If you’re wondering what are the different types of PPC ad campaigns, you’re not alone. With digital advertising evolving rapidly, businesses often struggle to determine which format will yield the highest return on investment.
According to WordStream, businesses make an average of $2 for every $1 spent on Google Ads. But to achieve those returns, it’s crucial to choose the right PPC campaign type for your goals, industry, and audience.
In this guide, you’ll learn what are the different types of PPC ad campaigns, how they work, and which are best suited for different business objectives—along with expert tips and real-world examples.
Looking to launch your PPC strategy with confidence? Contact RG Agency for a free consultation today.
What Are the Different Types of PPC Ad Campaigns?
At its core, pay-per-click (PPC) advertising allows businesses to pay only when a user clicks on an ad. The structure is simple, but the variety of campaigns available is not. Let’s explore what are the different types of PPC ad campaigns available and how each one functions.
1. Search Ad Campaigns
Search ads are the most common type. These appear at the top of Google’s search results when users type specific queries.
Best for:
- Local service providers
- Businesses targeting high-intent keywords
- Direct-response goals
These ads are built around keyword research and bidding. If you want to dominate relevant search terms, explore our Google Ads services.
2. Display Ad Campaigns
Display ads appear across Google’s Display Network (GDN), including millions of websites, apps, and YouTube.
Best for:
- Brand awareness
- Retargeting
- Visual products or promotions
These ads use banners or visuals and are great for staying top-of-mind. Display is often combined with remarketing strategies, something we implement often at RG Agency.
3. Shopping Ad Campaigns
Shopping ads are ideal for eCommerce businesses. These ads show product images, prices, and store names directly in the search results.
Best for:
- Online stores
- Product-driven campaigns
- Google Merchant Center integrations
Want to maximize eCommerce sales? Our website development and PPC teams work together to build high-converting shopping feeds.
4. Video Ad Campaigns
Video ads run primarily on YouTube, allowing brands to reach viewers before, during, or after video content.
Best for:
- Awareness and engagement
- Product demos
- Visual storytelling
If your audience spends time on YouTube, video campaigns offer incredible reach. Need content to fuel video ads? Our branding services support every visual asset you need.
5. Remarketing Campaigns
Remarketing campaigns allow businesses to re-engage users who previously visited their site or interacted with a product.
Best for:
- Abandoned carts
- Visitors who didn’t convert
- Cross-sells and upsells
Using display, search, and even YouTube placements, remarketing is one of the highest-ROI strategies in the PPC ecosystem.
6. Local Services Ads (LSAs)
Google’s Local Services Ads appear at the very top of search results and are available for service-based businesses like plumbers, cleaners, and contractors.
Best for:
- Home services
- Verified local businesses
- High-trust interactions
These ads operate on a pay-per-lead model. If your business qualifies, LSAs can be a game-changer.
Interested? See how we help brands set this up on our pay-per-click page.
7. Social Media Ad Campaigns
While technically not part of Google’s PPC ecosystem, social ads also fall under the PPC umbrella. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn offer powerful PPC tools for targeting specific demographics.
Best for:
- Niche targeting
- Behavioral segmentation
- Visual and storytelling campaigns
We run full-funnel ads via social media advertising and social media management to maximize conversion rates.
How to Choose the Right PPC Campaign for Your Business
Now that you know what are the different types of PPC ad campaigns, how do you choose the best one?
Here’s a simple framework:
- Lead Generation: Start with search ads and remarketing.
- eCommerce: Focus on shopping ads, display, and video remarketing.
- Branding: Go with display ads and YouTube pre-rolls.
- Local Businesses: Search ads and LSAs work best.
- High-ticket Offers: LinkedIn or YouTube ads to educate before selling.
RG Agency crafts custom PPC mixes based on your business goals and customer journey. Learn more about our approach on our about page.
Tips to Maximize the Effectiveness of Your PPC Campaigns
- Track everything: Use conversion tracking via Google Tag Manager and Analytics.
- Test ad variations: A/B test images, headlines, and CTAs.
- Use negative keywords: Prevent wasted spend.
- Refine targeting constantly: Audiences shift, so adjust as needed.
- Integrate email and SMS: Retarget ad viewers via email marketing or SMS campaigns.
Client Reviews on Our PPC Results
Michelle H. – Dallas, TX
“RG Agency showed us exactly what are the different types of PPC ad campaigns and built one tailored to our business. We saw ROI in less than 30 days.”
Jonathan B. – Austin, TX
“We used to waste money on social ads. RG Agency moved us to Google Shopping and remarketing, and it completely changed our revenue numbers.”
Elaine G. – Phoenix, AZ
“I loved the data-driven approach. Their team not only explained every campaign but also showed us how each channel fits into our buyer’s journey.”
Chris D. – Tampa, FL
“After working with RG Agency, we finally understand PPC. They’re transparent, strategic, and the results speak for themselves.”
Want to see more reviews? Visit our reviews page or find us on Google Maps.
Choose the PPC Campaign That Matches Your Goals
Understanding what are the different types of PPC ad campaigns is the first step toward running efficient and profitable ads. The next step is matching the right format to your audience, product, and business model.
At RG Agency, we help brands identify the best platforms, set clear KPIs, and scale campaigns that deliver measurable results.
Ready to build a campaign that converts? Reach out now for a personalized PPC strategy.
