Want consistent deck work? Get on Google Ads. This article will help you run Google Ads for Decking like a pro.
Table of Contents
ToggleWhat is Google Ads?
Google Ads is an online advertising platform. These are the ads you see at the top of Google search results. People searching for deck builders are often ready to hire. Through Google Ads, you can show your ads to these particular people that are in the areas you serve. What is more amazing is you only pay when someone clicks on your ad.
Unlike waiting for your website to rank high in search result, Google Ads can get you leads quickly. You decide also how much you want to spend on advertising.
In Google Ads, you create ads that highlight your services and encourage people to click.
Let’s walk through how a potential customer finds your decking business using Google Ads, as visualized in the diagram below. Imagine someone in your service area is looking to repair an old deck. They start by searching on Google for something like “deck repair near me,” represented by the magnifying glass icon. Google then displays a list of search results, including paid advertisements. Your decking business ad, carefully crafted to target those searching for deck repair services, appears among these ads (ad icon). The customer, noticing your compelling ad copy and perhaps a special offer, clicks on it (hand tap icon).
This click takes them directly to a specific page on your website designed to capture leads – your landing page (webpage sample). This page features a lead form (form icon) where they can easily enter their name, phone number, email, and a brief description of their project. Once they’ve filled out the form and clicked “submit,” they receive a confirmation message, often a “thank you” page, indicated by a checkmark icon. This submission sends their information directly to your business, making them a qualified lead. Your team can then follow up with them (handshake icon), discussing their project in more detail and moving them closer to becoming a paying customer. This clear, visual flow demonstrates how Google Ads connects potential customers directly to your business, generating valuable leads.
Getting Started with Google Ads for Decking
A. Set Up a Google Ads Account
It’s free to set up a Google Ads account. Navigate to ads.google.com/home.
If you already have an existing Google Account, you may use it to sign in. Otherwise, create your account by clicking Create Account.
Ready to stop guessing and start growing? Let our Google Ads experts build a campaign that delivers real, measurable leads for your decking business.
Schedule A Free Strategy Session Today
B. New Campaign Creation Steps
1. Add Business Information
Add your business information (business name and web page URL).
Skip “Link Account” Steps
2. Choose Campaign Objective
For a decking business, the main goal is to get more customers, which translates to generating leads.
The Leads objective is specifically designed to help you generate inquiries from potential customers. Within the Leads objective, you’ll be able to tell google what kind of leads you want.
“Submit lead form” means you want people to fill out a form on your landing page or directly within a Google Ads lead form extension.
This is perfect for decking businesses because it allows you to collect essential customer information, such as:
- Name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Project details (e.g., deck size, material preferences)
By selecting this option, Google will focus on showing your Google Ads for Decking to people who will fill out your lead form.
It is important for decking businesses as it is a direct way to capture qualified leads. It allows you to gather detailed information about potential customers. It facilitates easy follow-up and personalized communication.
Setting Up Conversion Tracking
“Set up measurement” in Google Ads, refers to the process of configuring tools and tracking systems to gather data about how your Google Ads for Decking are performing. It’s about understanding what’s working and what’s not.
-
Entering a URL (Simplified Tracking) — This option is designed for simplicity, especially for beginners or those with limited technical skills. It’s ideal for tracking basic conversions, such as when someone reaches a “thank you” page after submitting a form.
How it Works:
You provide the URL of the confirmation page. Google Ads checks if someone reaches that URL after clicking your ad. If they do, it counts it as a conversion.
-
Setting Up Manually Using Code (Advanced Tracking) — This option provides greater flexibility and control over conversion tracking. It’s necessary for tracking complex conversions, such as button clicks, specific actions within a page, or dynamic values.
How it Works:
Google Ads provides a small piece of code (a “tag”). You place this code on the relevant pages of your website. You can customize the code to track specific events and values.
Since you’re just starting out, choose the first option: “Enter the URL that someone reaches after they successfully fill out a form”
3. Choose Campaign Type
Google Ads offers different campaign types when you start a new campaign, and these choices dictate where and how your Google Ads for Decking are presented.
Search is the best choice for a decking business especially when starting.
A Search campaign displays your text ads on Google’s search results pages (SERPs). Your Google Ads for Decking appear when people search for keywords related to your decking services.
4. Locations
Locations means choosing where your Google Ads for Decking will show up. Because you build decks in a specific area, you don’t want your Google Ads for Decking to show to people who live far away. You want to show them only to people who will actually hire you. Google Ads lets you pick cities, towns, or even a circle (radius targeting) around your business.
You can also tell Google where not to show your Google Ads for Decking. This helps you save money and make sure the people who see your Google Ads for Decking are the ones who will become your customers. It’s like putting up signs only in the neighborhoods where you work.
