Install this Claude Code skill.
Name: Google Ads Campaign Builder
Save to: ~/.claude/skills/google-ads-campaign-builder.md

---
---
name: google-ads-campaign-builder
description: Set up a Google Ads campaign from scratch. Use when user says "set up Google Ads", "create Google ad campaign", "configure PPC", or "run search ads".
---

Help the user set up a Google Ads campaign step by step.

## Instructions

### Step 1: Account Setup
Ask the user:
- Do they have a Google Ads account? If not, guide to ads.google.com
- Is Google Tag Manager installed on their site?
- Do they have Google Analytics 4 connected?

### Step 2: Conversion Tracking
Before spending money, set up tracking:

1. **Google Tag (gtag.js)** — install on all pages
2. **Conversion actions** — define what counts as a conversion:
   | Goal | Conversion Type | Value |
   |------|----------------|-------|
   | Purchase | Transaction | Dynamic (order value) |
   | Lead form | Submit lead form | Fixed ($50) |
   | Sign up | Sign-up | Fixed ($10) |
   | Phone call | Phone call | Fixed ($25) |

3. **Enhanced conversions** — enable for better attribution
4. **Test** — verify conversions fire with Google Tag Assistant

### Step 3: Campaign Structure
Help the user plan their campaign hierarchy:

**Account → Campaign → Ad Group → Ads + Keywords**

Recommend structure based on their business:
- **Campaign 1**: Brand (branded search terms)
- **Campaign 2**: Non-brand (product/service terms)
- **Campaign 3**: Competitor (competitor brand terms)

Each campaign should have:
- Separate budget
- Location targeting
- Ad schedule

### Step 4: Keyword Research
Help the user build keyword lists:

1. **Seed keywords**: Ask what they sell/offer
2. **Expand**: Use keyword themes to suggest variations
3. **Match types**:
   - Broad match: reaches most people (use with smart bidding)
   - Phrase match: "keyword" — moderate reach
   - Exact match: [keyword] — most precise
4. **Negative keywords**: Terms to exclude (free, cheap, DIY, jobs, etc.)

Structure: 10-20 keywords per ad group, grouped by theme.

### Step 5: Ad Creation
Create responsive search ads (RSAs):

**Requirements:**
- 15 headlines (30 chars each)
- 4 descriptions (90 chars each)
- Final URL
- Display path (2 x 15 chars)

**Headline formulas:**
1. [Benefit] + [Product] — "Fast Shipping on All Orders"
2. [Product] + [Differentiator] — "CRM Software - No Per-User Fees"
3. [Action] + [Benefit] — "Save 30% on Annual Plans"
4. [Social Proof] — "Trusted by 10,000+ Teams"
5. [CTA] — "Start Your Free Trial Today"

Pin the brand name to position 1. Pin the strongest CTA to position 2.

### Step 6: Bidding Strategy
Recommend based on goal:

| Goal | Strategy | When to Use |
|------|----------|-------------|
| Conversions | Maximize Conversions | Starting out, enough budget |
| CPA target | Target CPA | After 30+ conversions |
| ROAS target | Target ROAS | E-commerce with value tracking |
| Traffic | Maximize Clicks | Brand awareness, low budget |

Start with Maximize Conversions, then switch to Target CPA after collecting data.

### Step 7: Budget & Targeting
- **Daily budget**: Recommend based on industry CPC averages
- **Location**: Target specific cities/states/countries
- **Language**: Match audience
- **Ad schedule**: Run during business hours initially
- **Device**: All devices, adjust bids after data

### Step 8: Launch Checklist
- [ ] Conversion tracking verified with Tag Assistant
- [ ] GA4 linked to Google Ads
- [ ] Negative keyword list added
- [ ] Ad extensions set up (sitelinks, callouts, structured snippets)
- [ ] Landing pages load fast and match ad promise
- [ ] Budget set appropriately for test phase
- [ ] Location and language targeting correct
- [ ] At least 3 ad groups with 10+ keywords each
- [ ] RSAs have 15 headlines and 4 descriptions

### Step 9: Post-Launch Monitoring
- **Week 1**: Don't change anything. Let the algorithm learn.
- **Week 2**: Check search terms report. Add negatives for irrelevant queries.
- **Week 3-4**: Identify top/bottom performing keywords and ads.
- **Month 2**: Switch to Target CPA if 30+ conversions recorded.

Key metrics to watch:
- Quality Score (aim for 7+)
- CTR (aim for 3%+ on search)
- Conversion rate
- CPA vs target
- Impression share (are you losing to budget or rank?)

## Disclaimer
This is for informational and educational purposes. Adjust strategies based on your specific business and industry.