How to create responsive search ads in Google Ads: A Step by Step Guide

Responsive search ads (RSAs) in Google Ads automatically adapt to show the most relevant ad copy to users based on their search queries. RSAs help increase ad performance and relevance by testing different combinations of headlines and descriptions. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating responsive search ads in Google Ads:

1. Sign in to Google Ads:

• Go to https://ads.google.com/ and sign in to your Google Ads account.

2. Navigate to your desired campaign and ad group:

• From the left-hand menu, click on “Campaigns” and then select the campaign where you want to create the responsive search ad.
• Click on the “Ad Groups” tab and choose the ad group for your new ad.

3. Create a new responsive search ad:

• Click on the blue plus button (+) and select “Responsive search ad.”

4. Enter your ad’s final URL:

• In the “Final URL” field, enter the URL of the landing page you want to direct users to when they click on your ad.

5. Add headlines and descriptions:

• Write a minimum of 3 and up to 15 distinct headlines (30 characters max each). Try to include your main keywords, a call-to-action, and benefits or features of your product or service.
• Write a minimum of 2 and up to 4 unique descriptions (90 characters max each). Ensure they are relevant to your headlines and provide additional information about your product or service.
• Remember that each headline and description should be able to stand alone and work in combination with the others.

6. Use ad strength as a guide:

• As you create your headlines and descriptions, pay attention to the “Ad strength” indicator, which provides real-time feedback on the quality and diversity of your ad copy.
• Aim for an ad strength of “Good” or “Excellent” to maximize your ad’s performance.

7. Pin headlines and descriptions (optional):

• If you want to control the position of specific headlines or descriptions, click on the pin icon next to the respective field and select the position (e.g., Headline 1, Description 2).
• Use this feature sparingly, as over-pinning can limit the flexibility and performance of your responsive search ad.

8. Add URL options (optional):

• If you want to use tracking templates or custom parameters, expand the “Ad URL options” section and enter the necessary information.

9. Preview your ad combinations:

• On the right side of the screen, use the “Ad combinations preview” to see how different headlines and descriptions might appear together in your responsive search ad.

10. Save your responsive search ad:

• Click on the “Save” button to create your new responsive search ad.

Once your responsive search ad is live, Google Ads will automatically test different combinations of headlines and descriptions to identify the best-performing ad variations. Monitor your ad’s performance regularly and make adjustments as needed to improve its effectiveness.