Some business owners attempt to run Google Ads themselves. After all, Google makes it look quick and easy. You set a budget, pick some keywords, write a short ad, and then you wait for clicks.
But clicks don’t always turn into customers. So, how do you know if running your own Google Ads is working — or if you’re spending money on clicks that go nowhere?
Below, this SEM agency in Hoffman Estates, Illinois is going to explain the main differences between trying Google Ads on your own and working with professionals.
There’s a reason DIY Google Ads seem so compelling.
Google gives you tools to help you launch ads fast, even if you have never done it before. For example, with Smart campaigns, you only have to pay when someone actually clicks on your ad or calls your business. To a small business owner, that sounds like an easy way to keep their ad costs low.
However, just because you are only paying for clicks does not mean you are getting anything of value in return. Clicks alone don’t equal sales.
If you don’t choose the right keywords, track conversions, write stronger ad copy, set smart bid amounts, or narrow down your target areas, you might be wasting money. Even if it looks like the ads are getting attention at first, your budget can disappear fast if it is not focused on the right people or actions.
This is where most DIY campaigns start to go wrong.
So, what is the point at which many business owners realize something is wrong? It is when they notice that they are getting clicks but not much else, and they are not sure why it is happening.
Google lets you use broad match keywords, which means your ad can show up for search terms that seem related, even if they are not exactly what you meant. Your ad might show up when someone searches for something completely different than your service, which can lead to wasted clicks.
You can also exclude certain geographic areas so your ad does not show to people who are too far away or outside your service area. But if you skip this step or don’t do it properly, you could have people clicking on your ads from places where you don’t even operate.
Without refining your keywords or managing where your ad appears, you could be paying for visitors who were never your customers in the first place. And if you are not watching your search terms closely, your budget can disappear without bringing in a single useful lead.
A professional SEM agency in Hoffman Estates, Illinois will analyze your ad reports, filter out bad searches, and add negative keywords. They can also fine-tune the match types, update the ad copy to match what people are really searching for, and generally help your ads stay on track.
What does an SEM agency bring to the table?
An SEM agency does not measure success by clicks alone. They keep track of how many people call you, fill out a form, or make a purchase.
They also take care of all the ad management work you probably don’t have time for. That includes testing different versions of ads, changing bids based on performance, adjusting the location targeting daily, and keeping up with constant changes to Google’s algorithm.
Consider cost vs. value.
On the surface, not hiring an agency can look like an easy way to save money. But losing money on clicks that don’t convert can cost you much more than hiring someone who knows what they are doing.
A professional SEM agency in Hoffman Estates, Illinois can help you avoid common Google Ads mistakes. They can use your ad budget to bring in new customers who want what you offer.
Looking for an SEM agency in Hoffman Estates, Illinois?
If you’re looking for a professional SEM agency in Hoffman Estates, Illinois that takes the guesswork out of Google Ads, Digital Destination LLC is the top choice. Our SEM experts can build a Google Ads strategy designed for real business growth. Contact us at (312) 933-6806 to schedule a free consultation.

