Learning Google Ads is one of the smartest investments you can make if you’re looking to grow your business or career in digital marketing. Mastering Google Ads allows you to drive targeted traffic to your website, generate leads, increase sales, and stay competitive.
While Google Skillshop is the official resource for learning Google Ads and getting a Google Ads Certification, many other valuable courses are available online.
These courses can help you go beyond the basics, offering real-world examples, advanced strategies, and practical tips from experienced professionals.
In this post, we've reviewed popular Google Ads training courses to find the top courses you can take to build practical skills.
Free & Paid Google Ads Training Courses
- Google Ads Training By Google Skillshop (Free)
- Google Ads Full Course By Reliablesoft
- The Complete Google Ads Masterclass By Udemy
- Google Ads for Beginners By Coursera (Free)
- PPC Fundamentals Course By Semrush (Free)
- Diploma in Google Ads By Alison (Free)
- Google Ads Course: Beginner To Expert By Udemy
- Google Ads Training By CXL
- Google Ads Search Campaign By Coursera (Free)
- Google Ads For Beginners By Skillshare
1. Google Ads Training By Google Skillshop (Free)
- Cost: Free
- Duration: Self-paced learning
- Level: Beginner / Intermediate
- Certification: Google Ads Certification
Google Skillshop is the official training academy for Google Ads. It offers several free courses and certifications for learning and becoming certified in Google Ads.
The Google Ads certifications currently available are:
- Google Ads Display Certification
- Google Ads Search Certification
- Google Ads Creative Certification
- Google Ads - Measurement Certification
- Google Ads Video Certification
- AI-Powered Shopping Ads Certification
- Google Ads Apps Certification
- Grow Offline Sales Certification
- AI-Powered Performance Ads Certification
The Google Ads courses are comprehensive and are taught by Google specialists. Upon completing a course and passing an exam, you can become a Google Ads certified professional (for the particular specialization).
Getting a Google Ads certification from Skillshop is a requirement for agencies or individuals who want to become a Google Ads Certified Partner.
Why enroll in this course?
They are free and the official way to prepare for the Google Ads exams. By enrolling in Google Skillshop courses, you’ll:
- Get fundamental courses for each type of Google Ads - discovery, display, shopping, search, video, and apps.
- Gain practical experience by setting up your own ad campaigns.
- Find tailor-made courses for agency professionals, marketers, and creators.
- Learn how to use Google Ads AI campaigns – the newer, cost-effective way to increase sales.
Pros:
- Get a Google certification, learn from folks at Google, and complete the course at your own pace and time.
- It's great to start with Google Ads without prior experience or knowledge.
Cons:
- Lack of real-life tips and tricks that can make a real difference when trying to optimize your campaigns to the fullest.
2. Google Ads Full Course By Reliablesoft
- Cost: $149 (currently at an 80% discount)
- Duration: 4 hours
- Level: Beginner / Intermediate
- Certification: Yes
The Google Ads Full Course by Reliablesoft Digital Marketing Academy will teach you how to run profitable Google Ads campaigns.
This course is perfect for beginners as it starts from the basics and covers everything you need to know to get started with Google Ads. It includes the following lessons:
- Introduction to Google Ads
- How to create a new account
- How to create conversions and enable conversion tracking
- How to create Search Ads
- How to create Display Campaigns
- How to run Remarketing campaigns on Google Ads
- How to run Dynamic search campaigns
- How to create Discovery campaigns
- How to optimize Google Ads campaigns
Why enroll in this course?
The course is created by a Google Ads expert with more than 15 years of hands-on experience with Google Ads. Through this course, you'll not just learn the theory but the best practices to follow to run profitable campaigns in the fastest possible way.
By the end of the course, you'll know the exact framework for running profitable Google Ads campaigns like a pro using a bulletproof process.
As a certified Google Ads Partner, we've run various Google Ads campaigns (on behalf of our clients), spending more than 1 million USD. In the course, we’ll show you how to set up and optimize your campaigns so that you’ll start making money as quickly as possible.
No more guessing about what works for a successful Google Ads campaign. All you have to do is to replicate the steps of a proven process.
The Google Ads Course has 11 Lessons with video tutorials and step-by-step examples. It is offered as part of the Digital Marketing Full Course, which includes 14 courses covering ALL areas of Digital Marketing.
Pros:
- It covers both basic and advanced concepts.
- All lessons include step-by-step tutorials with videos to help you create and manage your Google Ads campaigns.
Cons:
- Does not include shopping ads campaigns.
3. The Complete Google Ads Masterclass By Udemy
- Cost: $99 (check for discounts).
- Duration: 7.5 Hours
- Level: Intermediate
- Certification: Certificate of Completion.
Udemy’s Complete Google Ads Masterclass is a 100% practical course that teaches the ins and outs of Google Ads. It is designed to give students hands-on experience with various Google Ads campaign types, including search, shopping, and AI-driven Performance Max campaigns.
Why enroll in this course?
You should choose this course if you want to build hands-on skills and become a Google Ads freelancer.
