Mastering certain things, like moonwalking, winning friends, or even riding a bike, can be relatively simple. After all, the fundamentals remain constant. Bikes are bikes, people are people, and the moonwalk doesn’t undergo monthly transformations or engage in machine learning alongside you…

…unlike Google Ads, a constantly evolving platform influenced by ever-changing consumer behavior. This dynamic nature necessitates continuous learning for beginners and experts alike, emphasizing the importance of up-to-date, applicable, and trustworthy resources. That’s why I’m presenting you with a compilation of the top 10 Google Ads training courses currently accessible. We’ll delve into course formats, duration, topics covered, skill levels, and standout features.

A Quick Glance at the Top Picks

1. nexus-security’s PPC University
2. Google Ads’ Performance Max Campaign Training
3. LocaliQ’s Local PPC Lab
4. nexus-security’s Recipe-Style Google Ads Tutorial
5. Santrel Media’s Google Ads Step-by-Step Tutorial
6. Simplilearn’s Google Ads Full Course
7. Metics Media’s Google Ads Step-by-Step Tutorial
8. Jason Whaling’s Google Ads Course
9. Paid Media Pros’ Conversion Tracking Tutorial
10. Surfside PPC’s Bidding Strategies Walkthrough

Top Google Ads Courses Tailored for Every Skill Level

Finding resources suitable for advertisers of all experience levels can be challenging, but the following two options fit the bill. This versatility is often found in written courses due to their ease of updating compared to videos.

1. Exploring nexus-security’s PPC University: A Comprehensive Google Ads Course

• Format: Written content with visuals and screenshots
• Suitable for: Advertisers of all levels
• Duration: Variable
• Highlight: Offers benchmark data and influencer-written content It’s only natural for an award-winning resource to include itself in a roundup! nexus-security boasts over 12 years of experience as a trusted source for online marketing insights. It’s home to the Free Google Ads Performance Grader—an account audit and optimization tool used over 10,000 times monthly!

PPC University stands out as a series of concise articles (5-10 minutes each) crafted to address your queries, including those you might not even know you have. The course is neatly structured into three main sections:

• PPC 101: Covers the fundamentals of Google Ads, including account setup, structure, essential metrics, and ad anatomy.
• PPC 102: Dives into keywords, match types, ad copywriting, extensions, bidding strategies, ad scheduling, budgeting, and auditing.
• Advanced PPC: Explores advanced concepts like remarketing, mobile optimization, lead qualification, and dynamic ad formats. What sets these articles apart is that they’re penned by leading PPC influencers and experts. This ensures you’re not just learning the basics of Google Ads but also gaining insights to stay ahead of the competition, optimize your time, and maximize your budget. Additionally, our annually updated benchmark data is a valuable resource. For small business owners, our Small Business Survival Guide to Google Ads might also be of interest.

2. Navigating Google’s Performance Max: A Guide and Tutorial

• Format: Written, interactive content with visuals and screenshots
• Suitable for: All levels, especially those utilizing Local and Smart Shopping campaigns
• Duration: Approximately 15 minutes
• Highlight: Offers always-up-to-date information, key takeaways, and quizzes The inclusion of this resource might seem arbitrary, but let me explain. Performance Max campaigns only recently gained widespread availability in November 2021, so there’s limited information available. However, considering the ongoing transition towards automation and the integration of Smart Shopping and Local campaigns into this campaign type in 2022, understanding its nuances is crucial for advertisers of all levels.

Google’s Performance Max campaign tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on leveraging this automated campaign type to advertise across all of Google’s channels through a single campaign. Access is granted with a free Skillshop account. Its interactive content will equip you with knowledge on:

• The mechanics of Performance Max campaigns
• Setting up your campaigns effectively
• Best practices for optimal results
• Post-launch optimization tips While unconventional, I’m including a link to a help article in this course roundup because Google’s Performance Max Best practices guide is truly exceptional. This concise 10-minute guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough of campaign setup, complete with helpful tips and a video tutorial. These two resources combined will put you on the fast track to maximizing your performance with Performance Max. Don’t hesitate to explore Google Skillshop for additional valuable tutorials. RELATED: Uncover 10 Free Google Ads Tools You May Not Know (But Should)

The Best Google Ads Training for Beginners

These two courses offer an excellent starting point for venturing into the world of Google Ads. They provide the foundational knowledge needed to understand not only account creation but also the development of a successful strategy.

