10 Free and Affordable Online Google Ads Training Courses (Google Skill shop and 6 Others)
Ready to turbocharge your Google Ads skills without emptying your piggy bank? Buckle up, digital explorers! We’re venturing into the thrilling terrain of Google Ads mastery, where seven comprehensive yet cost-effective (did somebody say ‘free’?) online courses await to elevate your expertise.
You won’t be fumbling around in the foggy depths of DIY tutorials by some tech wannabes. Nope! These courses are the brainchildren of Google and other top-tier digital marketing maestros, so you can trust that their content is as reliable as it gets.
Let’s get to it.
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Are the Google Ads Courses Free?
We’d say yes and no. While few of these courses come absolutely free, the ones that carry a fee won’t break your wallet either.
Free courses are up for grabs in Google’s Skillshop or SurfsidePPC, while the other six courses are available on platforms like CLX, Udemy, and Coursera. And just to mention, all these courses are certified and recognised by Google.
Are Google Ads Certifications Worth It?
Yes! As Google Ads certification is a big deal for digital marketing professionals, it gives you an edge over other candidates regarding job opportunities. Plus, having that certification on your CV can show employers or clients that you’re serious about your skills and passionate about developing yourself.
These certificates are recognised worldwide, so you can use them to prove your proficiency in Google Ads.
Google Ads Online Courses (Our Top Picks)
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So, are you ready to level up? Here’s a breakdown of seven top-notch online courses that will get you cruising with Google Ads:
#1. Google Ads Search Certification (Google Skill shop)
Our first pick is the Google Ads Search Certification from Google Skill shop. This course will take you through the basics of search advertising, where you’ll learn how to create and optimise search campaigns that drive quality traffic to your website.
You’ll learn how to build and optimise your Google search campaigns to get the most out of your budget, plus how to measure and analyse your campaigns for better performance. After completing the course, you’ll be certified as a Google Ads Search professional.
If you have no experience setting up Google Ads, you might want to begin by studying ‘Google Ads Search.’ Otherwise, you can evaluate your knowledge and hop straight to the final assessment. This certification is free and easy to complete, so it’s worth checking out.
What You’ll Learn:
- The fundamentals of the Google Ads campaign
- How to reach your target audience at the right moment with Google Ads
- The technical aspects of Google Ads (such as Auction (where you’ll learn how to build bids, how to write the perfect ad copy, the best practices for targeting, and more), Conversion Tracking, etc.
- How to use Google Audience solutions to reach your marketing goal, increase conversion, boost performance, and gain more insights
How You’ll Learn
The course consists of interactive reading materials and quizzes to help you understand the concepts and prepare for the final assessment. You’ll also have access to a learner dashboard to track your progress as you go along.
As you continue learning, you can save and export your answers into a PDF or CSV file in case you’ll want to reference your work. You also have the option of taking the optional practice assessment as a way to prepare for the final assessment.
Course Details:
- Institution: Google
- Provider: Skill shop
- Level: Beginner
- Cost: Free
- Duration: Self-paced
- Final Assessment: Yes (optional practice assessment available)
- Certification awarded upon completion: Google Ads Search Professional Certification
- Time: 4 Hour Course
- Course Link: https://skillshop.exceedlms.com/student/catalog/list?category_ids=53-google-ads
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Learn at your own pace and convenience
- Gain a certification once you have successfully completed the course and taken the final assessment
- Get access to a learner dashboard with progress tracking and answer-saving features
- Take the optional practice assessment as preparation for the final exam
Cons:
- Not suitable for those who prefer instructor-led courses or interactive activities
- It doesn’t have real-life tips that can help you optimise your campaigns to the core
- Although the course is self-paced, it can be difficult to stay motivated and self-disciplined
#2. PPC Fundamentals Course (SEMrush)
PPC Fundamentals Course by SEMrush is a comprehensive course to help you better understand the basics of PPC. It covers everything from keyword research and writing effective ads to optimisation techniques and analytics reporting.
It’s a detailed, well-rounded course that will help you grasp the PPC universe well. The best part about this course is that it’s free.
What You’ll Learn:
The basics of PPC ads, with a focus on PPC strategy and optimisation
- Different types of PPC ads — Search, Apps, Shopping, Display
- How to set bids and budgets to maximise your profits
- Multi-touch conversion: You’ll learn about conversion and how it can take multiple tries for a user to convert
Pros:
- You’ll be taught by expert PPC professionals
- Learn the fundamentals of PPC in an easy-to-understand and interesting way
- Certification included after the course completion
Cons:
- There are no live projects or case studies to give you a better understanding of how PPC works in real-life
Course Details:
- Length: 5 hours
- Price: Free!
