Looking to increase your gym’s membership? Google Ads can help. It’s an effective way to reach the right people in your area who are more likely to engage with your gym and sign up for your services.
In our last post, we explored the differences between Google Ads and Facebook Ads. Now, it’s all about Google Ads.
This guide will walk you through the basics. We’ll show you how to set up a Google Ads campaign and offer tips to maximize its performance, helping you attract high-quality leads to your gym and boost conversions.
Let’s get started and take your gym’s growth to the next level.
Understanding Google Ads: A Quick Recap for Gym Owners
Before we dive into creating your ad campaign, let’s quickly go over the basics of Google Ads.
What Are Google Ads? Google Ads is a digital advertising platform from Google. It’s especially useful for gym owners because of its localized targeting, letting you show your ads to people who are actively searching for gym and fitness-related services. Typically, these folks are more inclined to engage with your fitness business and sign up.
How Do Google Ads Work? First, you choose specific keywords or phrases that relate to your gym, like “gym trial” or “personal training.” When people search for these terms, your ads appear in their Google search results. It’s based on a pay-per-click (PPC) system, so you only pay when someone clicks on your ad.
What Types of Google Ads Exist? There are several types, but the two most notable ones are:
- Search Ads: These are found in Google search results, as part of the Google Search Network.
- Display Ads: These show up across the Google Display Network on various websites, in apps, and on Google properties like YouTube.
What are the Benefits? Google is the largest search engine in the world, so your gym gains wider visibility with Google Ads. It targets people actively searching for gym-related services and zeroes in on local prospects, helping you attract higher quality leads.
💡 For a deeper dive on Google Ads, check out our article: Google Ads or Facebook Ads: What’s Best for Your Fitness Business?
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get into setting up your campaign.
Set Up Your Google Ads in 6 Steps
Follow these six easy steps to get your gym’s Google Ads up and running.
Step 1: Get Your Google Ads Account Ready
First things first: you need a Google Ads account. Here’s how to set it up quickly:
- Sign Up: Visit the Google Ads website and sign in with your Google account (i.e., Gmail).
- Enter Your Details: Add your gym’s name and website URL.
- Link Existing Google Accounts: Connect any Google My Business or YouTube accounts you have. This can help streamline your online presence.
- Set Up Billing: Fill in your billing and payment details.
Step 2: Put Together Your Campaign
On the main Google Ads dashboard, click New campaign.
Next, pick the objective of your campaign. Based on your chosen goal, various ad formats will appear. From these, choose the type of campaign that suits your needs.
Complete the remaining fields, which will vary based on your selection. For example, here are the additional details you’ll need to fill in for the ‘Leads’ goal and ‘Search’ campaign type:
Step 3: Set Your Bidding Strategy
💡 Understanding bidding is key in Google Ads. Your bid is the amount you pay each time someone clicks on your ad. It determines where your ad is placed in search results. Usually, a higher bid means better placement.
After picking your ad goal and format, decide on your spending limit. Your bid should align with your goals and budget.
Step 4: Adjust Key Features of Your Campaign
This step is about getting specific with your ad placement. Remember to think about your customer avatar—you’ll choose locations to target and languages they speak. It’s all about tailoring your campaign to connect with those you want to reach most.
💡 Related: Top-Earning Gym Owners Swear by This One Trick to Attract Their Dream Clients
Step 5: Choose Your Target Audience
As we’ve mentioned, Google Ads are powerful for targeting people who are actively searching for fitness-related services.
So say you type in ‘fitness enthusiasts’ for your audience segment. Google then shows you what these people commonly search for, letting you target them more effectively.
Step 6: Create Your Ad
Time for the fun part: making your ad. You will see your Ad group, which is a collection of ads with similar targets. Here, you pick keywords or phrases that align with what your target audience is searching for. Luckily, Google simplifies this process by suggesting keywords for you.
Next, it’s time to write your ad copy. As you work on your ad, you’ll get a real-time preview of it on the right side of the screen.
Make sure to include these elements:
- URL: The webpage link where people land after clicking your ad.
- Headlines: Up to 15 different headlines to grab attention.
- Descriptions: Up to 4 descriptions explaining what you offer.
- Images: Add relevant images to make your ad stand out.
- Sitelinks: Include 4 or more specific page links under your ad for more info.
- Callouts: Add brief highlights like “open 24/7” to show business features.
- Optional Extras: Add a phone number, pricing, or other useful details if needed.
💡 Each component of your ad should be designed to attract and resonate with your ideal gym client.
And that’s it! With these six steps, you’re all set to create Google Ads for your gym and start attracting more potential members.
5 Best Practices for Creating Effective Google Ads for Your Gym
Let’s look at 5 ways you can optimize your Google Ads:
1. Craft Eye-Catching Headlines
Your headline is the first thing people see. In Google Ads, especially responsive search ads, you can make up to 15 different headlines per ad. Google tests these to find the best fit for your audience’s searches, helping to increase clicks and improve your ad’s effectiveness.
2. Write a Compelling Call to Action
Your ad needs a clear call to action (CTA). This guides viewers on their next steps, such as ‘Join Now’ or ‘Sign Up for a Free Trial.’ A simple and direct CTA makes it easy for people to know exactly what to do.
💡 For more on effective CTAs, read our article: Is This One Button Costing Your Gym Potential Clients?
3. Keep Descriptions Clear and Concise
Under the headline, there’s a small space for additional details. It should offer quick insights while being engaging enough to prompt action or clicks on your ad.
💡 Typically, these descriptions build on your headline, giving viewers more information to encourage their engagement.
4. Maximize Every Element of Your Ad
Google Ads provides plenty of asset types, including promotions, callouts, pricing and so on to make your ads more appealing. Using a range of these features will help your ads stand out.
Consider these three ad examples: Which one catches your eye the most? Which the least? Why? Reflecting on this can guide you in understanding what makes an ad effective.
5. Continuously Test and Refine
Consistently testing and tweaking your Google Ads is crucial for optimal performance. Try out different headlines, descriptions, and keywords to see what resonates best with your audience.
💡 Regularly make adjustments to improve performance. For more details on how to analyze your ads and keywords, click here.
Transform Your Gym with the Power of Google Ads
Google Ads is a powerful tool for gyms, offering targeted reach and a direct line to those actively searching for fitness-related services. By applying the steps and best practices outlined in this guide, you can create ads that not only resonate with your audience but also bring in high-quality leads and boost conversions.
Remember, the key to success with Google Ads is consistent monitoring and refinement. As you gain insights into what appeals to your audience, your campaigns will become even more effective.
If you’re looking for further assistance with your gym’s ads, our team at Kilo is ready to help you. Don’t hesitate to book a call with us, and let’s drive your gym’s growth.
