How to Create a New Google Ads Account — Step-by-Step (≈1000 words)

Setting up a Google Ads account is straightforward, but a few choices you make at the start (time zone, currency, billing country, account structure) are permanent or hard to change. This guide walks you through the entire process — from prerequisites to post-setup checklist — so your account is ready to run effective campaigns.

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Before you start — what you need

1. A Google account (Gmail or Google Workspace).

2. A website or landing page (recommended) or a clear business goal if you’ll use calls/app downloads.

3. A payment method (credit/debit card, bank transfer, or local billing options depending on country).

4. Business information (legal name, billing address, tax ID if required).

5. Optional but recommended: Google Analytics (GA4) property and Search Console access to link later.

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Step 1 — go to the Google Ads signup page

Open a browser and visit ads.google.com. Click Start now. If you’re already signed into a Google account the system will use it; otherwise sign in or create a Google account.

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Step 2 — choose the setup flow (Beginner vs Expert)

Google often presents a simplified guided “smart” setup that immediately asks you to create a campaign. If you want to create the account only and set things up manually later, look for “Switch to Expert Mode” or “Create an account without a campaign” (wording can change).
Tip: If you’re new and want Google to suggest a campaign for you, follow the guided flow. If you prefer full control (recommended for marketers and agencies), use Expert Mode.

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Step 3 — enter basic account details

You’ll be asked for:

• Account name — choose something clear (e.g., “Acme Widgets — US Search”).

• Time zone — pick the time zone where your business primarily operates (this cannot be changed later).

• Currency — select the billing currency (also hard to change later).
  These settings affect reporting and billing, so choose carefully.

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Step 4 — set up billing info (payment profile)

1. Select your billing country.

2. Choose account type (Individual or Business). If Business, you can add business name and tax ID.

3. Provide billing address and preferred payment method.

4. Review billing threshold / automatic payments options (varies by region).
   Enter valid payment details to avoid interruptions once campaigns run.

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Step 5 — accept terms and verification

Read and accept Google’s Terms of Service and billing agreements. Google may ask to verify your identity or business through documentation or a verification call/email depending on region and payment type.

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Step 6 — secure and configure access

• Enable 2-step verification on the Google account used for Ads to improve security.

• Add additional users (if needed) via Tools & settings → Access and security → Users. Assign roles: Admin, Standard, Read-only.

• If you manage multiple clients, consider using a Manager account (formerly MCC) to link and manage multiple Ads accounts.

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Step 7 — connect analytics and other tools

Linking Analytics & Search Console is optional but strongly recommended:

• In Google Ads: Tools & settings → Linked accounts → link Google Analytics (GA4) and Google Search Console.

• Linking lets you import goals as conversions, see site behavior, and receive better optimization signals.
  Also consider linking your Merchant Center (for Shopping ads) or YouTube channel if relevant.

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Step 8 — set up conversion tracking

Before launching campaigns, create conversions so you can measure results:

• Tools & settings → Conversions → + New conversion action.

• Choose Web actions (form submissions, purchases), Phone calls, App installs, or Offline imports.

• Install the Google Ads tag on your website or set up GA4-based conversions (recommended if GA4 is linked).
  Accurate conversion tracking is crucial for bidding strategies and ROI measurement.

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Step 9 — configure billing and notifications

• Confirm payment schedule (automatic vs manual).

• Add backup payment method if possible.

• Set billing alerts and invoice delivery preferences.

• Opt in for account-related notifications so you don’t miss billing issues or policy flags.

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Step 10 — review account-level settings & policies

• Set your account’s advertiser information (business name and display URL).

• Review ad policies (prohibited content, restricted products, editorial requirements).

• If you advertise regulated products (health, finance, alcohol), prepare necessary certifications or policy acceptances.

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Quick tips & best practices

• Time zone & currency are permanent. Choose them carefully.

• Naming convention: Use a consistent account and campaign naming scheme from day one. It saves time as the account grows.

• Test billing with a small campaign before scaling to confirm ads run and billing works.

• Start with a narrow geographic & keyword focus then expand after you have data.

• Use conversion tracking and smart bidding (e.g., Maximize Conversions or Target CPA) only after you have reliable conversion data.

• Keep a record of user access and remove ex-employees promptly.

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Post-setup checklist (before launching first campaign)

• Google Ads tag or GA4 tag implemented and firing on key pages.

• At least one conversion action set up and tested.

• Billing details confirmed and payment method validated.

• Account access set for teammates/agencies.

• Analytics and Search Console linked.

• Ad policy compliance checked for your industry.

• Ad extensions planned (sitelinks, callouts, call extensions).

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Troubleshooting common problems

• Ads aren’t running: Check billing status, ad disapprovals, or campaign start/end dates and budgets.

• Conversion not recording: Confirm tag installation and test with Google Tag Assistant or GA4 debug view.

• Payment declined: Double-check card details, bank limits, or try another method.

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