- Certificate: YES — Certificate Issued by SEMrush
- Level: Beginner
- Type: Online Course
- Course Link: https://www.semrush.com/academy/courses/ppc-fundamentals-course-with-joel-bondorowsky/
#3. Diploma in Google Ads (Alison)
Alison’s Diploma in Google Ads is an excellent course for those who want to get serious with PPC. This course offers an extensive overview of the world of PPC and how to make it work for you.
The course takes a methodical approach to PPC and covers all aspects, from setting up campaigns and tracking performance metrics to optimising PPC ads. It combines practical examples with theory to ensure you get the best out of the course.
What You’ll Learn:
- Introduction to PPC and how it works
- Setting up campaigns in Google Ads, including budgeting and targeting
- Keyword research and optimisation techniques
- Analysing performance metrics to optimise campaigns
- Testing different ad formats for better ROI
Pros:
- A comprehensive course on PPC in general and Google Ads in particular
- Excellent practical examples and case studies to help you understand the theory better
- A diploma is issued after successful completion of the course.
Cons:
- Course length is quite long — 15 hours. It’s not ideal for those who are tight on time.
Course Details:
- Length: 15 hours
- Price: Free!
- Certificate: YES — Diploma in Google Ads Issued by Alison Academy
- Level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Type: Online Course.
#4. Google Ads Tutorial for Beginners (from Coursera)
If you’re looking for a short course covering PPC basics, then this Coursera course might be the perfect for you. The tutorial introduces you to the fundamentals of Google Ads and its various features.
It’s a good foundational course if you’re just starting out with PPC and need a quick overview. The course takes about 2 hours to complete and includes video lectures, quizzes, and other materials.
What You’ll Learn:
- Introduction to Google Ads
- Setting up campaigns in Google Ads
- Keyword research and optimisation strategies
- Measurement and optimisation techniques
- Campaign optimisation and how it works
- How to apply first-hand ad experience in a professional setting or interviews
Pros:
- Short and quick course for beginners
- Includes interactive exercises and quizzes
- Certification is available at the end of the course
Cons:
- Not comprehensive enough for seasoned Ads users
Course Details:
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- Length: 2 hours
- Price: Free
- Certificate: YES — Certificate from Coursera
- Level: Beginner
- Type: Online Course
- Course link: https://www.reliablesoft.net/tools/coursera-google-ads-search
#5. Google Ads Essential Training (LinkedIn)
We all know LinkedIn as the popular social network for professionals, but did you know they also offer excellent online training courses? LinkedIn’s Google Ads Essential Training is one of their best offerings.
This in-depth course covers all aspects of PPC strategy, from keyword research to ad creation and optimisation. It’s the perfect option for those who want a comprehensive guide to running effective PPC campaigns.
What You’ll Learn:
- Introduction to Google Ads
- Setting up campaigns in Google Ads
- Keyword research and optimisation strategies
- Measurement and optimisation techniques
- Grasp the concept of campaign optimisation.
- Understanding bidding strategies, budgeting, and ad placement.
- Creating effective ads with A/B testing.
- Analysing the performance of campaigns
Pros:
- Comprehensive coverage of all aspects of Google Ads
- Concise content, no video exceeds 5 minutes
- Hands-on exercises to reinforce learning
- Certificate available at the end of the course.
Cons:
- Only the basics
- You must subscribe to LinkedIn’s Learning (at $19.99/month)
Course Details:
- Length: 2 hours 28 minutes
- Price: Free
- Level: Beginner
- Type: Online Course
- Certificate: YES — LinkedIn Learning Certificate.
- Link: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/google-ads-essential-training-20147240
#6. The Complete Google Ads Masterclass (Udemy)
The Complete Google Ads Masterclass is one of the most comprehensive online courses available. The 100% practical course is designed to help learners understand the intricacies of Google Ads and how to create successful campaigns.
Students will get hands-on experience with the Google Ads platform and learn how to create, run, and optimise their ad campaigns.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to create Google ads campaigns and optimise them
- How to drive traffic to your website and generate valuable leads
- How to target the right audience and increase conversions
- Best practices for creating effective ads
- Understanding Google Ads metrics
- Creating automated rules and optimisation techniques.
- Ascertain your ad cost and measure returns on your Google Ads investment.
Pros:
- Comprehensive coverage of all aspects of Google Ads
- Application-oriented, gives you access to templates, tools, and articles you can read to reinforce your learning
Cons
- Video content can be long and technical, taking more time to absorb (105 lectures).
