Where Google Ads Can Appear
On Google Search and Other Search Sites
The most well-known placement for Google Ads is right at the top of the search results page. When someone searches for something like “best plumber near me” or “vein pain treatment,” your ad can appear above the organic search results.
Your ads can also show on:
- Google Play
- Google Shopping
- Google Maps (even inside the Maps app!)
- Google Search Partners – a network of hundreds of non-Google websites that also show Google search ads
These search placements are great for high-intent traffic—people who are actively looking for what you offer. That’s why search ads tend to convert really well.
Pro tip: To make the most of this, use keywords that match what your ideal customer would type in when ready to buy.
On Websites That Your Customers Visit
Ever seen ads while reading a blog or scrolling a news site? That’s the Google Display Network (GDN) at work. It includes millions of websites, apps, and even YouTube, where your ads can appear.
On the Display Network, your ads can show up based on:
- Keywords and topics
- Specific websites or pages
- User interests and past behavior
This is great for building brand awareness or retargeting people who’ve already visited your site. You can run image ads, video ads, or even responsive display ads that adjust to fit different spaces.
Use case: Want to remind someone who visited your product page but didn’t buy? Display ads can help you follow up and bring them back.
On Different Devices
Your ads aren’t just for desktops. Google Ads works across all device types, including:
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- Desktop computers
This matters because more and more users are browsing and shopping on mobile. With Performance Max and smart campaigns, Google can even automatically adjust your ads to fit different screens and platforms.
Bonus: Your ads can also appear in mobile apps, which expands your reach even more.
In Selected Locations or Languages
If your business only serves certain areas—or if you want to target customers in specific places—you can tell Google exactly where to show your ads.
You can target:
- Whole countries
- Specific cities or zip codes
- A radius around your store or office
And if your audience speaks different languages, you can create separate campaigns for each one. That way, your ads stay relevant and personalized.
Example: A local service provider might want to show ads only in their service area, in both English and Spanish. Google Ads makes that easy.
So, Are Google Ads Worth It in 2025?
Yes—Google Ads are absolutely worth it, especially if you take full advantage of all the ways your ads can appear. Whether you’re going for direct response or brand building, Google gives you powerful tools to reach your audience where they are, when they’re ready to act.
If you:
✅ Know your target audience
✅ Use smart keyword targeting
✅ Track performance
✅ Test and tweak regularly
…then you’ll set yourself up for success with Google Ads.
Ready to see where your ads can go? Whether it’s search, display, mobile, or maps—your next customer could be one click away. Need help? Book a free strategy call or drop us a message on our contact page.