How to Create a Google Ads Account: A Step-by-Step Guide

For Australian small businesses, Google Ads is one of the most powerful tools available to reach customers at the exact moment they are searching for your services. Whether you are a plumber in Brisbane or a boutique shop in Melbourne, a well-structured Google Ads account ensures you aren't just shouting into the void, but talking directly to people ready to buy.

Setting up your account correctly from day one is vital. A common mistake many business owners make is rushing through the setup and accidentally opting into automated settings that drain their budget. This guide will walk you through the professional way to set up your account so you maintain full control over your marketing spend.

Prerequisites: What You’ll Need Before Starting

Before you sit down to create your account, ensure you have the following ready:

• A Google Account: Ideally, use a dedicated business email address (e.g., yourname@yourbusiness.com.au) rather than a personal Gmail.
• Your Business Details: Business name, Australian website URL, and physical address.
• Payment Information: A valid credit card or debit card.
• Your ABN: You will need your Australian Business Number for tax and verification purposes.

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Step 1: Visit the Google Ads Homepage

Navigate to ads.google.com.

Step 2: Avoid the "Smart Mode" Trap

Google often defaults new users to "Smart Mode," which is a simplified version of the platform. While it sounds helpful, it limits your ability to control bids and keywords, often leading to higher costs.

Step 3: Create an Account Without a Campaign

Google will immediately try to force you to create your first ad campaign and set a budget before you've even looked around. We recommend against this. You want to set up your account infrastructure first.

Step 4: Confirm Your Business Information

This is a critical step because you cannot change your currency or time zone once the account is created.

• Billing Country: Australia
• Time Zone: (GMT+10:00) Brisbane Time (or your local capital city time)
• Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)

Step 5: Submit and Explore Your Account

You will see a "Congratulations! You're all done" screen. Click "Explore Your Account". You are now in the main Google Ads dashboard (the "Expert" interface).

Step 6: Set Up Your Billing and ABN

Before any ads can run, Google needs to know who is paying the bill and how to handle GST.

• Click on Tools & Settings (the wrench icon in the top menu).
• Under the "Billing" column, select Settings.
• Account Type: Choose "Organisation" if you have a registered company or "Individual" if you are a sole trader.
• Tax Information: Enter your ABN. This ensures that GST is handled correctly according to Australian tax law.
• Address: Enter your registered Australian business address.
• Payment Method: Enter your credit or debit card details.

Step 7: Set Up Account Access and Security

Security is paramount. You don't want your account compromised.

• Go to Tools & Settings > Setup > Access and Security.
• Ensure Two-Step Verification is turned on for your account.
• If you have a business partner or a marketing agency (like Local Marketing Group) helping you, this is where you can invite them by clicking the "+" button and entering their email address.

Step 8: Link Google Analytics (Recommended)

To see what people do after they click your ad, you should link your Google Analytics 4 (GA4) property.

• Go to Tools & Settings > Setup > Linked Accounts.
• Find Google Analytics (GA4) and click "Details," then follow the prompts to link your website’s tracking.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Setting the wrong time zone: If you are in Brisbane but set your time zone to Perth, your ads will run 2-3 hours later than you intended. This is a common way to waste budget on late-night clicks.
• Ignoring the ABN field: If you don't provide a valid ABN, you may have issues with tax invoicing, making it harder for your accountant to claim GST credits.
• Using "Express" or "Smart" campaigns: These are automated by Google. While they are easy to set up, they often bid on broad terms that aren't relevant to your specific service area.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• "My credit card was declined": Ensure your bank allows international transactions. Even though you are paying in AUD, Google's billing entity sometimes triggers fraud alerts on Australian cards. A quick call to your bank usually fixes this.
• "I can't find Expert Mode": Google occasionally changes the layout. Look for a gear icon or a "Settings" link. The goal is to bypass the guided "Smart" setup.
• "Verification is taking forever": Google now requires "Advertiser Verification" for many Australian industries. If prompted, you will need to upload a photo of your ID or business registration documents. This can take 3-5 business days to process.

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Next Steps

Now that your account is live and your billing is secure, you are ready for the next phase of your digital marketing journey:

• Keyword Research: Determine what your Australian customers are actually typing into Google.
• Conversion Tracking: Set up "Goals" so you know when a click turns into a phone call or a lead form submission.
• Create Your First Campaign: Start small, test your headlines, and monitor your results daily.

Setting up Google Ads can feel overwhelming, but taking it step-by-step ensures you build a solid foundation for your business growth. If you find yourself stuck or want a professional team to manage your Australian ad spend for maximum ROI, we are here to help.