Hiring a Google Ads Expert: What to Look For and Where to Find Them

Why You Need More Than Just Clicks

A Google Ads expert consultant does more than just set up campaigns. They are a strategic partner who turns clicks into customers, optimises for profit, and steers the complex Google Ads platform. Here's what to look for:

• Proven results - case studies, ROAS improvements, and CPA reductions backed by real data
• Strategic thinking - alignment with your business goals, not just technical button-pushing
• Full transparency - clear reporting, honest communication, and no vanity metrics
• Current knowledge - expertise on AI bidding, Performance Max, and platform changes
• A strong support model - agencies often provide more depth than solo freelancers
• The right questions - ask about optimisation, performance tracking, and how they handle issues

Google Ads is no longer about simple text ads. With rising costs, complex algorithms, and fierce competition, a poorly run campaign can waste your budget fast. The platform's AI-driven automation and advanced targeting require true expertise to manage effectively.

Many businesses treat Google Ads as "set and forget," which is a costly mistake. Profitable growth comes from ongoing optimisation and a deep understanding of customer intent. Otherwise, you're just paying for clicks that go nowhere.

What Does a Google Ads Expert Actually Do?

Think running Google Ads is just about picking keywords and writing ads? A true Google Ads expert consultant goes far beyond that. They act as a strategic partner, aligning every campaign with your core business objectives.

Running Google Ads without experience is like driving a race car without training—crashes are expensive. An expert makes strategic choices in search terms, ad groups, and landing pages to ensure every dollar of your ad spend works hard for you.

Strategy Versus Button-Pushing

A skilled Google Ads expert consultant doesn't just push buttons. They develop a custom campaign strategy based on your unique goals. This means:

• Understanding your business goals: We focus on what you want to achieve, whether it's leads, sales, or brand awareness. The goal is profit, not just ranking number one.
• Mapping keyword intent: It’s not about chasing high-volume keywords, but finding high-intent search terms that match what your customers are actually looking for.
• Structuring campaigns for scale: We build organised campaigns that can grow with your business, preventing wasted ad spend and chaos.
• Ongoing optimisation and testing: We constantly monitor performance, test ad variations, and refine targeting to maximise your returns on a dynamic platform.
• Accurate conversion tracking: A skilled consultant sets up proper tracking to measure your cost-per-acquisition (CPA) and optimise for real business impact, not just clicks.

We see ourselves as PPC specialists and an extension of your marketing team. Our goal is to ensure your Google Ads campaigns are not just running, but truly thriving. We provide comprehensive Google Ads Management to help businesses in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and beyond succeed.

7 Key Things to Look for When Hiring a Google Ads Expert

Choosing the right Google Ads expert consultant is critical for your success. You need a strategic partner, not just a technician. Here are seven things to look for.

1. Proven Results Backed by Real Data

Don't fall for flashy promises. A reliable expert provides a verifiable track record with concrete improvements in:

• Return On Ad Spend (ROAS): How much revenue they generated for every dollar spent.
• Cost Per Acquisition (CPA): Reducing the cost of acquiring a new customer.
• Conversion Growth: Increasing the percentage of clicks that turn into valuable actions.

Ask for case studies that explain the why behind their success. For example, our clients have seen conversion increases of 16-35% in under 30 days and ROAS ratios as high as 8:1.

2. Strategic Thinking (Not Just Technical Skills)

A great expert is a strategist first. They should understand your business model, profit margins, and customer journey to build a winning strategy. According to B2B buyer research , the modern customer journey is complex, and your ad strategy must reflect that. They should be able to:

• Explain their campaign structure and how it aligns with your business goals.
• Tailor ads to each stage of your customer's journey.
• Demonstrate a clear plan for growing campaigns profitably as your business expands.

3. Transparent Reporting & Clear Communication

You need to know how your budget is performing. A transparent consultant provides:

• No vanity metrics: A focus on what truly matters, not just clicks or impressions.
• Reports that make sense: Clear, actionable insights presented in an understandable way.
• Honest conversations: Open dialogue about what is working, what is not, and the plan for improvement.

We offer 24/7 access to custom reporting dashboards because transparency builds trust.

4. Up-to-Date Knowledge of Google Ads Changes

Google Ads is always changing. A top consultant stays current and will have:

• Current certifications: Google Ads and Google Analytics 4 certifications are good indicators.
• Expertise in new features: A deep understanding of automation, Performance Max, and AI bidding.
• Compliance knowledge: Awareness of policy updates and privacy regulations to keep campaigns safe.

An expert knows when to use automation and when manual optimisation is needed.

5. Industry & Market Experience (Especially Local)

Industry and local market nuances are key. Look for a consultant who:

• Understands your industry: Has experience with businesses similar to yours.
• Grasps local search behaviour: For businesses in Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne, this means understanding geo-targeting.
• Knows the competition: Has insights into the competitive landscape in your market.

For businesses in Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne, local expertise is crucial. Our team offers extensive Digital Marketing Services in Brisbane and other major cities.

6. Ongoing Optimisation, Not One-Off Setups

Google Ads requires continuous attention. A dedicated consultant will implement:

• Regular optimisation cycles: Weekly and monthly adjustments to keywords, bids, and ad copy.
• A/B testing: Constantly testing different ad creatives and landing pages.
• Dynamic budget allocation: Shifting budget towards the highest-performing campaigns.

