Tips for Getting the Most out of Call-Only Ads in Google AdWords

Mobile-optimized sites have been all the rage since Google decided that mobile-friendly sites would rank better in search results. However, Google has not forgotten about the original purpose of mobile devices — phone calls. Google makes it easier for advertisers to engage smartphone users with call-only ads.

This article provides insight into the setup, optimization, and reporting of call-only ads, based on data and testing we have done for our PPC services clients.

• Setting up call-only ads
• Optimization
• Reporting on call-only ads
• FAQ: How can I maximize the effectiveness of Call-Only Ads in Google AdWords?

Setting Up Call-Only Ads

Before creating your call-only ad campaigns, you should start a conversation with your business or client to establish a valuable call length. It may take the sales team 10 minutes to close a lead or sale. By default, the call-only ads consider a call length of 60 seconds to be a conversion. For accurate reporting and cost management, you’ll want to set the conversion, count, and conversion window at the right length for your business. Adjust the default settings using AdWords’ conversion interface.

Select the Phone calls conversion and select the Calls from ads using call extensions option. In the future, I suspect this may read “Calls from ads.”

From here you can set the call length for a conversion, count, conversion window, and other settings.

Tip: We recommend adding time to the required call length based on average time on hold, transferring, and navigating through automated response systems.

Optimization

• Scheduling: Unless you or your client consider a user being sent to an answering machine a valuable phone call, we recommend scheduling your call-only ads to run during hours the business operates, has sufficient staffing available to answer calls, or is aligned with call-center hours.

PPC Management Tip: Scheduling can play very well into an account structure that has been segmented geographically. This way, you can create multiple call-only campaigns with ad schedule that correlates with their respective time zones.

• Using call-only ads with mobile-preferred ads: Call-only ads and mobile-preferred ads won’t directly compete against each other, but they do occupy the same ad space. Google’s ad rank will determine which ad type will show. And if your mobile-preferred ads have more historical data, they will likely outrank your call-only ads on most searches. So, it may be necessary to bid up on your call-only ads.

Mobile Tip: We recommend segmenting mobile preferred ads and call-only ads into different campaigns for more granular control of the different bid and keyword strategies of each.

• Targeted keywords: If there is sufficient traffic, we recommend adding phone call-centric modifiers to your call-only keywords, such as “phone number,” “call,” or “customer support.” This will help improve call-only click-through rates and can further mediate competition with your mobile-preferred ads.

Reporting on Call-Only Ads

Data on call-only ads and Google forwarding numbers (unique phone number extensions that Google can add to an ad to allow for enhanced reporting like call length and caller’s area code) is not visible by default. Look for this data in Custom columns and Dimensions within AdWords.

• Custom columns: You can add custom columns to view metrics like: phone calls, PTR, phone impressions, and more. Unfortunately, these metrics do not seem to be available at the keyword level yet, but you can add call detail metrics at the campaign and ad group level.

• Dimensions: If you have opted into Google forwarding phone numbers, looking in the Dimensions tab can be a great resource for call-only reporting. Once in the Dimensions tab, select Call details from the drop-down. Here you get PPC metrics like: call length, caller’s area code, and if the phone call was received or missed.

Tip: If you or your client are not sure what constitutes a valuable phone call, getting an idea of average call length from this report can help provide insight.

Hopefully, this article has provided you or your PPC account manager some help taking advantage of the newest Google AdWords ad type, call-only ads.

Ready to maximize your Google AdWords potential? Take charge with our tailored strategies and data-driven insights for optimizing Call-Only Ads and boost your conversions. Talk to us. 

FAQ: How can I maximize the effectiveness of Call-Only Ads in Google AdWords?

Harnessing the full potential of Call-Only Ads requires finesse and strategy. Here’s a comprehensive guide to elevate your AdWords game and optimize these ads for maximum effectiveness.

1. Understanding Call Length Metrics

Begin by aligning your call length metric with your business’s conversion goals. Tailor the call length to reflect valuable engagements, adjusting settings within AdWords’ conversion interface.

2. Setting Up Call-Only Ads

Select the Phone calls conversion and opt for Calls from ads using call extensions to customize call length, conversion count, and window.

3. Optimization Strategies

Scheduling your call-only ads during operational hours enhances the chances of meaningful interactions. Consider geographical segmentation for better ad scheduling alignment.

4. Coexisting with Mobile Preferred Ads

Recognize that call-only ads and mobile-preferred ads coexist within the same ad space. Use historical data and strategic bidding to ensure visibility for call-only ads.

5. Targeted Keyword Integration

Enhance call-only ad visibility by adding phone-centric modifiers to keywords. Terms like “phone number” or “customer support” can augment click-through rates.

6. Reporting on Call-Only Ads

Accessing data on call-only ads and Google forwarding numbers requires navigating through custom columns and dimensions within AdWords. These metrics offer invaluable insights into call length, area codes, and call status.

7. Custom Columns and Dimensions

Utilize custom columns to track key metrics like phone calls and phone impressions. Dive deeper into dimensions to glean insights such as call length and caller details.

8. Maximizing Valuable Insights

Leverage call length data to understand the quality of interactions and tailor strategies accordingly. Understanding what constitutes a valuable call aids in refining campaign approaches.

Google AdWords presents a wealth of opportunities with Call-Only Ads, and mastering their effectiveness entails a holistic approach, from setup to analysis.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Define Call Length Metrics: Align with business conversion goals.
2. Set Up Call-Only Ads: Customize settings in the Phone calls conversion interface.
3. Optimize Scheduling: Align ad runtime with operational hours.
4. Coexist with Mobile Preferred Ads: Strategically bid to ensure visibility.
5. Integrate Targeted Keywords: Add phone-centric modifiers for improved visibility.
6. Access Call-Only Ad Metrics: Navigate through AdWords’ custom columns and dimensions.
7. Utilize Custom Columns: Track essential metrics like phone calls and impressions.
8. Dive into Dimensions: Extract detailed insights like call length and caller details.

Mastering Call-Only Ads in Google AdWords necessitates a deep dive into metrics, strategic planning, and continuous optimization. Each facet contributes to unlocking their true potential, ensuring meaningful interactions and enhanced conversions.

This article was updated on December 20, 2023.  

Jack Van Leeuwen is an SEM Analyst at Bruce Clay, Inc. His SEM career began in 2012 as an intern at a Boulder, CO, digital agency. Now a Los Angeles transplant, he enjoys the finer points of data driven, analytical marketing. When Jack isn’t busy managing SEM accounts he enjoys songwriting, beach days, and grazing at the latest LA brunch spot. Connect with Jack on LinkedIn.

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