Types of Google Ads

Published: 14 Nov 2025

Do you ever get confused when people discuss the various types of Google Ads? With so many options like search ads, display ads, and video ads, it can feel difficult to understand which one is right for your business. This guide explains each type in simple terms, allowing beginners to easily learn how Google Ads works. If you want to explore more helpful topics, you can also read our guide on advertising platforms.

8 types of google ads names with images.

8 Types of Google Ads

Google offers different types of Google Ads to help businesses reach the right people at the right time. Each ad type works in a unique way and supports different marketing goals.

Here are the types of Google Ads

  1. Search Ads
  2. Display Ads
  3. Video Ads
  4. Shopping Ads
  5. App Promotion Ads
  6. Local Ads
  7. Smart Campaigns
  8. Performance Max Ads

Search Ads

Search Ads appear when people search on Google. They show text about a product, service, or business. These ads are simple and easy to read.

Where they appear
Search Ads appear at the top or bottom of Google search results. Sometimes, they also appear on the right side of the search page.

Best for
Businesses that want people ready to buy or search for information.

Simple example
If someone searches for “buy shoes online,” a shoe store ad can appear at the top. The ad shows the store name, product, and website link.

Benefits
  • Reach people who are ready to take action.
  • Bring more clicks to your website.
  • Easy to manage for beginners.
Limitations
  • Only works when people search for keywords.
  • Need careful keyword selection.
  • Competition can make ads expensive sometimes.

Display Ads

Display Ads are pictures or videos. They can also have text. These ads are more visual than Search Ads. They help attract people who are browsing online.

Where they appear
Display Ads appear on websites, apps, and YouTube. They not only appear on Google search results.

Best for
Display Ads are best for businesses that want to show their brand or products. They are effective for reaching a large audience online.

Simple example
A clothing store can show a colourful ad on a fashion website. People can see the ad while reading articles or watching videos.

Benefits
  • Reach a large audience online.
  • Make your brand more visible.
  • Can include images, videos, and text.
Limitations
  • People may ignore them if they are not interested.
  • Less effective for people who are ready to buy.
  • It can be expensive for beginners.

Video Ads

Video Ads are short videos shown online. They can appear before, during, or after other videos. These ads help businesses show their message in a visual way.

Where they appear
Video Ads appear on YouTube and other websites that show videos. They also appear in apps that support video ads.

Best for
Video Ads are best for businesses that want to tell a story. They help people remember the brand or product easily.

Simple example
A toy store can show a 15-second video of kids playing with their toys on YouTube. People watch the video before their favourite cartoon.

Benefits
  • Catch people’s attention with sound and images.
  • Help people remember the brand.
  • Great for storytelling.
Limitations
  • Can be skipped by viewers.
  • Needs video creation, which can be expensive.
  • Less effective for immediate sales.

Shopping Ads

Shopping Ads show a product image, price, and store name. They appear when people search for products online. These ads help people see what they can buy at a glance.

Where they appear
Shopping Ads appear on Google search results and Google Shopping. They show pictures and prices above or beside other search results.

Best for
Shopping Ads are best for online stores that sell products. They help people find products quickly.

Simple example
If someone searches for “red shoes for kids,” a store can display a Shopping Ad featuring the shoe picture, price, and link to purchase.

Benefits
  • Show product image and price directly.
  • Help people decide quickly.
  • Increase sales for online stores.
Limitations
  • Only for businesses that sell products online.
  • Need good product photos.
  • It can be expensive in competitive markets.

App Promotion Ads

App Promotion Ads help people download apps. They can appear on Google Search, YouTube, or apps. These ads showcase your app to people who may be interested in it.

Where they appear
App Promotion Ads appear on Google Play, websites, and mobile apps. They can also show inside other apps.

Best for
These ads are best for businesses with mobile apps. They help increase app downloads quickly.

Simple example
If someone searches “fitness app,” a gym app can show an ad. People can click and install the app instantly.