This ongoing refinement keeps your campaigns performing at their peak.

7. A Team That Supports You—Not a Single Freelancer

While a freelancer can be good, an agency often provides deeper support. Look for a team that offers:

• Multi-disciplinary expertise: Integration with other efforts like Onsite SEO and Conversion Rate Optimisation (CRO).
• Backup and redundancy: A team ensures continuous management.
• Access to specialists: Benefit from a range of experts, from designers to data analysts.

An agency gives you a full marketing team for a fraction of the cost of an in-house hire.

Where to Find a Google Ads Expert (And the Pros & Cons of Each)

Finding the right Google Ads expert consultant can be tough. You have three main options, each with pros and cons.

Freelancers

Many businesses start with a freelance Google Ads expert consultant .

• Pros: Lower costs and personalised attention.
• Cons: Can lack the strategic depth or backup of a team. If they get busy or sick, your campaigns might stall.

In-House Google Ads Specialists

Hiring an in-house expert means having a dedicated team member for your brand.

• Pros: Deep brand knowledge and total focus on your business.
• Cons: High salary and overhead costs. Their experience may be limited to your industry, and it only makes sense if you can afford a full-time, senior specialist.

Google Ads Agencies (The Smarter Long-Term Choice)

Partnering with a Google Ads agency like RankingCo offers a comprehensive solution.

• Pros: You get a team of specialists with broad industry experience and access to data from hundreds of campaigns. This leads to proven systems and a better ROI.
• Cons: Some agencies use junior staff, but a reputable one like RankingCo provides a dedicated team of senior experts for consistent, high-quality results.

For most growing businesses, an agency offers the best balance of expertise, scale, and support.

Why More Businesses Choose RankingCo for Google Ads Management

At RankingCo, we like to think of ourselves as the world’s best little digital agency, blending global expertise with local market knowledge. We help businesses in Australia, New Zealand, the US, and Canada thrive. Here’s what sets us apart as your trusted Google Ads expert consultant .

Data-Led Strategy, Not Guesswork

Our strategies are driven by data, not guesswork. We use advanced AI to analyse market trends and continuously optimise campaigns, ensuring we stay ahead of digital changes and deliver top results.

Client Success Managers Who Are Google Ads Experts

Your main point of contact is a seasoned Google Ads expert consultant , not a junior account manager. We engage in strategic conversations to ensure your campaigns are always aligned with your business vision.

Experience Across Industries & Campaign Types

We have extensive experience across e-commerce, lead generation, and local services. Our expertise covers Search, Display, Shopping, and Performance Max campaigns, with millions in ad spend managed for our clients.

Transparent Reporting & Honest Advice

We provide clear, easy-to-understand reports and honest advice. Our focus is on sustainable growth, whether you need Digital Marketing Services in Sydney or Digital Marketing Services in Melbourne , we have the experience to deliver.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Google Ads Expert

Before you commit to a Google Ads expert consultant , it is crucial to ask the right questions. This helps you gauge their expertise, approach, and how well they will integrate with your business. Here are some key questions we recommend:

• How do you measure success for my specific business goals? They should define clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) beyond just clicks.
• How often will my account be optimised, and what does that process involve? Look for a detailed answer about ongoing management, not just a one-time setup.
• Who will actually manage my campaigns on a day-to-day basis? Understand if you will be working with a senior expert or a junior team member.
• How do you adapt when campaign performance drops or market conditions change? A good consultant should have a clear strategy for troubleshooting and pivoting.
• What industries have you worked with, and do you have experience with businesses like mine? Industry-specific knowledge can be a huge advantage.
• What is your approach to budget allocation and bidding strategies? They should explain their methodology for optimising your ad spend.
• Will I receive custom reporting or access to a dashboard, and how frequently? Transparent reporting is non-negotiable.
• What is your approach to A/B testing and continuous optimisation? This shows a commitment to ongoing improvement.
• How quickly can you launch a new campaign from scratch? Understand their typical turnaround time.
• Do you offer Conversion Rate Optimisation (CRO) or landing page design services? Ads are only half the battle; the landing page is where conversions happen.

Asking these questions will give you a clear picture of their capabilities and help you make an informed decision.

Final Thoughts: Choose a Partner, Not Just a Provider

Navigating Google Ads requires a strategic partner who understands your business. The difference between running ads and achieving profitable growth comes down to consistency, strategy, and expertise.

Without expert oversight, it's easy to waste your budget. A great Google Ads expert consultant saves you time and money by ensuring your budget is invested wisely, targeting the right customers with the right message.

We believe in building long-term partnerships to help our clients thrive in the ever-changing digital world. Our team is dedicated to providing the insights and hands-on management needed for your business to succeed.

Get Expert Help and Watch Your Business Grow

Ready to stop guessing and start growing? Speak with RankingCo’s Google Ads expert consultants today. We offer a data-backed strategy custom to your business, with no fluff and no guesswork – just results.

Get in touch with us to find how we can transform your Google Ads performance and help your business achieve its full potential.