Location Options
When you’re setting up location targeting, you’ll encounter options to “include or exclude presence and presence or interest. These options determine how Google Ads interprets the user’s location and intent. Let’s break them down:
-
Include Presence — This option targets people who are physically located within your chosen locations.
Google Ads uses signals like GPS, IP addresses, and Wi-Fi to determine the user’s actual location.
Essentially, you’re saying, “Show my ads to people who are physically here.”
This is the most common and generally recommended option for local businesses, like yours.
It ensures your Google Ads for Decking are shown to people who are actually in your service area. It is the best option when you want to make sure the person that sees your ad is in the area you serve.
-
Exclude Presence or Interest — This option excludes people who are either: physically located in your locations or showing interest in your locations.
“Showing interest” means that someone might be searching for information about your locations, even if they’re not physically there.
This option is to make sure you do not waste money on people who are not in your service area, or people who are searching for things outside your service area.
It’s also helpful for excluding people who are searching for information about those areas, even if they’re not physically present.
- “Presence” focuses on physical location.
- “Presence or interest” focuses on physical location AND interest.
Network Settings
It’s best to turn off two things: “Google Search Partners Network” and the “Google Display Network.” Think of it like this: you want to find people who are already looking for someone to build a deck.
“Google Search Partners Network” shows your Google Ads for Decking on other websites, but those people might not be really interested. “Google Display Network” shows picture ads on lots of websites, but again, those people might just be browsing, not ready to hire you.
It’s better to show your Google Ads for Decking only on Google Search, where people type in things like “deck builders near me.” That way, you know they are really looking for your kind of service, and you don’t waste money showing ads to people who aren’t interested.
5. Languages
You can choose which “Languages” you want to target. This means you tell Google which languages your customers speak. It’s important because you want to show your Google Ads for Decking to people who understand them.
If you pick “English,” Google will show your Google Ads for Decking to people who use Google in English. If you pick “Spanish,” Google will show them to people who use Google in Spanish.
This helps you reach the right people, and it makes your Google Ads for Decking more useful for them. It’s about showing your Google Ads for Decking to people who can easily understand them.
6. Keywords
Keywords are how you tell Google when to show your Google Ads for Decking. It’s important to pick the right keywords because you want to show your Google Ads for Decking to people who are really looking for deck services. If you choose the wrong keywords, your Google Ads for Decking will show to people who don’t need your services, and you’ll waste money. Good keywords help you find the right customers, the ones who want to hire you to build or fix their decks.
Keyword Match Types
Keyword Match types determine how closely a user’s search query must match your keywords for your ads to appear. They’re important for controlling who sees your ads and how much you spend.
Here’s a breakdown for your decking business:
7. Create Ads for Google Ads for Decking
7.1 Final URL and Display Path
When you make your Google Ads for Decking, you need to use two kinds of web addresses.
- The “Final URL” is the real address where people go when they click your ad. It’s like the exact address of your office.
- The “Display Path” is a shorter, easier-to-read version that shows up in your ad. It helps people understand where they’re going.
So, the Final URL takes people to the right place, and the Display Path helps them know they’re going to the right place.
7.2 Lead Form
A lead form is like a digital paper where people can write down their information to ask you about building a deck. It’s a way for people to tell you they are interested in your services. They can write their name, phone number, and what kind of deck they want. This helps you get their contact information so you can call them back and talk about building their deck. It’s a simple way to find new customers.
Submission Message
After someone fills out a lead form, they see a “Submission Message.” This message is like a thank you note that pops up right away. It tells them, “We got your information!” It’s important because it lets them know everything worked. It might say something like, “Thank you! We will call you soon.” This message makes people feel good and know they did the right thing.
Lead Form Ad CTA
The Lead Form Ad CTA is like a button or a short sentence in your Google Ad that tells people what to do. It’s the part that says, “Click here!” or “Get a free price!” For a deck builder, it might say “Get a free deck plan!” or “Ask for a call!” It’s important because it tells people what will happen if they click. It makes them want to click and give you their information. It’s the part that turns someone who is just looking into someone who wants to talk to you.
7.3 Headlines
Headlines for your Google Ads for Decking are the initial, short phrases that grab a user’s attention, highlighting your key services or offers
7.4 Description
Descriptions serves to elaborate on the benefits highlighted in the headline, offering a more persuasive narrative. It gives them more reasons to click on your ad and learn more.
7.5 Sitelink
Instead of going to your main website page, they can go right to the page they need through sitelinks. It’s like giving people shortcuts to the parts of your website they care about most.
7.6 Structured Snippets
Structured Snippets are like small lists under your Google Ad that tell people what you offer. For a deck builder, it is “Types: Wood, Plastic” or “Services: Build Decks, Fix Decks.” It’s like showing a quick menu of what you can do. This helps people see if you have what they need right away. It makes your ad more helpful and easy to understand.
