“Ok, I want to use Google Ads Scripts, but how on earth do I even get started?”
Well, as with everything in PPC, it depends. There are basically three ways to get started with scripts, and the best way for you depends on your specific situation.
Option 1: Copy-Paste publicly available scripts
Googling for scripts written by others is a perfect way to easily get you started in no time. You don’t have to figure everything out yourself and most scripts are easily modified/configured to your needs.
The PROS
- Gets you started quickly; just follow these instructions and you’ll have your first script running in less than 5 minutes.
- Many scripts out there are completely FREE
- Many use cases of scripts are covered by free scripts. Here’s my Ultimate List of FREE Google Ads scripts. A great script i recommend installing the first is “The best Google Ads script i ever used”.
The CONS
- Although there are many scripts out there, the set is limited. Once you get a feel for what is possible and realize scripts can do almost ANYTHING you’ll probably come up with use cases that aren’t covered by the free ones.
- Many of the scripts that are freely available aren’t maintained and are not supported. This means the code can be out of date and or dysfunctional.
- Black Box. If you simply copy-paste scripts without reading the code you don’t know what is really going on if you execute the script. Do you really trust the script to do only the things you want it do, and do nothing more?
That brings us to our next option.
Option 2: Write your own first and easy script
If you write your scripts yourself, you’ll definitely know what is going on. This is also a great way to start learning a new skill that potentially will skyrocket your career. (PPC skills + Automation skills = $$$)
The PROS
- Almost endless possibilities to automate many tedious, repetitive PPC tasks. Customized to your exact needs. You will be able to write/enhance/edit scripts to automate processes that are unique to your business.
- You’re in full control; the scripts does exactly what you want it to do.
- It’s FREE (well, sort of). The only expense is your time, not $.
- Loads of free resources to start learning Google Ads Scripts. Here’s a great first script example that teaches you about basic Javascript concepts.
The CONS
- Programming skills and Javascript knowledge are required
- It can be hard to come up with, and write Scripts yourself
- Oh yes, you need to spend time maintaining the code, which can be tedious.
Option 3: Have someone else write one for you
Why waste time and energy if someone else can do it for you? Hiring freelancers to write scripts for you is a great way to get started if you really have no clue where to start, the language of javascript sounds like ancient Greek to you, or you just don’t feel like spending any time in code yourself.
The PROS
- Again, almost endless possibilities to automate many tedious, repetitive PPC tasks. Customized to your specific needs.
- You do not need to code anything yourself
- Upwork has some Freelance javascripts developers who specialise in Google Ads. Just describe your needs and get him/her to write and help you run your first script.
The CONS
- You need to find a good programmer who knows about Google Ads
- You need to be able to communicate with developers
- Cash out $
There you have it. Three ways to get started with your first script in less than 30 min.
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