It is suitable for learners at all levels. From the beginning, it offers hands-on experience and equips students with the skills needed to earn Google Ads certifications.
It includes topics related to Google Ads strategy, conversion tracking, keyword research, sales psychology, and copywriting.
Pros:
- Comprehensive coverage of Google Ads campaigns.
- Practical, real-world examples.
- Lifetime access with updates.
Cons:
- Intense course modules consisting of 61 lectures.
- Some advanced concepts might need prior PPC experience.
4. Google Ads for Beginners By Coursera (Free)
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Level: Beginner
- Certification: No Certificate
Google Ads Tutorial by Coursera is a short course to get an introduction to Google Ads. You should consider this course if you want a basic understanding of Google Ads and its platform. This course can be a starting point toward becoming a Google Ads specialist.
Why enroll in this course?
This tutorial will enable you to:
- Set up a Google Ads account
- Establish your first campaign and ad sets
- Learn Conversion Tracking and Keyword Research
- Understand Google Ads tools and settings, including Dashboard navigation
- Grasp the concept of Campaign Optimization
- Apply your first-hand experience in professional settings and interviews
Pros:
- Short and quick way to get an understanding of the basics.
Cons:
- You'll need to use other courses to learn other more advanced features of Google Ads.
5. PPC Fundamentals Course By Semrush (Free)
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 5 Hours
- Level: Beginner
- Certification: Certificate issued by Semrush
The PPC Fundamentals Course by Semrush Academy focuses exclusively on Pay-per-Click(PPC) advertising while teaching you about Google Ads. It is a well-designed course for those wanting to learn general PPC and how Google Ads works.
Why enroll in this course?
It covers the essentials of setting up, managing, and optimizing PPC campaigns, including keyword research, ad creation, conversion tracking, and budget management. In particular, it covers:
- PPC basics with a focus on PPC strategies and successful campaigns
- Different types of Advertising - Search, Display, Apps, Shopping
- Setting bids and budgets to maximize profits
- Multi-Touch Conversions: Learning that conversions can take multiple tries from multiple sources
Pros:
- Taught by a PPC expert, the course structure focuses on understanding how PPC works.
- Free course with certification.
- Comprehensive, structured lessons for PPC beginners.
Cons:
- Live projects or case studies are not part of the course.
- Limited focus on advanced PPC strategies.
6. Diploma in Google Ads By Alison (Free)
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 15 Hours
- Level: Beginner/Intermediate
- Certification: Google Ads Diploma
The Diploma in Google Ads from Alison is a free online course designed to teach students how to create, manage, and optimize Google Ads campaigns.
It covers essential topics such as setting up conversion tracking, A/B testing ads, and improving ad quality scores. The course emphasizes practical skills for driving high-quality traffic to websites through Google Ads, making it ideal for those looking to enhance their digital marketing skills.
Why enroll in this course?
This course provides comprehensive training on Google Ads, offering step-by-step campaign setup and optimization instructions. Whether a business owner or a digital marketing professional, mastering these skills can help you drive better ad results and lower costs per click.
With the help of this course, you will be able to:
- Start, set up, and optimize your own Google Ads campaign
- Get relevant information on remarketing and how it can help your website
- Understand budgets, billing, and Conversion Tracking
- Set up A/B tests and keep a check on your Quality Score
- Learn best practices for advertising your products and services effectively
- Get an understanding of consumer psychology and behavior
Pros:
- Free course with certification.
- Covers advanced ad optimization techniques like A/B testing.
Cons:
- Demands more time commitment. All course assessments require a score of 80% or above.
- Ads on the platform can be distracting from learning.
7. Google Ads Course: Beginner To Expert By Udemy
- Cost: $69.99
- Duration: 11.5 hours
- Level: Beginner/Intermediate
- Certification: Certificate of Completion
The Google Ads Course: Beginner To Expert, created by Adrien and Ryan, is highly rated by Udemy students. It includes 12 lessons and 47 lectures, totaling 11.5 hours.
Why enroll in this course?
This comprehensive course will teach you the basic and advanced concepts of Google Ads. It's ideal for beginners and professionals looking to scale e-commerce businesses or start careers as Google Ads specialists.
You'll learn to set up a Google Ads account and create your first campaign. You'll discover how to do keyword research, create compelling ads, and optimize your campaigns for higher conversions.
It covers all kinds of Google Ads, including search ads, shopping ads, YouTube ads, and Google Discover ads.
The course is updated regularly to incorporate new Google Ads features.
Pros:
- Covers both basic and advanced concepts.
- Updated for the latest Google Ads changes.
- Downloadable resources for easy reference.
Cons:
- Missing quizzes for knowledge checks.
8. Google Ads Training By CXL
- Cost: $289 / mo
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Level: Intermediate / Advanced
- Certification: Certificate of Completion
The Google Ads Training is a premium course offered by CXL. It's not a course for beginners, but it's in the category of Intermediate / Advanced.
Students should be familiar with the Google Ads interface and the fundamentals of PPC advertising.
Why enroll in this course?
The course is only 1.5 hours long and taught by an experienced PPC specialist.
