How I Would Learn Google Ads... If I Could Start Over

There's no denying that the ability to skillfully manage Google Ads for profitability is a highly valuable expertise to cultivate. Despite the surge of AI technology, Google Ads is steadfastly holding its ground. In the previous year, Google's ad revenue surged to a staggering 224.47 billion dollars, with projections indicating a potential growth to over 350 billion by 2026. 

With my extensive background as a freelancer, agency owner, and experience heading the Search & Digital departments for several prominent Digital Agencies, I can confidently assert that among the various facets of digital marketing, Google Ads commands the highest demand.

The Place of Google Ads Within Online Marketing

This is particularly intriguing considering that Google Ads remains one of the least popular skills to master, as indicated by the Google Search trends for the core Digital Marketing topics:

• Google Ads Management
• Social Media Management
• SEO Management
• Website Development

Oddly, Google Ads scarcely registers in these trends, despite its significant 2022 spend nearly doubling that of Meta ads. In 2022, Google commanded 42% of the total digital marketing spend, while Meta trailed at 22%.

👉 Chatgpt vs Man | Using ChatGpt for Google Ads

This discrepancy fuels my belief that Google Ads presents the best digital marketing skill to focus on, given its relatively low competition for mastery, coupled with its high expenditure. The rationale behind this phenomenon can be attributed to my theory, which emerged particularly during my time interviewing prospective agency employees. 

At that time, Social Media Management was in vogue, drawing those with creative flair. Meanwhile, SEO and Web Development attracted tech enthusiasts and problem solvers. Google Ads, with its requirement for both analytical skills and creativity, found itself in a middle ground.

Why Google Ads is Undervalued

The market demand for Google Ads expertise is high, yet the competition to master this skill remains relatively low. This presents a unique opportunity for those willing to invest the time and effort to learn it. Google Ads' demand and expenditure indicate its importance in the digital marketing landscape, yet it remains undervalued and underexplored compared to other skills like Social Media Management, SEO, and Web Development.

From my experience, this disparity can be attributed to the specific skill set required for Google Ads management. Unlike Social Media Management, which appeals to those with a creative inclination, or SEO and Web Development, which attract tech enthusiasts, Google Ads requires a blend of analytical prowess and creative thinking. This dual demand places it in a middle ground that fewer individuals are prepared to venture into.

My Background

Before diving into the details of how to learn Google Ads, allow me to introduce myself. I am Aaron Young from DDA, and I've been effectively managing profitable Google Ads campaigns since 2010. My journey began in an era where resources were limited, with Google's Ads Certification courses serving as the primary learning avenue. 

YouTube was still in its infancy, mainly focused on music videos and comedy sketches, and additional resources were scattered across blogs and Reddit forums. My learning path was heavily reliant on hands-on experimentation and meticulous data analysis.

Since then, the landscape of learning Google Ads has transformed significantly. Today, there are far more resources and structured learning paths available, making it much easier to gain proficiency in this essential digital marketing skill.

Learning Google Ads: Then vs. Now

Back in 2010, the resources for learning Google Ads were scarce. The primary avenue for gaining knowledge was through Google's Ads Certification courses. YouTube, having just emerged in 2005, was still in its early stages, focusing mostly on music videos and comedy sketches rather than educational content. 

Beyond Google's own resources, information was fragmented across various blogs and Reddit forums. My journey into Google Ads was characterized by a significant amount of hands-on experimentation and rigorous data analysis to understand what worked and what didn't.

Fast forward to 2024, the landscape has changed dramatically. Learning Google Ads has become far more accessible, with a wealth of resources available online. From comprehensive courses to tutorial videos and active online communities, the tools to master Google Ads are now readily at your fingertips. This shift has made it easier for newcomers to gain the skills needed to manage successful campaigns.