Course Details:
- Length: 16 hours
- Cost: $74.99
- Level: Intermediate/Advanced
- Type: Online Course
- Course Link: https://www.udemy.com/course/google-ads-masterclass/
#7. Advanced PPC Certification Training (Simplilearn)
Advanced PPC certification training is an advanced, industry-ready program for those serious about taking their Google Ads skills to the next level. The course will teach you about advanced concepts such as remarketing, ROI optimisation, A/B testing and more.
The course is as comprehensive as it gets, covering all of the core concepts you need to know about PPC and Google Ads. It is designed to help you become an expert in the field, with many activities and projects aimed at giving you hands-on experience with the platform.
What You’ll Learn:
- Advanced strategies for optimising campaigns
- Strategies for remarketing lists and ads
- Bidding methods and best practices
- Analysing and improving your campaigns using metrics and analytics
- A/B testing techniques for optimising user experience
- Advanced targeting strategies to maximise reach
- Techniques for driving more conversions from website traffic.
Pros:
- Comprehensive coverage of all advanced topics in Google Ads
- This highly advanced, industry-ready course is for those looking to become experts in the field
Cons:
- Lengthy course content (60 hours) could take longer to absorb
- Requires time and commitment to complete the course
Course Details:
- Length: 60 Hours
- Cost: $599.00
- Level: Advanced
- Type: Online course
- Certification: PPC Certification (Simplilearn)
Course Link: https://www.simplilearn.com/digital-marketing/pay-per-click-ppc-certification-training
Google Ads for Beginners 2023 is the perfect course for anyone just starting with Google Ads. It will introduce you to the platform, showing you how to set up campaigns, create ads and track results. The course also covers keyword research, bidding strategies, and account optimisation.
It’s the perfect blend of practical advice and real-world examples, so you can get up and running quickly with Google Ads.
What You’ll Learn:
- Keyword optimisation and research
- Match types and how they help with cost-saving
- Bidding strategies and best practices
- Setting up campaigns, ad groups and ads
- Account optimisation for better performance
- Detailed insights into ad extensions, callout, location, call and site link extensions
- Tracking conversions to measure the effectiveness of the campaigns.
Pros:
- Short course (4 hours 34 minutes) perfect for a quick introduction
- The instructor teaches from real-world experience and gives practical advice
- Has a live project
Cons:
- It does not cover advanced topics such as automation, optimisation or dynamic search ads
Course Details:
- Length: 4 Hours 34 Minutes
- Cost: $99
- Level: Beginner/Intermediate
- Type: Online Course
- Certification: No certification is offered for this course.
#9. Google Ads Full Course (Reliablesoft)
Reliablesoft’s Google Ads Full Course is a comprehensive course that covers everything from setting up campaigns, creating ads, optimisation and tracking. It will teach you how to run profitable Google Ads campaigns with real-life examples and case studies. The course is a mix of video lectures, quizzes and practical assignments designed to help you understand the core concepts of Google Ads.
It’s the perfect course for beginners, taking you from the basics to the advanced topics. After completing this course, you can set up and manage optimised Google Ads campaigns that drive more traffic and conversions.
What You’ll Learn:
How to Create Google Ads
- How to Create a New Account
- Setting Up Campaigns, Ad Groups and Ads
- Bidding Strategies & Best Practices
- Optimising Accounts for Better Performance
- How to Create Display Campaigns
- How to Create Discovery Campaigns
- How to Use Tracking Tools and Analyse Your Results
- Advanced Tactics like Audiences, Remarketing and Automation
- Tips for Google Shopping Ads
Pros:
- A comprehensive course covering all aspects of running an effective Google Ads campaign
- Includes real-world examples and case studies
- It comes with a handy guidebook and bonus resources
- The expert instructor provides in-depth explanations of all topics covered.
- You’ll be awarded a digital marketing certification at the end
Cons:
- Not suitable for advanced users looking to cover more specialised topics such as automation, optimisation or dynamic search ads.
- Course length is shorter than other courses (only 4 hours).
Course Details:
- Course Provider: Reliable soft Academy
- Course Length: 4 hours
- Price: $149 (at an 80% discount as we speak)
- Certificate of Completion: Yes
- Type: Online course
- Level: Beginner
- Rating: 4.7/5
#10. Google Ads Tutorials (Surfside PPC)
Surfside created a list on Class Central of a series of YouTube videos they created to teach the basics of Google Ads. The videos cover everything from account set-up, setting up campaigns and ad groups, bidding strategies, optimising accounts for better performance, and creating various types of campaigns.
