While you might think that ecommerce is all about Google Ads and SEO, today we want to talk about something that’s been making waves in the digital marketing world: Google Ads for YouTube. Now, I know what you might be thinking – “Ads? On YouTube? Isn’t that just going to annoy people?” Well, hold your horses, because we’re about to show you how combining Google Ads with your YouTube marketing strategy can take your reach to a whole new level! Let’s take a closer look.
Why Combine Google Ads with YouTube Marketing?
It's All About the Eyeballs
Let’s face it, everyone and their pet is on YouTube these days. By using Google Ads, you can get your video content in front of a ton of people who are actually interested in what you have to say. No more shouting into the void, hoping someone will stumble upon your videos – with Google Ads, you can make sure your content is seen by the right people at the right time.
More Bang for Your Buck
As a leading SEO and PPC agency in London, we know that advertising can be expensive. But with Google Ads for YouTube, you’re in control of your budget. You only pay when someone engages with your ad, like clicking on a video or watching it for a certain amount of time. That means you’re getting the most value out of every penny you spend. And who doesn’t love a good deal?
Targeting Like a Pro
Want to reach people who are into knitting? Or maybe you’re targeting tech-savvy millennials or Gen Z? No problem! Google Ads has got you covered with its insanely precise targeting options. You can get super specific about who sees your ads based on their interests, demographics, and even the YouTube channels they watch. It’s like having a marketing superpower!
Getting Started with Google Ads for YouTube
Setting Up Your Campaign
First things first, you’ll need to create a new campaign in your Google Ads account. Don’t worry, it’s not rocket science! Just choose the “Video” campaign type and pick your objective, whether it’s getting people to know about your brand, consider your products, or take action. Then, set your budget, define your target audience, and choose the ad format that works best for you.
Who's Your Target Audience?
This is where you get to put on your detective hat and really dig into who your ideal customer is: think about their age, gender, interests, behaviours, and even where they live. YouTube’s audience insights tool can give you some juicy information about what your audience likes to watch, so don’t be afraid to do some snooping!
Picking the Perfect Ad Format
Google Ads for YouTube has a bunch of different ad formats to choose from, like TrueView in-stream ads (you know, the ones you can skip after five seconds), bumper ads (the short, snappy ones), and overlay ads (the ones that pop up at the bottom of a video). Each one has its own special sauce, so think about what works best for your goals and your audience.
Optimising YouTube Ad Formats
TrueView In-Stream Ads
If you’re going with TrueView in-stream ads, you’ve got to make those first five seconds count! Come up with a hook that grabs people’s attention and makes them want to keep watching. And don’t forget to include a clear call-to-action (CTA) so they know what to do next.
Bumper Ads
Bumper ads are like the haikus of the advertising world – you’ve got to make a big impact in just six seconds or less. Keep your message short, snappy, and visually interesting – think of it as a mini-billboard for your brand.
Overlay Ads
Overlay ads are like the ninjas of YouTube advertising – they’re small, stealthy, and can pack a punch without being too in-your-face. Make sure your message is clear and easy to read, even on those tiny phone screens.
Targeting Strategies for YouTube Ads
Demographics
Demographic targeting lets you reach viewers based on things like age, gender, parental status, or how much money they make, and this is super useful if your products or services are geared towards a specific group of people. Like, if you’re selling baby gear, you probably want to target new parents, right?
Interests
Interest targeting is all about reaching viewers based on what they’re passionate about. YouTube has a ton of interest categories to choose from, like music, sports, gaming, and tech. By targeting people who are into stuff that’s related to your business, you can make sure your ads are hitting the bullseye.
Placement
Placement targeting also lets you show your ads on specific YouTube channels or videos that your target audience is likely to watch; this is a great way to get in front of people who are already engaged with content that’s relevant to your business.
Creating Engaging Ad Content
Tell a Story
The key to creating engaging ad content is to focus on storytelling and making an emotional connection with your viewers. Use relatable characters, real-life situations, and compelling stories to reel people in and keep them watching; don’t be afraid to use humour, nostalgia, or inspiration to create ads that stick in people’s minds.
CTAs
Make sure to include clear and compelling calls-to-action (CTAs) in your ads. Whether you want people to visit your website, make a purchase, or subscribe to your channel, use strong, action-oriented language and make your CTAs stand out.
Stay on Brand
Keep your ad content consistent with your overall branding and marketing messages. Use your brand colours, logos, and tone of voice to create a cohesive and recognisable experience for viewers, as consistency helps build trust and makes people more likely to engage with your content.
Optimising for Mobile Viewing
Mobile-Friendly
Most people watch YouTube on their phones these days, so it’s super important to make sure your ad content looks good on smaller screens. Use clear visuals, large text, and short, punchy messages that mobile users can easily digest on the go.
Vertical Videos
Call it the TikTok effect, but vertical videos, like YouTube Shorts, are taking over! These videos are designed to fill up the whole screen on a mobile device, making for a really engaging viewing experience. So if you want to stay ahead of the curve, try creating some vertical video ads that grab people’s attention.
Staying Compliant with YouTube Policies
Play by the Rules
When you’re making ads for YouTube, you’ve got to make sure you’re following all of their ad policies and guidelines. Take some time to read through YouTube’s advertising policies, which cover stuff like prohibited content, restricted categories, and editorial guidelines. Trust us, you don’t want to get on YouTube’s bad side by breaking the rules!
Keep It Age-Appropriate
If you’re promoting products or services that aren’t suitable for all ages, be extra careful about age restrictions and targeting. YouTube is incredibly strict about protecting kids from inappropriate content, so make sure your ads are targeted and labelled correctly.
Future Trends in Google Ads for YouTube Marketing
Interactive and Shoppable Videos
As video marketing keeps evolving, we’re going to see more and more interactive and shoppable video formats on YouTube. Imagine being able to click on a product in a video and buy it right then and there! Or answering questions and interacting with the ad itself. These new formats are going to change the game, so start experimenting with them now and give your audience a cool new ad experience.
Leverage AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) is going to be a huge player in Google Ads for YouTube marketing. AI-powered tools can help you optimise your targeting, bidding, and creative strategies based on real-time data and machine learning, so by using AI, you can make smarter decisions and keep improving your YouTube ad campaigns.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, Google Ads for YouTube is an amazing way to get your video content in front of a ton of people and really engage with your target audience. If you’re able to use the right strategies, ad formats, and targeted options, you can create ad campaigns that drive serious results and help your business grow.
At Clickslice, we know how important it is to try out different types of paid advertising to find the perfect mix for your business. So whether you’re just getting started with video advertising or want to take your campaigns to the next level, we’ve got your back. Give us a shout today to learn more about how we can help you crush it with Google Ads for YouTube marketing! Trust us, your audience (and your bottom line) will thank you!
