November 8, 2024

Utilizing Ad Assets (Formerly Extensions) to Boost CTR and ROI

Navigating the Google Ads landscape, especially with new tools and updates, can be complex. But here’s one simple, effective way to level up your campaigns: ad assets (formerly known as ad extensions). Ad assets let you add useful, specific information to your ads—like direct links, a contact number, or even images. These extras can help your ad stand out from the crowd, bringing in more clicks and making the most of your ad budget.

What Are Ad Assets, and Why Do They Matter?

Ad assets are those additional details in your ad that go beyond just a few lines of text. Think of them as quick-access info that can answer questions right away. For example, if someone’s looking for digital marketing help, assets like sitelinks to specific services, a phone number, or customer reviews can make it easier for them to get in touch or learn more.

So, why bother adding these extras? Because they help your ad appear more relevant to searchers, which usually leads to higher click-through rates (CTR) and, importantly, a lower cost per click (CPC). Google loves it when ads align closely with what users need, and ad assets help you accomplish just that.

Different Types of Ad Assets That Can Improve Your Ads

  • Sitelink Assets
    What They Do: These are extra links that appear below your ad text, leading people directly to specific pages on your site, like “Contact Us” or “Pricing.”
    Why They Matter: Sitelinks let users quickly navigate to relevant sections, so if someone knows exactly what they want, they can jump straight there, improving their experience and boosting your CTR.
  • Callout Assets
    What They Do: These are short, punchy phrases that highlight key perks—think “Free Shipping” or “24/7 Support.”
    Why They Matter: They add value in a glance and help your ad stand out. When users see “Fast Turnaround” or “Award-Winning Service,” they’re more likely to feel your business is a good fit for their needs.
  • Location Assets
    What They Do: Location assets show your business address, giving potential customers a clear sense of where you’re located and how to find you.
    Why They Matter: Great for businesses with physical locations, location assets help attract nearby customers, especially those searching “near me” or local services.
  • Image Assets
    What They Do: These let you add visuals to your ad—showing products, locations, or other relevant images.
    Why They Matter: Eye-catching images can quickly grab attention and convey information visually, which can be especially useful for retail or service-based ads.
  • Call Assets
    What They Do: Call assets display your phone number, making it easy for users to call directly from the ad.
    Why They Matter: Particularly useful for service-based businesses, call assets simplify the process for customers who prefer direct contact. It’s all about meeting people where they are and making it easy for them to reach you.
  • Affiliate Location Assets
    What They Do: These show customers where they can find your products at nearby retail locations, perfect for brands with multiple retail partners.
    Why They Matter: Affiliate location assets help drive in-store sales by showing users where they can purchase your products locally.
  • Price Assets
    What They Do: These display specific products or services and their prices directly within your ad.
    Why They Matter: Price assets attract budget-conscious users and give potential customers a quick sense of what to expect, increasing transparency and engagement.
  • App Assets
    What They Do: If you have a mobile app, app assets direct users to download it, including a link to your app store listing.
    Why They Matter: App assets can boost app installs, especially if mobile engagement is part of your strategy, connecting you with users who prefer a mobile experience.
  • Lead Form Assets
    What They Do: These allow users to fill out a form directly within the ad, capturing leads without needing to visit a separate page.
    Why They Matter: Lead form assets streamline the lead generation process, making it easy for users to connect with you on the spot.
  • Structured Snippet Assets
    What They Do: Use these to highlight specific features or aspects of your offerings, such as product categories, brands, or services.
    Why They Matter: Structured snippets give users a deeper understanding of your business and offerings, building trust by showcasing your brand’s range or expertise.
  • Promotion Assets
    What They Do: These assets highlight special offers or discounts, like “20% Off” or “Free Shipping.”
    Why They Matter: Promotion assets attract deal-seeking customers and can increase urgency, making them perfect for seasonal campaigns or limited-time offers.

Related Read: Learn about using Advanced Targeting for Precision and Better ROI, which dives into optimizing ad spend by targeting the right audiences.

The Benefits of Ad Assets for Your Ad Budget

Adding ad assets isn’t just about filling out extra fields. They actually help Google understand that your ad is relevant, which directly impacts your Quality Score. Higher Quality Scores mean better ad placements and, often, lower costs per click. In short, ad assets can help you get better visibility and results without stretching your budget.

Quick Tips for Making the Most of Ad Assets

  • Match Assets to Customer Needs: Think about what your customers would find most helpful. For example, if you’re a local business, location and call assets could be especially valuable.
  • Test Different Variations: Try testing a few types of assets to see what works best. Maybe sitelinks drive the most clicks, or perhaps callouts resonate with your audience. Experiment to find the winning combination.
  • Keep It Relevant and Direct: Use language that speaks directly to what your audience wants. “Free Consultation” or “Exclusive Offers” can be more compelling than generic terms.
  • Update Regularly: Keep your assets fresh. If you’re running a special promotion, make sure your assets reflect that. It keeps things timely and engaging for users.

Wrapping Up: Make Ad Assets Work for Your Goals

Ad assets are a simple but effective way to get more out of your Google Ads. By providing extra information that’s tailored to what people need, you’ll likely see higher CTRs, better ad rankings, and improved ROI. These additions make ads more relevant, ensuring you’re maximizing both your visibility and budget.

Looking for help with your Google Ads strategy? At Pine Media, we specialize in building optimized, results-driven campaigns that make every ad dollar count. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you make Google Ads work for you!