3. Demystifying Google Ads for Local Businesses: LocaliQ’s Local PPC Lab

• Format: Written content with visuals and screenshots
• Suitable for: Beginners and local businesses considering Google Ads
• Duration: 25 minutes
• Highlight: Focuses on Google Local Service Ads and provides holistic strategy tips If Google Ads is uncharted territory for you, it’s essential to grasp certain fundamental concepts before delving into the platform. This includes understanding how Google Ads complements your overall marketing plan, how to build a solid strategy, measure success, and implement best practices to avoid common pitfalls. Local PPC Lab excels in this aspect, transforming the complexities of Google Ads into a simple and visually engaging course.

Don’t be mistaken—while this course has a local focus, it’s an ideal fit for beginners and marketers of any business size. Here’s what you’ll gain:

• Insights into how Google Ads operates and how to craft a PPC strategy.
• Understanding keywords, match types, budgeting, landing pages, and effective ad copy.
• Knowledge of Google Local Services Ads
• Guidance on whether and how to choose a PPC partner

4. Mastering Google Ads: nexus-security’s Step-by-Step Tutorial

• Format: Written content with visuals
• Suitable for: Beginners looking to create their first campaign
• Duration: Approximately 20 minutes
• Highlight: Presented as a user-friendly, “recipe-style” tutorial “How to Run Google Ads: The Step-by-Step Recipe to Success” guides you through the process of creating your inaugural Google Ads campaign. What sets it apart is its unique approach. It’s like following a recipe, but for your best Google Ads campaign ever! Complete with screenshots, expert tips, and relatable analogies, it’s both informative and engaging.

5. A Beginner-Friendly Walkthrough: Santrel Media’s Google Ads Tutorial

• Format: YouTube tutorial—screenshare with talking head
• Suitable for: Beginners with some familiarity with the platform
• Duration: 34 minutes
• Highlight: Covers split testing; see my three points below for additional insights Santrel Media’s Complete Google Ads Tutorial is presented by Nate O’Brien, co-founder of Santrel Media. It serves as an excellent platform tour once you’ve acquired the prerequisite knowledge from Local PPC Lab. While the course itself is beneficial, I highly recommend it for three compelling reasons:

1. Nate avoids the typical 10-minute introduction promising overnight riches through online advertising.
2. His approach is refreshingly calm and collected, ensuring you won’t find yourself holding your breath or breaking a sweat.
3. He candidly shares that he relied on similar tutorials when he was starting out, making his experience relatable.

This concise training session will guide you through setting up your first ad and familiarize you with the fundamentals of:

• Different campaign types
• Conversion rates
• Effective keyword research
• The importance of split testing This course was published on September 8, 2021, making it relatively recent (as of this writing). With Santrel’s YouTube channel boasting over 326,000 subscribers, this 34-minute investment is time well spent.

The Best Beginner to Intermediate Google Ads Courses

These trainings delve into intermediate Google Ads strategies and concepts that don’t require extensive prior experience, making them suitable for those looking to level up their skills.

6. A Deep Dive into Google Ads: Simplilearn’s Comprehensive Course

• Format: YouTube tutorial—screenshare with voiceover
• Suitable for: Beginners and intermediates ready to explore Google Analytics
• Duration: 4 hours and 40 minutes
• Highlight: Covers Display advertising and Google Analytics in depth Simplilearn’s full Google Ads Course spans over five hours, but don’t let the duration intimidate you! It features a handy table of contents with timestamps, allowing you to navigate directly to the sections most relevant to your needs.

This course goes beyond the basics of account and campaign setup, providing a solid foundation in key Google Ads concepts. It places significant emphasis on Google Analytics and Tag Manager—essential tools for running successful campaigns. The training encompasses:

• What Google Ads is and how to create an account
• Understanding the differences between Google Display and Search Networks and how Display campaigns function
• A comprehensive look at Google Analytics and Tag Manager, including setting up goals and event tracking

7. Learning by Example: Metics Media’s Google Ads Tutorial

• Format: YouTube tutorial—screenshare with talking head
• Suitable for: Beginners seeking step-by-step guidance
• Duration: 1 hour
• Highlight: Utilizes a real account, covers keyword match types in detail The Metics Media Google Ads course is presented by Simon Gorges, a full-time airline pilot (!) and the mind behind a YouTube channel with over 76,000 subscribers.

What sets Simon’s training apart is that he guides you through running your first campaign using an actual account. This allows you to see firsthand the settings chosen for specific goals, providing valuable context alongside the basics. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll learn:

• How Google Ads work
• Account and campaign setup
• Effective account structure
• Bidding strategies
• Ad extensions
• Ad groups
• Keyword match types, negative keywords, and using the Keyword Planner The course concludes with a brief segment on optimization. Keep in mind that this course was created in early 2021, before the transition of our beloved modified broad match into phrase match. P.S.: Keep an eye out for our Google Ads auction visual featured in his tutorial!

