When people hear the term “Google Ads Scripts,” their eyes start to glaze over.
I get it – it sounds like something that’s both tedious and technical. But here’s what many people don’t realize: it’s insanely easy to get started with Google Ads Scripts, even if you aren’t a techie whose greatest love is writing code. And it’s very, very worthwhile.
Intrigued? Keep reading. I’ll walk you through three different ways you can use Google Ads Scripts. I’ll also point out the pros and cons you need to know for each option and suggest some example scripts to get you started.
Let’s jump right in!
Option 1: Copy and paste publicly available Google Ads Scripts
Aka: the good ole Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V.
For those with zero tech knowledge, you can simply search for the scripts that have been written by other people to get started. There are a ton of Google Ads Scripts out there, and most of these scripts can be easily modified to serve your needs.
Google has a library of code snippets to get you started.
Of course, free and easy often has some drawbacks. Before you start copy-pasting in your account, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of this approach.
The Pros:
- This gets you started quickly; just follow these steps and you’ll have your first script running in less than 5 minutes.
- Many scripts out there are completely FREE.
- Many scripts come with use cases detailing exactly how you can benefit from them.
The Cons:
- There’s a finite number of scripts out there. Once you get a feel for what is possible and realize that Google Ads Scripts can do almost ANYTHING, and you’ll probably come up with use cases that aren’t covered by the free ones.
- Many of the scripts that are freely available aren’t maintained or supported. This means the code can be out of date and/or dysfunctional.
- If you simply copy-paste scripts and execute them without understanding their code, you don’t actually know what’s going on. Do you really trust the script to do only the things you want it to and nothing more?
If you don’t have much time to spare, and you need to get up and running quickly, then using publicly available scripts may be the best option for you.
Here’s a quick walkthrough:
Step 1: Figure out what script you want to use. (Check out this bumper list of publicly available scripts, and start with the best Google Ads script I’ve ever used.)
Step 2: Sign into your Google Ads account, click on the tool icon (it looks like a wrench!), and select Bulk Actions > Scripts.
Step 3: Click on the “+” icon and copy and paste the code into the editor area.
Step 4: When you’re prompted to do so, click “Authorize.” Click “Preview” to make sure all’s good, then save the script. From here, you’ll either click on “Run Script Now” or create a schedule for the script to run. Choose the script you’ve created from “Bulk Operations,” then click on “Create Schedule.” Once you set the frequency, hit “Save,” and you’re done.
That’s all there is to it!
Option 2: Write your own Google Ads Script
If you’re not satisfied with copying and pasting the existing scripts out there, then another option is to write your own scripts.
Yes, you’ll start with this blank page and have to navigate a bit of a learning curve, but having this new skill will definitely do great things for your career.
The Pros:
- You can customize your script to your needs. Need to automate repetitive PPC tasks? Want to streamline certain processes that are unique to your business? You can do all of that and more with your very own script.
- You’re in full control; the script does exactly what you want it to do.
- It’s free (well, sort of). The only expense is your time.
The Cons:
- You need programming skills and JavaScript knowledge. If you’re an absolute beginner, it might take you some time to take your proficiency to a level where you can write scripts yourself.
- Once you’re done with your script, you need to spend time maintaining its code, which can be tedious.
Ready to tackle the challenge of writing your first script?
Good news – there are loads of free resources that you can use to learn how to do just that.
Here are some that you’ll want to check out:
If you’re completely new to code, I also recommend that you take a beginner JavaScript course before you attempt to write your first Google Ads Script.
Trust me on this – understanding the basics of how JavaScript works will make your Google Ads Script journey so much easier.
The good news? You can learn JavaScript online, without spending a single cent. Here’s a great introductory course by Codecademy.
Option 3: Have someone else write a Google Ads Script for you
Maybe you’ve tried learning to code, but coding languages sound like Greek to you.
Maybe you’ve got a gazillion things on your to do list, and you’re already pulling all-nighters to work on your business.
Obviously, writing your own script isn’t always going to be the best move. Don’t sweat it – you can always hire a freelancer to do this for you.
The Pros:
- Again, your script can be customized to your specific needs. The sky’s the limit here!
- You don’t need to code anything by yourself.
The Cons:
- You need to find a good programmer who understands Google Ads well.
- You need to be able to communicate with your programmer.
- You’ll have to set aside a budget (the amount will depend on the complexity of the script you want to create).
Keen to outsource the writing of your Google Ads Script?
Upwork has some great freelance JavaScript developers who specialize in Google Ads. Get in touch with a few candidates, discuss the scope of the project and expected deadlines with them, and then go ahead and hire your ideal freelancer.
There you have it…three ways you can get started with your first Google Ads Script.
One last piece of advice:
Your first Google Ads Script doesn’t have to be 100% perfect to get started. Think of it as a work-in-progress: you can always revise it further down the road or even rework the scripts to better suit your needs. As long as it doesn’t break anything, it’s already a big WIN.
Stop procrastinating and commit to creating your first Google Ads Script today!