Google Ads are a common way to reach consumers online. But are they effective for schools and nonprofits looking to enroll students and members or drive donations? Read on to learn if Google Ads are right for your organization!
What are Google Ads?
Google Ads, formerly known as AdWords, is an online advertising platform where businesses pay to display advertisements to be featured within the Google Search Engine or the Google Ad Network. Paid search advertisements, also known as pay-per-click (PPC) ads, are shown when someone searches or “Googles” the keywords an advertiser is bidding on. Banner advertisements, also known as display ads, are shown on a website, generally with an image, to two groups: users who have expressed interest in an advertiser’s website (via remarketing aka retargeting) or users with online habits considered relevant to the advertisers’ offerings (aka behavioral targeting).
Why do Google Ads matter?
Google ads are incredibly powerful for reaching your target audience. Google’s search engine is the most heavily used search engine in the world, followed by YouTube, which is also owned by Google and part of Google Ads. What’s more, the Google Network consists of 2 million websites, covering about 90% of internet users. That statistic is all the more reason it’s critical that advertisers meet their audience where they spend time online. Google Ads empower you to focus your efforts on the correct demographic without wasting time reeling in the people that will never convert.
Just as the brand and reputation of your organization are critical, so is ensuring you are present at the exact moment someone is searching for you or your offerings online - but that can take a while to do organically, via SEO (search engine optimization). Hence, PPC search ads are vital for websites who need to market to their audience, on-demand, in tandem with free traffic from SEO efforts. Equally important is proactively getting the word out to the community and influencers. Gone are the days when you need a flyer, an ad in the paper, or a billboard to do it. Instead, you can get your content in front of your target audience, via Display. With Google Remarketing, organizations can also stay top-of-mind to individuals even after they've left their site, while they are spending time on other websites that participate in the Google Ad Exchange.
But do Google Ads actually Work?
The big question organizations face is if Google Ads are actually worth it, and whether or not they provide a high return on investment. If the targeting capabilities on Google aren’t enough for organizations to jump at the opportunity, Google Ads also come with a platform that Google boasts is “user friendly”, allowing advertisers to select their targeting criteria, create ads, set their budgets, and watch the conversions come through at the click of a few buttons… except, in many cases, those conversions never happen or worse, are never tracked at all. Like many Google Products, the platforms and product tutorials are very e-commerce driven. So, for nonprofit organizations and independent schools that are looking to enroll students and members or recruit volunteers, all while working with a shoe-string budget, it can definitely be challenging to navigate the platform in a way that makes sense --and is worthwhile -- for enrollment.
When asked if Google Ads work - Enroll Media Group’s answer is YES, but only when managed properly, and against realistic goals. For independent K-12 schools, it is very clear in our work with Google, that this strategy is, in fact, worth it. From generating leads and open house sign-ups, to improving brand and content engagement, Google Ads is also very powerful. How do we know? Because you can track it all! Depending on your CRM and website, you can even track attribution long after the campaign is over, down to specific enrolled students. Again, it all comes down to smart goals. Due to the nature of some goals (i.e., attempting to drive last-minute applications or reaching a brand new tertiary market), Google Ads is not always the best choice of platform to spend that precious marketing money, so setting realistic goals is paramount.
For nonprofits, the data is much of the same. With strategic goals, like engaging a local audience to promote an event or volunteer opportunities, or encouraging current donors to contribute to a Capital Campaign, Google Ads can be very effective, and in some cases for qualifying nonprofits, the service might even be free via Google ad grants.
Check out these recent case studies that highlight Google Ad success against two particular school’s strategic enrollment goals.
The Bright School and Enroll Media Group Google Ads Case Study
The Chestnut Hill School and Enroll Media Group Google Ads Case Study
How do I improve my organization's Google Ads?
If you need help optimizing your google ads campaign, talk to EMG today - we live, eat and breathe digital advertising, analytics, CRO, and all-things-enrollment marketing. We would happy to have a no-strings-call to discuss how your institution can improve its campaigns and increase ROI.
Follow Angie on Twitter @AngieMayWard