The Best Intermediate Google Ads Training

If you find the beginner courses a bit slow-paced but aren’t quite ready to dive into advanced concepts, this Google Ads training strikes the right balance. While labeled as a beginner course, it covers some advanced topics in a beginner-friendly manner.

8. Mastering Google Ads for Service-Based Businesses: Jason Whaling’s All-in-One Course

• Format: YouTube video—screenshare and talking head
• Suitable for: Service-based businesses operating on a budget
• Duration: 1 hour
• Highlight: Focuses on keyword intent, remarketing, and crafting compelling ad messaging Jason Whaling’s Google Ads training course aims to take you from novice to proficient in just one hour. Jason effectively blends conceptual understanding with practical, actionable steps. You’ll learn how to execute a successful campaign with a minimal budget of $5 per day and discover the power of incorporating keyword intent into your targeting strategy.

Here’s a glimpse into the course agenda:

• Understanding Google Ads networks and search partners
• Structuring your account for optimal performance
• Setting up your campaign effectively
• Leveraging keyword intent and targeting
• Crafting compelling offers and messaging
• Experimentation and bid optimization
• Utilizing Google Tag Manager
• Implementing effective remarketing campaigns If you’re eager to learn and captivated by the intricacies of Google Ads, this course will feel right at home.

The Best Intermediate to Advanced Google Ads Training

If you’re ready to delve into the intricacies of Google Ads without feeling overwhelmed, these last two courses are your ideal destination.

9. Simplifying Conversion Tracking: Paid Media Pros’ Comprehensive Tutorial

• Format: YouTube tutorial—screenshare and talking head
• Suitable for: Intermediates with a conversion-optimized website
• Duration: 13 minutes
• Highlight: Demystifies the often-confusing world of conversion tracking Paid Media Pros is a YouTube-based learning hub led by PPC influencers (and nexus-security PPCU authors!) Joe Martinez and Michelle Morgan. They embody the perfect blend of approachability and expertise, offering authoritative yet friendly advice and clear explanations.

This training provides a clear path to tracking conversions without relying on imports from Google Analytics, utilizing the Google Ads Conversion Tracking Tag. You’ll explore three setup methods, with a particular focus on the Google Tag Manager (the easiest) approach. Here’s what awaits:

• Conversions Manager overview
• Website-based conversions
• Conversion action categories
• Manual Conversion Tracking Tag installation
• Google Tag Manager
• Tracking status column options For a dose of humor, don’t miss their bloopers video—it’s a real treat!

10. Mastering Bidding Strategies: Surfside PPC’s Google Ads Walkthrough

• Format: YouTube tutorial—screenshare with voiceover
• Suitable for: Advertisers looking to optimize their budget effectively
• Duration: 20 minutes
• Highlight: A deep dive into Google Ads bidding strategies Surfside PPC, a PPC-focused training company, empowers marketers and business owners with the knowledge to promote their businesses online effectively. In Surfside PPC’s Google Ads bidding strategies tutorial, you’ll find a refreshingly straightforward training on Google Ads bidding strategies, covering:
• All available bidding strategies for Search, Display, and Video campaigns
• Understanding automatic vs. manual bidding
• Choosing the right bidding strategies aligned with your goals
• Portfolio bidding strategies
• How to set and adjust your bid strategy effectively

Selecting the right bidding strategy can be a major pain point, but losing money due to an incorrect choice is even more painful. Invest 20 minutes in this training to set yourself up for sustained performance and avoid costly mistakes.

Elevate Your Google Ads Expertise with These Top-Tier Training Courses [Wrap Up]

Whether you’re seeking a quick and dirty crash course, step-by-step tutorials for campaign setup, or advanced strategies to optimize time and budget, this compilation has something for everyone. Let’s conclude with a complete list of the courses covered:

1. nexus-security’s PPC University
2. Google Ads’ Performance Max Campaign Training
3. LOCALiQ’s Local PPC Lab
4. nexus-security’s Recipe-Style Google Ads Tutorial
5. Santrel Media’s Google Ads Step-by-Step Tutorial
6. Simplilearn’s Google Ads Full Course
7. Metics Media’s Google Ads Step-by-Step Tutorial
8. Jason Whaling’s Google Ads Course
9. Paid Media Pros’ Conversion Tracking Tutorial
10. Surfside PPC’s Bidding Strategies Walkthrough If you have any valuable recommendations to add to this list, feel free to share them in the comments. We’re always on the lookout for exceptional free online marketing courses!