There are hundreds, if not thousands of courses online that teach Google Ads, from beginner to advanced level. However, as far as I am concerned, the best place to learn Google Ads is at Google Skillshop.
For those unaware of what is Google Skillshop, you should read through our earlier posts:
Just in case you decide to skip through the above posts and read on, know that Google Skillshop is an online platform owned and operated by Google themselves, where users can learn about all of Google’s properties and get certified in them.
This includes Google Ads, Analytics, Remarketing, Videos etc.
Note: A lot of people still search for ‘Google ad words learning center.’ Google has integrated all of its courses into its Skillshop platform online and there are no individual learning centers scattered across various Google properties.
Why you should learn Google Ads with Google Skillshop?
The reasons why Google Skillshop is the best place to learn Google Ads is as follows:
1) It is completely free for all users.
2) The courses are designed and hosted by top Google executives. There is no one who would know Google Ads better than those that create, manage and update the platform themselves.
3) The courses are divided into beginner, intermediate and advanced levels and cover all nuances of the platform.
4) All courses are accompanied by short videos and text transcripts. Videos can range from 3 minutes to 15 minutes. Hence, you can go through the course quickly or take your own sweet time as per your convenience.
5) The courses are always updated and have the latest Google Ads terminology, interface and features.
6) You also get a demo account to play around with and actually execute what you are learning in real-time.
Myths abouts Google Ads on Google Skillshop
1) Most users believe Google Skillshop is only meant for professionals who are trying to get certified in Google products.
However, the truth is that Google Skillshop is open to all and is an educational platform for all of Google’s properties.
Anyone can sign in and start with the courses even if they do not wish to get certified.
Entrepreneurs can simply use the platform to learn and start campaigns on Google Ads without the help of professional services.
2) Another myth is that you already need to have a certain degree of knowledge to start with the Google courses.
This is not true either, as the courses start from beginner level and walk you through the entire Google Ads interface, its features and how to use each aspect of the platform.
As you go up the levels, you can take advanced courses that get deeper into the complexities of what Google Ads can offer.
Steps to Learn Google Ads for Free with Google Skillshop
To get started with learning Google Ads through Google Skillshop, just follow these simple steps.
1) Visit the official Google Skillshop website.
2) Click ‘Sign in’ button. For desktops, you will find it on top right of your screen.
You need to sign in with your existing Google or Gmail account. If you don’t have one, just create a new account.
Note: When you complete the sign in, you will get a prompt to provide access to your account information to Exceed LMS. You need to allow this to proceed.
3) Once signed in, you will see all of the courses and certifications available to you. This should include Google Ads, Google for Education, Google Analytics, Google My Business etc.
Just click on Google Ads.
Note: In case you do not get the home screen with the list of courses available, you need to click on the ‘Browse’ icon next to the Google logo. There are a number of icons so please ensure you are clicking on the correct icon.
Please refer to the image below to check the browse icon marked in red.
4) Next, click on Google Ads.
5) On the next screen, click on Google Ads Certifications.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to give any exams. This is just to get to the course content.
6) On the Google Ads Certifications screen, you will see the list of certifications available within Google Ads.
Just click on the first one i.e. Google Ads Display Certification.
7) Note, on the next screen, if you click ‘get started’, the certification exam will begin. So do not click on it. Simply scroll down and you will see ‘Study Google Ads Display’
Below that, you will find links to all of the courses for Display Ads. Start by clicking on the first topic and complete them all as per your convenience.
Note: Most of the initial courses are text based webpages and have some interaction like asking questions etc. As you go ahead, you will find videos and other materials as well. Always look out for a pdf download on each page you visit as most of them have the download ability for the text transcript. Read everything thoroughly.
8) Next repeat steps 6 and 7 to ensure you complete all courses within Google Ads Certifications screen.
That is it. Now you will know everything there is to know about Google Ads.
Final thoughts
Learning Google Ads with Google Skillshop is not just simple but you get all of the essential aspects without any unnecessary extras or complicated jargon.
Considering it is free and can be completed at your own pace, please do go through the courses and you will be a Google Ads expert within a short period of time.