Benefits
  • Increase app downloads fast.
  • Reach people using mobile devices.
  • Show the app directly to interested users.
Limitations
  • Only useful for apps, not websites or products.
  • Need a good app design.
  • It can be costly if many people click the ad.

Local Ads

Local Ads help people find nearby businesses. They display your business location, contact information, and working hours. These ads are great for attracting local customers.

Where they appear
Local Ads appear on Google Maps, Google Search, and YouTube. They can also appear on Google partner websites.

Best for
Local Ads are best for shops, restaurants, salons, and local services. They help people easily visit your business.

Simple example
If someone searches “pizza near me,” a local pizza shop can show an ad with address, phone number, and reviews.

Benefits
  • Attract people near your business.
  • Show address, phone number, and working hours.
  • Increase foot traffic to your store.
Limitations
  • Only useful for local businesses.
  • Limited reach outside your area.
  • Advertisements may cost more in high-traffic areas.

Smart Campaigns

Smart Campaigns are automated ads by Google. Google automatically shows your ads to the right people. You don’t need to manage every detail.

Where they appear
Smart Campaigns appear on Google Search, Display Network, Google Maps, and YouTube. They reach people across multiple platforms.

Best for
Smart Campaigns are best for beginners. They help small businesses advertise without much effort.

Simple example
If someone searches “best coffee near me,” a local coffee shop can show an automated ad. Google decides where and when to show it.

Benefits
  • Google automatically shows ads to the right audience.
  • Save time on ad management.
Limitations
  • Less control over where ads appear.
  • Limited options for advanced targeting.
  • It may not work well for very specific goals.

Performance Max Ads

Performance Max Ads are automated ads by Google. They appear on all Google platforms. Google uses AI to show your ads to the right audience.

Where they appear
Performance Max Ads appear on Google Search, Display, YouTube, Gmail, and Maps. They reach people across all Google channels.

Best for
Performance Max Ads are best for businesses with multiple goals. They help increase leads, sales, and brand awareness at the same time.

Simple example
If a store wants to sell shoes online, Google can show the ad on YouTube, Search, and partner websites. Google chooses the best place automatically.

Benefit
  • Show ads on all Google platforms.
  • Use AI to reach the right people.
  • Save time managing ads manually
Limitations
  • Less control over ad placement.
  • May require a larger budget for optimal results.
  • Beginners may find advanced reports confusing.

Conclusion

So, friends, it’s time to wrap up! We have covered 8 types of Google Ads in detail. In my opinion, beginners should start with Search Ads or Smart Campaigns. They are simple and give good results quickly. Try these ads for your business today and see the difference!

FAQs about types of Google Ads

Check out these common questions about Google Ads.

Which Google Ad gives the fastest results?

Search Ads, Shopping Ads, App Promotion Ads, and Local Ads give fast results. They reach people who are already interested. These ads get clicks and actions quickly.

Are Google Ads expensive?

The cost depends on your keywords, target audience, and level of competition. You can set a daily budget to control spending. Even small businesses can start with low budgets.

Can Google Ads increase website traffic?

Yes, Google Ads can bring more people to your website. Search and Display Ads are best for traffic. More visitors can lead to more sales or leads.

Do all Google Ads need images or videos?

Not all ads need images or videos. Search Ads use only text. Display, Video, Shopping, and App Ads use images or videos to attract attention.

Can I target local customers with Google Ads?

Yes, Local Ads help you reach people near your business. They show your address, phone number, and working hours. This brings more visitors to your shop or office.

Rukhsana Iqbal Avatar
Rukhsana Iqbal

Hi! I’m Rukhsana Iqbal, a passionate digital marketing enthusiast. I love sharing simple tips and strategies that help beginners understand SEO, blogging, and online marketing in an easy way. My goal is to make digital marketing less confusing and more fun so that anyone can grow their online presence step by step. Let’s learn and grow together!

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