Google Ads 101: Meet the Ad Formats That Sell

Types of Ads in the SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages)

Text Ads

Text ads are the traditional ad format displayed in search results. They feature a clickable title link accompanied by brief descriptive text designed to encourage clicks. This format helps users anticipate the content they'll encounter upon landing.

Shopping Ads

Shopping ads specifically serve e-commerce merchants. They display product images alongside relevant search queries, distinguishing them from standard text ads. These ads frequently showcase products from multiple retailers, enabling side-by-side comparisons.

Local Services Ads

Local services ads target service providers including locksmiths, plumbers, electricians, and real estate professionals. Google requires verification screening to authenticate business legitimacy, adding credibility.

Google Maps Ads

Google Maps ads focus on local businesses — both service and retail — such as restaurants, jewelry stores, and gyms. These ads appear within Google Maps, directing users to nearby locations.

Call Ads

Call ads capitalize on mobile search growth by enabling direct phone calls from search results. They prove particularly effective for mobile users preferring direct contact.

Ad Extensions in Google Ads

Ad extensions supplement primary ads with additional information and functionality, enhancing user experience and boosting conversion rates.

Sitelink Extensions

Sitelink extensions provide additional website section links, giving users more choices and improving click-through rates.

Call Extensions

Call extensions permit direct business calls from ads, benefiting mobile users and facilitating immediate contact.

Location Extensions

Location extensions help users locate and navigate to physical business addresses via Google Maps, increasing foot traffic.

Price Extensions

Price extensions display specific products with pricing details, linking to product pages — valuable for e-commerce highlighting promotions.

Structured Snippets Extensions

Structured snippets emphasize key product and service aspects like services, brands, amenities, and available styles, attracting targeted traffic.

Conclusion

Search engine marketing continuously evolves, particularly on Google. Digital marketers and e-commerce professionals must understand the various ad types and extensions to optimize strategies and expand reach. Strategic deployment of the right ad formats and extensions substantially improves visibility and attracts qualified traffic. NES builds and manages targeted campaigns as part of our marketing services.