In Short: Are Google Ads Free?

Nope, Google Ads aren’t free—but you’re in full control of how much you spend.

 

The Pain Point:

You might think you can just create ads and start generating leads for free. Unfortunately, without understanding the costs, it can quickly become expensive and disappointing.

The Answer:

Cost structure: Google Ads work on a pay-per-click (PPC) model, so you pay every time someone clicks your ad. The cost per click (CPC) varies based on competition, your industry, and keywords.

  • Budget control: You set your daily and overall budget. Google will never exceed what you allocate.
  • Free perks: While the ads themselves aren’t free, creating a Google Ads account and accessing powerful tools (like keyword planners and analytics) doesn’t cost a dime.
  • Occasional credits: New accounts often qualify for promotional credits. These can give you free ad spend, usually matching what you deposit.

 

Bottom line: You need to spend money to run ads, but Google gives you control over how much you invest.