freecourses.digital
Lesson progress: 0 of 3 activities done
All lessons in Google Ads for Beginners Lesson 2.1 of 24

Module 0: Introduction to PPC

  1. 0.1What is PPC?
  2. 0.2PPC vs SEO vs SEM
  3. 0.3How the Google Ads auction works
  4. 0.4PPC platforms compared

Module 1: Planning Your First Campaign

  1. 1.1Setting PPC goals
  2. 1.2Setting a Google Ads budget
  3. 1.3PPC keyword research
  4. 1.4Google Ads keyword match types
  5. 1.5Negative keywords

Module 2: Building the Campaign

  1. 2.1How to create a Google Ads account
  2. 2.2Campaign and ad group structure
  3. 2.3Location, language, and schedule
  4. 2.4Google Ads bidding strategies

Module 3: Writing Ads That Get Clicks

  1. 3.1How to write responsive search ads
  2. 3.2PPC ad copy formulas
  3. 3.3Google Ads assets
  4. 3.4PPC landing page best practices

Module 4: Tracking Results

  1. 4.1Google Ads conversion tracking
  2. 4.2What is Quality Score?
  3. 4.3PPC metrics that matter
  4. 4.4Google Ads search terms report

Module 5: Optimizing and Scaling

  1. 5.1Your first 30 days
  2. 5.2Common Google Ads mistakes
  3. 5.3Your PPC action plan

How to create a Google Ads account

Covered here

  • How to sign up and skip the Smart campaign
  • What Expert Mode is and why you want it
  • How to set up billing and payment in the Philippines

Short answer

Go to ads.google.com and sign in with a Google account. When Google suggests a Smart campaign, switch to Expert Mode and create an account without a campaign. Set your country to the Philippines, time zone to Manila, and currency to PHP. Then add a payment method and confirm your billing details.

Why skip the Smart campaign

A Smart campaign is a simplified campaign type. Google picks most settings for you. That sounds easy, but you lose control of keywords, match types, and negatives.

Account setup path: sign in, Expert Mode, skip campaign, PHP and Manila, billingSign inads.google.comExpert Modenot SmartSkip campaignbuild laterPHP + Manilacannot changeBillingadd cardFive steps to a clean accountCurrency and time zone are permanent. Check them twice.
Skip the Smart campaign so you keep control of keywords and settings.

Expert Mode gives you the full Google Ads interface. Everything in this course uses it.

Step by step

Google changes this sign-up flow often. If a button name differs, look for the closest match.

Step 1 of 6

Start at ads.google.com

Click Start now. Sign in with the Google account you will use for the business. Use one you will keep long term.

Billing setup in the Philippines

  • Account type: Individual for a solo freelancer, Business for a registered business. Business accounts can add a TIN for official receipts.
  • Payment method: a Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card is most common. Other options may appear depending on your account.
  • Payment setting: most new accounts use automatic payments. Google charges your card after you spend a set amount or on a monthly date.

Some banks block foreign online charges. If your card fails, enable online and international transactions in your banking app.

Quick quiz

1. Why skip the Smart campaign?
2. Which settings cannot be changed later?
3. Your card keeps failing. What should you check first?

Common mistakes

  • Accepting the Smart campaign. You lose control of keywords and settings.
  • Wrong currency or time zone. These are permanent.
  • Using an email you might lose. Use a business Google account you control.
  • Ignoring advertiser verification. Google may ask you to verify your identity. Respond quickly so ads keep running.

Your action

Create your account in Expert Mode without a campaign. Confirm PHP and Manila time zone, then add a payment method.

Key terms

Expert Mode
The full Google Ads interface with all settings.
Smart campaign
A simplified campaign where Google controls most choices.
Automatic payments
Google charges your card after you spend.
Advertiser verification
Google's process to confirm who runs the ads.

Questions beginners ask

Do I need a business permit?

Not to start. An individual account works, but business details help with official receipts.

Can I use GCash or Maya?

Payment options change. Check the methods shown in your billing settings.

Related lessons

Want someone to run your Google Ads while you learn? The team at Remar Digital can help.