Google Ads is a platform where businesses can advertise on Google search results and millions of other websites. But you might not be ready to run campaigns if you’re just starting out. And that’s okay!
You can explore the platform and familiarize yourself with different tools even if you don’t add a campaign to the account. This means you can research keywords and plan future campaigns easily. It is perfect because you can prepare before spending any money on ads at a later point in time.
To help you get started, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of creating a Google Ads account. We’ll discuss both strategies that involve not creating a campaign nor using credit card information.
Now, let’s create your Google Ads account without a campaign!
Create Google Ads Account Without a Campaign: Step-by-Step Guide
You’ll only have to follow five steps to create a Google Ads account. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you create an account without starting a campaign:
Step 1: Visit the Google Ads Website
Start by going to the Google Ads website. Once you’re there, click the “Start Now” button in the top-right corner. You’ll need to create a Google account if you don’t already have one. If you do, just sign in with your existing Google account.
Step 2: Skip the Smart Campaign
After signing in, Google will prompt you to create your first campaign. But since you’re not ready to run ads yet, you must skip it. Look for the small link at the bottom that says “Switch to Expert Mode.” Click that. This lets you bypass the default campaign setup and gives you full control over your account.
Step 3: Choose “Create an Account Without a Campaign”
Once you’re in Expert Mode, Google will again ask you to start a campaign. But don’t worry, you can still skip it! You’ll see an option to “Create an account without a campaign”. Select this option, and you’ll be able to finish setting up your account without launching any ads.
Step 4: Enter Billing Information
Even though you’re not creating a campaign, Google will still ask for your billing details. Don’t worry—you won’t be charged until you decide to run ads. Simply enter your payment information to complete this step.
Step 5: Review and Submit
Now, Google will ask you to review your account settings, like your time zone and currency. Double-check that everything is correct, then click “Submit.” Congrats! You’ve just created a Google Ads account without a campaign.
Once your account is ready, you can explore the platform and use tools like the Keyword Planner for free. When you’re ready, you can come back to create and launch your ads.
If you’re a visual learner, you can watch the video below with detailed instructions.
Does Campaign-Free Google Ads Account Provide Value?
Setting up a Google Ads account without launching a campaign can be quite valuable. Even without running ads, you have access to useful tools like the Keyword Planner, which helps you find relevant keywords for future campaigns. You can also explore audience insights to understand your potential customers better.
This approach allows you to get comfortable with the Google Ads platform and plan your strategies without spending any money. As you become more familiar with how Google Ads works, you’ll be well-prepared to create effective campaigns when you’re ready. It’s a great way to learn and plan for future advertising without any immediate costs.
Now, if you’re annoyed by entering billing information, you can skip that part too! The following segment will help you understand how to do it correctly.
How to Create a Google Ads Account Without a Credit Card
Here’s how you can create a Google Ads account without needing to enter credit card information during setup:
- Visit Google Ads: Go to the Google Ads website and click “Start Now”. Sign in with your Google account.
- Switch to Expert Mode: When prompted to create your first campaign, look for the option to “Switch to Expert Mode”. This lets you bypass the default campaign setup.
- Create an Account Without a Campaign: In Expert Mode, you’ll be given the choice to “Create an account without a campaign.” Select this option to skip setting up a campaign right away.
- Skip Billing Setup: During the account setup, Google will still ask for billing details. You can skip this step by not entering payment information immediately. You can proceed with account creation without entering a credit card.
- Payment Required Later: Remember, you’ll need to provide a credit card when you’re ready to run ads. Until then, you can use your account for research and planning without any costs.
This way, you can explore Google Ads and prepare for future campaigns without the immediate need for payment details.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Sometimes, a small misstep can take you in a different direction. It’s pretty normal when you’re creating Google Ads account for the first time. Here are some common issues you might face and how to fix them:
- Stuck in Smart Mode: If you’re automatically directed to Smart Mode, look for a link at the bottom of the page to “Switch to Expert Mode.” Click it to bypass Smart Mode and continue without a campaign.
- Prompted to Create a Campaign: If you’re asked to start a campaign, you can select Prompted to Create a Campaign: If you’re asked to start a campaign, you can select “Create an account without a campaign” in Expert Mode to skip this step.
- Confusion with Billing Setup: If you’re unsure about entering billing details, remember you can skip this step by choosing to set up your account without providing payment information initially.
By following these solutions, you can smoothly set up your Google Ads account and explore the platform without any immediate issues.
Next Step: Link Google Ads to Google My Business
Linking your Google Ads account to your Google My Business profile is a smart move, even if you’re not running ads yet. Here’s how you can do it:
How to Link:
- Go to your Google Ads account and click on “Tools & Settings”.
- Select “Linked Accounts” and choose “Google My Business”.
- Click “Link” and follow the prompts to connect your accounts.
This setup will streamline your future local advertising efforts and enhance your business’s online presence.
Final Thoughts
As you’re now aware of how to create a Google Ads account without a campaign, we’ll end this discussion with some expert tips. Remember to always switch to Expert Mode to gain full control over your account settings. You should also keep track of your settings, such as time zones and currencies, to avoid confusion later.
Are you ready to take your Google Ads strategy to the next level? Visit Ajala Digital for expert advice and personalized services to optimize your campaigns and achieve better results!