It includes 18 lessons covering all major Google Ad campaign types and Google Ads research tools, such as the Google Keyword Planner and Google Display Planner.
The primary benefit of this course is that it's actionable. The advice provided is not based on theory but on the instructor's experience working in the PPC industry.
Pros:
- Comprehensive, covering all aspects of Google Ads, including monitoring tools.
Cons:
- The $289 price tag is high for a Google Ads course.
9. Google Ads Search Campaign By Coursera (Free)
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Level: Beginner
- Certification: No
The Create a Google Ads Search Campaign course from Coursera is a great starting point for getting step-by-step instructions to create your first Google Ads campaign.
Why enroll in this course?
In only 2 hours, you'll learn:
- How to create a Google Ads account
- Set up goals for your campaigns
- Configure basic settings
- Create ad groups and ads
- Set up conversion tracking
It's a straightforward tutorial and free for anyone to enroll.
Pros:
You get step-by-step instructions in a split-screen environment.
Cons:
- Some parts need updating to use the latest Google Ads interface.
10. Google Ads For Beginners By Skillshare
- Cost: $99 or $19 / mo
- Duration: 4 hours 34 minutes
- Level: Beginner / Intermediate
- Certification: No Certification
The Google Ads for Beginners course by Joshua George on Skillshare provides a step-by-step guide for setting up and running profitable Google Ads campaigns. It is suitable for people who want to get into Google Ads but have no experience with PPC advertising.
The course is designed to give you a perfect blend of theoretical and practical knowledge that you can apply in real-time business situations.
Why enroll in this course?
The instructor is an experienced PPC specialist, and in the course, you'll gain comprehensive knowledge of Google Ads, from campaign setup to optimization. Among other things, you’ll also:
- Understand Keywords and their importance and learn accurate keyword targeting
- Identify Match Types and understand how they help with cost savings
- Learn all about Bidding Strategies and Quality Scores
- Get detailed insight into Ad Extensions like Sitelink, Callout, Location, and Call
- Become an expert in Conversion Tracking and Ad Campaigns
Pros:
- The instructor teaches from personal experience.
- Includes a live project to test what you have learned.
Cons:
- Uses premium tools like SEMRush (require monthly subscription).
- It may feel basic for those with prior Google Ads experience.
Compare Google Ads Courses
The table below lists the best free Google Ads Courses.
| Course | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Google Ads Training By Google Skillshop | Self-Paced | Free |
| Google Ads for Beginners By Coursera | 2 hours | Free |
| PPC Fundamentals Course By Semrush | 5 hours | Free |
| Diploma in Google Ads By Alison | 15 hours | Free |
| Google Ads Search Campaign By Coursera | 2 hours | Free |
The table below compares the cost and duration of paid Google Ads Courses.
| Course | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Google Ads Full Course By Reliablesoft | 4 hours | $149 |
| The Complete Google Ads Masterclass By Udemy | 7.5 hours | $99 |
| Google Ads Course: Beginner To Expert By Udemy | 11.5 hours | $69 |
| Google Ads Training By CXL | 1.5 hours | $289 |
| Google Ads For Beginners By Skillshare | 4.5 hours | $19 / mo |
Who Should Follow a Google Ads Course?
You must become a Google Ads specialist if you are an entrepreneur or a small business owner. You’ll save money on outsourcing this task to agencies, and even if you do, you’ll have better control of what’s going on with your campaigns.
Additionally, Google Ads training is necessary for digital marketers, agency professionals, and those looking to start a career in digital marketing.
Becoming Google Ads certified can open up new career opportunities since PPC specialists are in high demand now, and it’s a great first step to becoming a digital marketing specialist.
Is it Worth Getting a Google Ads Certification?
Yes. Google Ads courses don’t just add to your digital marketing knowledge but have several advantages to offer to individuals and businesses.
Here are 5 reasons why you need to learn Google Ads and get certified:
- You’ll learn how to increase your advertising reach and get more leads and sales.
- You’ll be able to optimize your Google Ads campaigns so that they become profitable.
- It’s a great service to offer your clients if you plan to start a digital marketing agency.
- It’s a great addition to your CV. Employers (including us) prefer to hire certified professionals for specialized tasks like managing PPC campaigns.
Google Ads can benefit any business today - big or small, offline or online.
Our Course Review Process
To help you find the best Google Ads training course, we’ve looked at the most popular digital marketing training academies. We selected the courses based on the quality of the content, instructor experience with Google Ads, cost, and certification. All courses are ideally suited for beginners and more experienced Google Ads professionals.
Why You Should Trust Our Reviews?
We've been running PPC campaigns for clients in different industries for over a decade, and we know the challenges you need to overcome to get good results.
In addition to services, we offer Google Ads courses. As part of our course creation process, we analyze the competition's offerings to improve our lessons and student experience.
Related Courses and Certifications
To further enrich your Google Ads skills, you can pursue a Google Ads Certification. The certifications are issued by Google, and it's the best way to validate your Google Ads skills.
You can also consider taking a Digital Marketing Course to learn about all the online marketing channels and then go after a Digital Marketing Certification.
