How to Take Advantage of the Google Ads New Account Credit
If you’ve recently decided to give Google Ads a shot, you may have come across a welcome perk called the Google Ads New Account Credit. It’s an incentive that Google offers to help new advertisers kickstart their campaigns, and it can make a significant difference in how quickly you see results.
But what exactly is the Google Ads new account credit? How does it work? And most importantly, how can you make the most of it to grow your online presence, boost traffic, and secure more leads? This blog breaks it all down for you, step by step.
What Is the Google Ads New Account Credit?
The Google Ads new account credit is a promotional offer that Google provides to new advertisers. Essentially, it’s free ad spend credit that can be used to test the platform and optimize campaigns without initially committing a large budget.
While the specifics of the offer can vary by country, the program typically works like this:
- When you sign up for a new Google Ads account, you are eligible for ad credit worth up to a specified amount (e.g., $500).
- To unlock the credit, you must spend a set amount (e.g., $500) on ads within the first 30 days of opening the account.
- Once the spending requirement is met, the credit is applied to your account, so future ads essentially run ‘for free’ until the credit is used up.
These credits can be a valuable tool to explore Google Ads and generate initial performance insights without risking your marketing budget upfront.
Why Use the Google Ads New Account Credit?
You might be wondering, “Why not just jump in and run ads without bothering with this credit?” Here’s why you should take advantage of it:
1. Lower Risk, Higher Learning
The new account credit gives you more freedom to experiment with ad formats, targeting options, and keywords. You can study what works best for your audience without blowing through your entire budget upfront.
2. Boosted Exposure
Google Ads puts your brand in front of millions of users across Google Search, YouTube, and the Google Display Network—helping you drive traffic, improve visibility, and generate early leads. With this credit, you gain access to this exposure at no extra cost.
3. Test and Optimize
Google Ads success depends heavily on how well your campaigns are optimized. The promotional credit offers a low-risk way to test ad performance, analyze the results using key metrics, and fine-tune strategies before fully committing funds.
4. Kickstart Your Growth
Getting off to a strong start in paid advertising can give your brand credibility, faster ROI, and a competitive edge. The ad credit is essentially fuel to help you jumpstart that growth.
Now that you understand the benefits, let’s dig into how you can claim and maximize this credit.
How to Claim Your Google Ads New Account Credit
Claiming your Google Ads new account credit is straightforward, but there are a few important steps to follow. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1. Create a Google Ads Account
If you’re new to Google Ads, start by signing up for an account at ads.google.com. Make sure to provide accurate business and billing information during setup.
Step 2. Check for Eligibility
Not all users are automatically eligible for the new account credit. Typically, it applies to businesses creating their very first Google Ads account. Additionally, promotional offers may require codes or links provided by Google or its partners.
Step 3. Meet the Spending Requirement
You won’t receive the credit upfront. Instead, you first need to spend a certain minimum amount (e.g., $500) on campaigns within a specific time frame (e.g., 30 days). Only after meeting this requirement will the credit be applied.
Step 4. Monitor Your Account Credits
Once you qualify, the credit will appear directly in your Google Ads account as an available balance. You’ll also receive an email notification informing you that your credit has been applied.
Note that the credit is non-transferable, and any unused funds at the end of the promotional period may expire.
How to Make the Most of Your Google Ads New Account Credit
Getting the ad credit is step one. Being strategic about how you use it is step two. Here are actionable tips to get the most out of your free ad spend:
1. Start with Campaign Goals
Before launching ads, define clear objectives. Are you aiming to drive website traffic, generate leads, or increase ecommerce sales? Selecting relevant campaign goals in Google Ads will help the system recommend the best settings and strategies.
2. Focus on High-Intent Keywords
Even with credit, you want your ad spend to yield meaningful results. Research keywords using tools like Google’s Keyword Planner, and prioritize those with high search intent. For example, a furniture store might focus on “buy office desk online” rather than generic terms like “office furniture.”
3. Use Smart Bidding Strategies
Google Ads’ automated bidding strategies, like “Maximize Conversions” and “Target CPA,” can help you achieve better results with less manual effort. These intelligent algorithms optimize your campaigns during this trial phase.
4. Test Multiple Ad Types
Since you aren’t spending your own money (initially), this is the perfect opportunity to explore different ad formats. Try running:
- Search Ads to directly target keywords.
- Display Ads for visual brand awareness.
- Video Ads on YouTube to engage new audiences.
5. Analyze and Adjust
Monitor the success of your campaigns through key performance metrics like CTR (click-through rate), Conversion Rate, and ROAS (Return on Ad Spend). Use this data to improve ad copy, targeting, and bidding strategies.
6. Leverage the Tasting Phase
Since this credit is your “trial run,” use what you learn to prepare for long-term campaigns. For example, identify your highest-performing keywords, ad styles, and audience segments for future investment.
Common Questions About the Google Ads New Account Credit
What happens when the credit runs out?
Once the promotion is fully utilized, you’ll need to fund your campaigns manually. Thankfully, the insights gathered during the promotion should guide you in allocating your ad budget wisely.
Can I use the credit for all campaign types?
Yes, you can use the credit across different campaign types, whether Search, Display, Video, or Shopping ads. However, ensure the campaigns align with your business objectives.
Is the promotion available globally?
The specifics of the Google Ads credit offer can vary by region. Check with Google Ads support in your country to confirm eligibility and terms.