Exact Framework Google Ads Search Campaign Set Up | Step by Step Tutorial for Search Campaigns

This is the exact framework if you are searching on “How to create search campaign in google ads”

Overview of Google Ads Search Campaign Setup for 2026

This step by step we’ll focus on preparing Google Ads campaigns for 2026, You’ll learn to setup google search campaign to achieve best results for your business.
The main goal is to guide readers through the correct setup and eventual optimization of Google Search campaigns or search campaign.
You will understand the importance of having keyword research and ad copy ready before you setup your search ads on google.
Additional resources such as a Google Ads search campaign setup guide with screenshots and instructions are available.

Pre-Setup Recommendations

Complete keyword research and prepare your ad copy in advance.
- Step-by-step keyword research process for search campaigns google ads
- How to create effective ad copy for search campaigns Google Ads
This blog will demonstrate a step-by-step process for setting up Google Search campaigns.

Initiating New Search Campaign

Inside Google Ads, start by clicking New Campaign.
Choose the objective: either Sales or Leads. The example here is for Leads (lead generation).
The process is the same for Sales campaigns.
Note: In training accounts, conversion actions may show as inactive—this is normal.

Conversion Actions and Smart Bidding

You can remove conversion actions from specific campaigns without deleting them from the account.
Removing conversions affects whether smart bidding strategies use those conversions in bidding decisions.
If you don’t have conversion actions set up yet, you can add them later.
For special campaign types (e.g., call-only campaigns), Google Ads offers relevant setup options during campaign creation.

Campaign Type and Naming Conventions

Select Search campaign type and continue.
Naming campaigns clearly and descriptively is critical for effective management and optimization.
Examples of good naming conventions:
- Search campaign about one-bedroom villas: Search - One Bedroom Villas
- For e-commerce selling men’s shorts by region:
  - Men’s Search USA
  - Men’s Search New Zealand
Naming conventions help easily identify campaigns during optimization or reporting.
Campaign names are internal only—visible only to account users.

Campaign Setup Steps Overview

The setup process is displayed on the left navigation of Google Ads interface.
Initial bidding strategy: start with Clicks bidding (manual CPC or automatic maximize clicks).
More advanced bidding strategies such as Maximize Conversions will be discussed later in the playlist.

Language and Network Settings

It is recommended to have one campaign per language because Google Ads does not translate ads automatically.
Unselect Google Display Network for Search campaigns to avoid mixing text-based search ads with image-based Display ads.
Google Search Partners network inclusion is generally not very beneficial outside the US but can be included if desired.

Location Targeting and Options

Location targeting can be set via:
- Country
- City
- Region
- Postal or zip code (depending on location).
Location targeting options include:
- Presence (people physically in the targeted location).
- Interest (people showing interest in the location).
- Presence or Interest (both).
Recommended to use Presence only to focus on users physically in the target area.

Audience Segments and Observation Mode

Audiences should be added primarily in Observation mode rather than Targeting mode initially.
Start by adding 20 to 30 audience segments to gather data on performance.
Observation mode allows you to:
- See how different audiences perform without limiting reach.
- Apply bid adjustments later based on audience performance (increase bids for high-performing audiences, exclude poor performers).
Important: Adding audiences in observation mode does not restrict the campaign’s reach.

Keyword Match Types and Brand Exclusion

Use a combination of broad match and exact match keywords as prepared in your keyword research.
Broad match keywords are generally kept off in some cases, depending on strategy.
Brand exclusion lists can be created to exclude branded search terms from the campaign.
- This involves adding brand URLs and submitting for approval (approval takes about 3 weeks).
Brand exclusion helps avoid bidding on branded keywords if you want to run separate brand campaigns.

Ad Scheduling in Google Ad Search Campaign

Ad schedules can be set if you want to run ads only on specific days or times for your Google Ad Search Campaign
Useful for service-based businesses that operate during business hours (e.g., Monday to Friday).

Ad Group Setup and Keywords for Google Ad Search Campaign

Naming ad groups clearly is as important as campaign names for easier reporting and optimization.
In the example, keyword segmentation is done with:
- Top three keywords as broad match.
- Others as exact match.
Alternative approaches: create separate campaigns or ad groups for different match types.

Adding Ads and Ad Copy

Use pre-prepared ad copy stored in a Google Sheet or similar for efficiency.
Add the following to each ad:
- Display Path (URL paths visible in the ad).
- Headlines (at least 3 recommended, minimum required is lower).
- Descriptions (up to 4 recommended, minimum 2 used in example).
Having multiple headlines and descriptions helps Google optimize ad delivery by testing ad variations.

Ad Extensions: Site Links and Callouts

Site links act as extra menu bars below the ad, increasing ad size and visibility, especially on mobile.
Add site links with:
- Site link text.
- Description.
- Final URL.
Callout extensions and other ad assets can be added during campaign setup to enhance ad presence.

Budget Setting

Google may suggest very high budget amounts, but base your budget on your keyword research data.
Example budgeting logic:
- Highest average cost per click (CPC) is $3.
- Aim for at least 10 clicks per day → $30 daily budget.
Setting a realistic budget aligned with keyword costs ensures efficient spending.

Final Review and Publishing

Review all campaign settings carefully before publishing.
Once confirmed, click Publish to launch the campaign.
The campaign setup process is now complete and ready for optimization.

Additional Resources and Closing

If any setup steps were missed, viewers can access the free Google Ads search campaign setup guide
The presenter encourages viewers to:
- Subscribe to the channel.

Key Insights and Best Practices

Complete keyword research and ad copy preparation prior to campaign setup ensures smoother and more effective campaign creation.
Clear and descriptive naming conventions for campaigns and ad groups improve management and optimization efficiency.
Use one campaign per language due to lack of automatic ad translation.
Exclude Display Network from Search campaigns to maintain ad relevance and format consistency.
Use Presence-only location targeting to better focus on actual users in your target area.
Add 20-30 audience segments in observation mode to gather valuable data without limiting reach.
Combine broad match and exact match keywords strategically based on research and campaign goals.
Implement brand exclusion lists to avoid overlap with branded terms.
Utilize ad extensions such as site links and callouts to increase ad real estate and CTR.
Set budgets based on keyword CPC data to optimize spending.
Always review thoroughly before publishing to avoid errors or misconfigurations, something very basic for your Google Ad Search Campaign

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