The 41 hours video series covers topics such as:
- How to Set Up a Google Ads Account
- Google Keyword Research & Match Types
- Creating an Ad Group and writing Text Ads
- Setting Budgets and Bids to Maximise Performance
- Monitoring Your Campaigns for Maximum ROI
- Understanding Quality Score & What Impacts It
- Strategies for Improving Quality Score
- Remarketing & Video Ads
- Google Display Network & Shopping Campaigns
- Advanced AdWords Scripts and Automation
Pros:
- Absolutely free course.
- Videos cover all the basics of running successful campaigns.
- Comprehensive 41-hour video series.
- Videos are up-to-date and cover the latest Google Ads features.
Cons:
- No official certification at the end of the course
- There’s no structured format, so it might be difficult to keep track of where you left off
- It is not suitable for those who prefer a more formal, interactive learning environment.
Course Details:
- Provider: Surfside PPC
- Course Length: 41 hours (in video format)
- Price: Free
- Certificate of Completion: No
- Type: Self-paced online course
- Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Here’s a table summary of all the courses we’ve mentioned and how they compare to each other:
| Course | Vendor | Cost | Duration | Level | Type | Certification |
| Google Skillshop | FREE | 4 Hours | Beginner | Online course | N/A | |
| PPC Certification (Simplilearn) | Simplilearn | $599.00 | 60 Hours | Advanced | Online course | PPC Certification (Simplilearn) |
| Diploma in Google Ads (Alison) | Alison | FREE | 15 Hours | Beginner | Online course | Diploma in Google Ads (Alison) |
| Google Ads Tutorial for Beginners (from Coursera) | Coursera | FREE | 2 Hours | Beginner | Online course | N/A |
| SEMrush PPC Fundamentals Course (from SEMrush) | SEMrush | FREE | 5 Hours | Beginner | Online course | SEMrush Certification |
| The Complete Google Ads Masterclass (Udemy) | Udemy | $74.99 | 16 Hours | Intermediate/Advanced | Online course | N/A |
Why Should Take a Google Ads Training Course?
Google Ads are the lifeblood of the modern digital economy. Whether you’re a small business owner, a freelancer, or an enterprise-level marketer, having the skills and knowledge to use Google Ads effectively can make a world of difference.
Taking an online Google Ads training course is one of the best ways to ensure you get up to speed quickly and easily. Not only will you learn the ins and outs of the platform, but you’ll also be able to hone your skills by creating and managing campaigns, optimising ads, and testing different strategies.
- First, Google Ads can help you save time and money. You’ll save the money to outsource to an agency. Plus, taking a course will help you maximise the return on investment for every dollar you spend on ads.
- Second, you’ll have better control over your campaigns. With the right training, you can quickly learn to optimise campaigns and experiment with different strategies until you find something that works. You’ll be in control of how much you spend and how effective your marketing is without outsourcing the entire process to an agency.
- PPC training is also a career opportunity. Learning to use Google Ads will make you much more attractive to employers since you’ll have a valuable skill set. Plus, it’s also a great way for entrepreneurs to learn the basics of digital marketing quickly and without spending too much money.
5 Reasons You Should Get Google Ads Certification
Google ads certification isn’t just about adding to your digital marketing knowledge or getting a job. There are many other reasons you should consider taking one of the Google Ads certification courses available online.
- You’ll Learn How to Widen Your Reach: After you complete the certification, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and skills to target the right audience at the right time. You will also learn how to use different types of campaigns, including remarketing, display advertising, video ads, and more. Once you understand how to properly use the tools available, you’ll witness a surge in engagement, leads, orders, and conversions.
- You’ll Optimise Your Campaigns: With the right training, you will understand how to set up campaigns that are tailored towards your goals. You’ll also learn to test different strategies and optimise your ads. That means you can get the most bang from every ad spend.
- Get Professional Recognition: The Google Ads Certification is respected by employers and clients alike. With the right certifications, you can boost your portfolio and stand out from other potential hires.
- It’s a Great Service to Clients If You’re Planning to Start a Digital Marketing Agency: If you’re thinking of starting a digital marketing agency, then having Google Ads certifications is necessary. It will give your clients the confidence that you have the experience and know-how to help them get more leads from their campaigns.
- It’s a Great Addition to Your CV and LinkedIn Profile: Having Google Ads certifications on your CV and LinkedIn profile will show potential employers that you have the right skills to take charge of their campaigns. That can give you an edge over other applicants when competing for a job.
