AI is taking over the world… but can it take over your Google Search Ads?
Short answer? Yes. Long answer? Well, let’s break it down.
If you’ve ever struggled with writing compelling ad copy, optimizing bids, or scaling your campaigns efficiently, AI might just be your new best friend. Used correctly, AI can save you time, improve your ad performance, and help you outshine the competition.
So, let’s dive into how you can use AI to create better, faster, and smarter Google Search Ads.
Step 1: Understanding AI’s Role in Google Ads 🤖
First things first—AI is not here to replace you. Think of it as your co-pilot, helping you make smarter, data-driven decisions while you remain in control. Google Ads already incorporates AI in features like:
✅ Smart Bidding – Adjusts your bids automatically to get the best conversions.
✅ Responsive Search Ads (RSAs) – Uses AI to mix and match different headlines & descriptions for the best-performing combinations.
✅ Performance Max Campaigns – Automates targeting across multiple Google platforms.
Even if you’re not using external AI tools yet, you’re already leveraging AI within Google Ads! But you can go even further with third-party AI tools.
Step 2: Using AI to Write Killer Ad Copy ✍️
Writing great ad copy can feel like a guessing game. Will this headline grab attention? Is my description persuasive enough? AI can help take the guesswork out of it.
💡 Best AI tools for ad copywriting:
- ChatGPT – Generate multiple ad copy variations in seconds.
- Jasper AI – Tailor-made AI writing for ad campaigns.
- Copy.ai – Helps create persuasive, engaging ad text.
How to Generate AI-Powered Ad Copy:
1️⃣ Start with a strong prompt. AI tools are only as good as the input they get.
Instead of a vague request like: “Write an ad for a skincare product.”
Try this: “Write a Google Search Ad for a cruelty-free skincare brand targeting women aged 25-40. Highlight our free shipping and 30-day money-back guarantee.”
2️⃣ Review and tweak the copy. AI will give you a great starting point, but don’t just copy-paste. Refine the tone and ensure it aligns with your brand voice.
3️⃣ Test multiple variations. Google’s RSAs allow up to 15 headlines and 4 descriptions. AI can help you generate a variety of options to let Google’s algorithm optimize for the best combinations.
Step 3: Leverage Google’s AI Features for Smarter Ads 🎯
Google Ads has built-in AI tools that optimize your ads in real time. If you’re not using them, you’re missing out.
🚀 Responsive Search Ads (RSAs)
Instead of writing one fixed ad, RSAs let you upload multiple headlines and descriptions. Google then tests different combinations to find the best-performing ad.
Pro tip: Make your headlines diverse. Instead of repeating the same message in different words, test:
- A unique selling point (e.g., “Organic, Vegan, & Cruelty-Free!”)
- A call-to-action (e.g., “Shop Now & Get 20% Off!”)
- A credibility booster (e.g., “5,000+ 5-Star Reviews!”)
🎯 Smart Bidding Strategies
Google uses AI to adjust your bids automatically based on factors like user behavior, device, location, and more.
💡 Best Smart Bidding strategies:
- Maximize Conversions – If you want more sales at any cost.
- Target ROAS (Return on Ad Spend) – If you care about profitability over volume.
- Enhanced CPC (ECPC) – Google adjusts your bid in real-time to increase conversion chances.
Warning: AI-driven bidding only works if you have proper conversion tracking set up. Double-check before launching!
Step 4: AI for Ad Performance Analysis 📊
Once your ads are running, AI can analyze the data and suggest improvements.
🔍 AI-powered tools for ad analysis:
- Optmyzr – Identifies underperforming ads and suggests optimizations.
- Google Ads Recommendations Tab – Google’s AI tells you where you can improve.
- SEMrush & Ahrefs – Help with competitor ad research & keyword analysis.
💡 Pro Tip: AI can identify trends, like:
- Which keywords perform best at different times of day ⏰
- What audience segments convert the most 🎯
- How seasonality affects your ad performance 📅
Use these insights to adjust your strategy and scale your campaigns.
Step 5: Don’t Forget the Human Touch ❤️
AI is a tool, not a replacement for good marketing. It can generate ad copy, adjust bids, and optimize campaigns, but it doesn’t understand your brand like you do.
🔥 What AI CAN’T do (yet):
- Capture your unique brand personality
- Fully understand your customer pain points
- Make strategic business decisions
That’s where you come in. Use AI to boost your productivity while keeping a human touch in your ads.
Final Takeaway: Should You Use AI for Google Search Ads?
✅ YES! AI can save time, improve performance, and optimize your campaigns.
🚀 BUT… It works best when paired with human creativity and strategy.
FAQ Section: AI for Google Search Ads 🤖
- Can AI fully automate my Google Search Ads?
Not completely. AI can help with bidding, ad copy generation, and performance optimization, but you still need human oversight to ensure strategy and branding align.
- Is AI-generated ad copy better than human-written copy?
AI-generated copy is fast and efficient, but human review is essential to make it resonate with your audience and stay within Google’s ad character limits.
- Which AI tools are best for Google Ads?
Top choices include ChatGPT, Jasper AI, Copy.ai for ad copy and Optmyzr, SEMrush, and Google’s built-in AI for performance analysis.
- How do I use AI for ad testing?
Use AI to generate multiple ad variations, upload them as Responsive Search Ads (RSAs), and let Google’s AI test the best combinations.
- Can AI optimize my ad bids?
Yes! Google’s Smart Bidding strategies like Maximize Conversions & Target ROAS use AI to adjust bids automatically based on user behavior.
- Will AI replace Google Ads specialists?
No. AI is a tool to make campaign management easier, but strategy, creativity, and experience are still critical.
- How do I start using AI in my Google Ads?
Begin by testing AI-written ad copy, enabling Responsive Search Ads, and using Smart Bidding to automate bid adjustments. Monitor performance and refine as needed! Need Help with Google Ads? If you’re ready to take your online store’s performance to the next level with Google Shopping Ads but need a helping hand, consider reaching out. I’m Andy Splichal, author of Make Each Click Count and host of the Make Each Click Count podcast. Whether it’s about creating high-performing Shopping Ads or mastering your overall Google Ads strategy, I’m here to help. Let’s make those clicks count!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andy Splichal is the founder and managing partner of True Online Presence, author of the Make Each Click Count book series, host of the Make Each Click Count podcast, founder of Make Each Click Count University and certified online marketing strategist with twenty plus years of experience helping companies increase their online presence and profitable revenues. He was named to Best of Los Angeles Awards’ Most Fascinating 100 List in both 2020 and 2021. To find more information on Andy Splichal, visit www.trueonlinepresence.com or read The Full Story on his website or his blog, blog.trueonlinepresence.com.