go wrong.

You're targeting the wrong keywords. If you bid on vague, general terms, you'll get lots of clicks from people who aren't actually interested in buying. That means you're paying for traffic that will never convert.

Your ads aren't clear. If your ad doesn't tell people exactly what you offer and why they should click, you'll either get the wrong kind of clicks or no clicks at all.

Your landing page is rubbish. Even if your ad is great, if the page people land on is confusing, slow, or doesn't match what the ad promised, they'll leave. And you've just paid for nothing.

You don't track results. If you're not measuring what's working, you're flying blind. You need to know which keywords bring in customers, which ads perform best, and what your actual return on investment is. Without that, you're just guessing.

The Honest Truth About Google Ads for Small Businesses

Here's the reality: Google Ads can work brilliantly, but it's not a magic button. It requires strategy, testing, and ongoing management. If you set up a campaign, leave it running, and hope for the best, you'll probably waste a lot of money.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. It just means you need to do it properly. And if you don't have the time or expertise to manage it yourself, it's worth working with someone who does.

What About Meta Ads?

Google Ads isn't the only option. Meta Ads—which covers Facebook and Instagram—can also be effective, especially if your business is more visual or if you're targeting a specific demographic.

The difference is that Google Ads targets people who are actively searching for something, while Meta Ads targets people based on their interests, behaviours, and demographics. Both can work, but they work in different ways.

For some businesses, Meta Ads are cheaper and more effective. For others, Google Ads brings in better-quality leads. Often, the best approach is to test both and see what works for you.

How to Get Started Without Wasting Money

If you're thinking about trying Google Ads, here's how to do it sensibly.

Start small. Don't blow your entire budget in the first week. Set a modest daily limit and test the waters. See what works before you scale up.

Focus on specific keywords. Don't try to target everything. Pick a handful of highly relevant keywords that your ideal customers are actually searching for.

Make sure your website is ready. Before you spend a penny on ads, make sure your website loads quickly, looks professional, and makes it easy for people to contact you.

Track everything. Use Google Analytics and conversion tracking so you know exactly what's working and what isn't.

Be patient. It takes time to figure out what works. Don't expect instant results, and don't give up after a week if you're not seeing a flood of enquiries.

Why Working with Eccleshall Websites Makes Sense

At Eccleshall Websites, we don't just build websites—we also help small businesses run effective Google Ads and Meta Ads campaigns. We're not interested in selling you something you don't need. We're interested in helping you get results.

We know how to set up campaigns that target the right people, write ads that actually get clicked, and track results so you can see exactly what you're getting for your money. And because we build Wix websites, we know how to make sure your site is optimised to convert visitors into customers.

If you've been thinking about trying Google Ads but you're not sure where to start, or if you've tried it before and it didn't work, get in touch. We'll have an honest conversation about whether it's right for you, and if it is, we'll help you do it properly.

A Resource That Cuts Through the Hype

If you're serious about understanding how to make money online—whether through your own business, side income, or digital marketing—there's a resource we'd recommend. It's called 24 Ways to Earn From Home, and it's a comprehensive 298-page guide that ranks 24 different income-earning opportunities by realistic earning potential, time to first income, and likelihood of success.

It's not full of hype or get-rich-quick nonsense. It's grounded, practical, and honest. And for £27, it's one of the best investments you can make if you want to understand what actually works and what's just a waste of time.

The guide includes step-by-step action plans, resource libraries, case studies, and a bonus guide called "The Shortcut Mirage" that exposes the biggest online scams and how to avoid them. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by all the conflicting advice out there, this guide will give you clarity.

The Bottom Line

Google Ads can be a brilliant way to grow your business, but only if you do it properly. It's not a magic solution, and it's not right for everyone. But if you offer something people are searching for, and if you're willing to invest the time and effort to get it right, it can bring you a steady stream of customers.

The key is to start smart, track your results, and work with someone who knows what they're doing if you need help. Don't waste money on guesswork. Do it properly, or don't do it at all.

If you'd like to talk about whether Google Ads or Meta Ads could work for your business, or if you need a website that's ready to convert visitors into customers, Eccleshall Websites is here to help. We'll give you straight answers, no nonsense, and a plan that actually works.