Set Up Google Ads Video Campaigns | Youtube Ads Guide

In this article, I'll guide you through the intricacies of setting up an effective Video campaign, or what many refer to as a YouTube Ads campaign. However, before delving into the step-by-step process of campaign setup, let's address a critical aspect—your actual video content, which serves as the foundation for your ads.

Key Elements of Successful Video Content

The uniqueness of video ads lies in their ability to transcend a flawless campaign setup. Even with a well-orchestrated campaign structure, if your video content falls short, so will the overall performance of your video campaign within Google Ads.

In contrast to search or shopping campaign ads, where uniformity is dictated by Google's control over font colors and sizes, Video ads offer creative freedom. Therefore, I'd like to begin by elucidating the five fundamental elements essential for the success of your Video campaigns.

Compelling 'Hook' in the First 6 Seconds 

Understand that viewers can skip your ads after the initial 6 seconds, so craft a hook that captivates their attention and discourages them from hitting the skip button. This is crucial as you're interrupting their viewing experience, especially if they're engrossed in content from their favorite YouTuber—perhaps that Australian guy with the Google Ads channel.

Highlight a Problem or Build Desire

Recognize the dual motivations behind purchasing decisions: problem-solving or desire achievement. Your video should artfully emphasize a need or desire to engage your audience effectively.

Introduce Your Product as the Solution 

Once you've identified a problem or desire, seamlessly position your product or service as the solution. Your offering should be the answer your audience needs to address their current requirements or fulfill their desires.

Build Trust and Authority

For newer brands, establishing trust and authority is paramount. Leverage testimonials or reviews as potent tools to assure potential customers that your products can be trusted.

Strong and Clear Call to Action 

Concluding these strategic steps, ensure your video incorporates a compelling call to action. In all Google Ads campaigns, particularly in video ads, a compelling and feasible offer is indispensable. It's essential to avoid unrealistic offers, such as trying to sell a $5 note for $10, as this approach is unlikely to yield positive results.

Creating Your Google Ads Video Campaign

Once your video content is ready and optimized, it's time to set up your Google Ads Video campaign. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and effective campaign setup:

1. Access Google Ads and Create a New Campaign

• Log into your Google Ads account.
• Click on the 'Campaigns' tab on the left-hand side.
• Click the blue plus button to create a new campaign.
• Choose 'New Campaign' from the dropdown menu.

2. Select Your Campaign Goals

• Choose the goal that aligns with your campaign objectives. Common goals include 'Sales,' 'Leads,' 'Website traffic,' 'Product and brand consideration,' and 'Brand awareness and reach.'
• For most video campaigns, 'Product and brand consideration' or 'Brand awareness and reach' are suitable choices.

3. Choose Your Campaign Type

• Select 'Video' as your campaign type.
• Choose the specific campaign subtype that fits your goals, such as 'Custom video campaign,' 'Non-skippable in-stream,' or 'Outstream.'

4. Set Your Budget and Bidding

• Decide on your daily or campaign total budget.
• Choose your bidding strategy. For beginners, 'Maximum CPV' (cost-per-view) or 'Target CPA' (cost-per-acquisition) are common choices.

5. Define Your Target Audience

• Use audience targeting options to reach the right viewers. Options include demographics (age, gender, parental status), interests, and remarketing lists.
• Refine your audience to ensure your ads are shown to the most relevant users, increasing the chances of engagement and conversions.

6. Select Your Ad Placements

• Choose where you want your ads to appear, such as on YouTube search results, YouTube videos, or partner websites and apps in the Google Display Network.
• You can also use keyword, topic, and placement targeting to further refine where your ads will be shown.

7. Create Your Video Ad

• Upload your video to YouTube if you haven't already.
• Enter the YouTube URL of your video when prompted in Google Ads.
• Fill in the required details, such as ad name, ad copy, and call-to-action text.

8. Review and Launch Your Campaign

• Double-check all your settings, including budget, targeting, and ad details.
• Click 'Create Campaign' to launch your video ad campaign.
• Monitor your campaign's performance and make necessary adjustments to optimize results.

👉🏻 Curious How I Use Google Video Campaigns? Click here!

Monitoring and Optimizing Your Campaign

1. Track Key Metrics

• Regularly check the performance of your campaign by monitoring key metrics such as views, view rate, average CPV, and conversions.
• Use the Google Ads dashboard to get detailed insights into how your ads are performing.

2. Make Data-Driven Adjustments

• Based on the data collected, make adjustments to your targeting, bids, and ad creatives to improve performance.
• Experiment with different ad formats and CTAs to see what resonates best with your audience.

3. A/B Test Your Ads

• Conduct A/B tests to compare different versions of your video ads.
• Test various elements such as the hook, messaging, visuals, and CTA to determine what drives the best results.

4. Optimize for Mobile

• Ensure your video ads are optimized for mobile devices, as a significant portion of YouTube traffic comes from mobile users.
• Use vertical or square video formats if necessary to enhance the viewing experience on mobile.

In Closing

By following these steps and focusing on creating compelling video content, you can set up and manage effective Google Ads Video campaigns. Remember, the success of your campaign heavily relies on the quality and relevance of your video content, as well as ongoing optimization based on performance data. With the right approach, your YouTube Ads campaign can drive significant engagement and conversions for your brand.