7.8 Callouts
Callouts in Google Ads are short, non-clickable phrases that highlight unique selling points or benefits of your business. They appear beneath your ad’s description and provide additional information to persuade potential customers.
If you are still confused about the difference between Callouts and Structured Snippets, this article gives you an explanation and clarification: Structured Snippets vs Callout Extensions-Most Comprehensive Comparison.
7.9 Ad Schedule
An Ad Schedule allows you to specify the days and times your Google Ads for Decking are eligible to appear. This feature provides control over when your advertising budget is spent, ensuring your Google Ads for Decking are shown during your target audience’s most active hours. For your decking business, this means scheduling ads to run during daytime hours when homeowners are likely to be searching for services, or excluding late-night hours when inquiries are less probable.
Stop throwing money away on ineffective advertising. We build Google Ads campaigns that deliver a high return on investment, bringing you more qualified leads and more profitable projects. See the difference a data-driven approach can make.
7.10 Landing Page
As mentioned above, Landing Page is built to get people to contact you. It’s just as important as the ad you put on Google. This page is where customers decide if they want to work with you. They look at what you offer and think, ‘Can I trust them to build my deck?’ If your Landing Page is good and easy to use, more people will contact you. That means you get more customers.
Let’s examine the essential parts of a high-converting landing page for a decking business:
1. Strong, Clear Headline — this is the first thing people see. It should immediately tell them what you offer and why they should care.
- Example: “Build Your Dream Deck in [Your City] – Free Consultation!” or “Expert Deck Repair & Restoration – Get a Quick Quote.”
Why it converts — grabs attention and confirms they’re in the right place.
2. High-Quality Images/Videos — show off your best work! Use beautiful photos and videos of completed decks, happy customers, and your team in action.
- Example: Before & after photos of deck repairs, a video walkthrough of a custom deck, or pictures of different decking materials.
Why it converts — visuals are powerful. They help people imagine their own dream deck and build trust.
3. Clear and Concise Benefits — don’t just list your services. Tell people how you’ll help them. Focus on the benefits they’ll receive. Highlight your Unique Selling Proposition.
- Example: “Enjoy more outdoor living space,” “Increase your home’s value,” “Get a durable, low-maintenance deck,” or “Avoid costly future repairs.”
Why it converts — people care about what’s in it for them.
4. A Simple and Prominent Lead Form — make it easy for people to contact you. Keep the form short and only ask for essential information (name, phone, email, project details).
- Example: A form with fields for “Name,” “Phone,” “Email,” and “Project Description.”
Why it converts — reduces friction and increases the likelihood of people filling out the form.
5. Strong Call to Action (CTA) — tell people exactly what you want them to do. Use action words and create a sense of urgency.
- Example: “Get Your Free Quote Today,” “Schedule a Consultation Now,” “Download Our Free Deck Design Guide,” or “Call Us for a Free Estimate.”
Why it converts — guides visitors towards the desired action.
6. Social Proof (Testimonials/Reviews) — show that other people have been happy with your services. Include testimonials, reviews, and ratings from past clients.
- Example: “John S. says, ‘They built the deck of my dreams!'” or “5-Star Rating on Google Reviews.”
Why it converts — builds trust and credibility.
7. Location Specific Information— make sure your location is very clear. If you serve a specific region, mention it.
- Example: “Serving [Your City] and Surrounding Areas” or a map showing your service area.
Why it converts – confirms to the client that you work in their area.
8. Clear Contact Information —display your phone number, email address, and physical address (if applicable).
Why it converts — builds trust and makes it easy for people to reach you.
Example of a Decking Business Landing Page in Los Angeles, California:
8. Set Bid Strategy
If you are new to Google Ads, start with “Maximize Clicks” to gather data. It offers a straightforward approach, automatically setting bids to drive as much traffic as possible within your budget, ideal for initial data gathering and exposure. If you have run a couple of ads before and have gathered enough data, choose “Maximize Conversions” or “Target CPA”.
9. Set Budget
For a decking business, a Google Ads budget is your investment in attracting potential customers online. Instead of a fixed, one-size-fits-all approach, a customized budget allows you to control spending and maximize returns based on your specific goals and service area.
By setting a daily or monthly budget, you ensure you’re not overspending while remaining visible to those searching for decking services. While there’s no magic “minimum” that guarantees conversions, starting with a budget that allows for consistent visibility and data collection is important. Consider your local market’s competition and the average cost per click for relevant keywords. A small, consistent budget of $30-$40 daily in less competitive areas can begin generating leads, but a larger budget will allow you to reach a wider audience and gather data faster.
Remember, the key is to monitor your campaign performance, adjust your budget as needed, and focus on converting clicks into qualified leads.
10. Enter Payment Details
The final, yet essential, stage of setting up a Google Ads campaign for your decking business involves providing your account and payment details. This step is critical for activating your campaign and ensuring its smooth operation.
First, you’ll need to specify your business’s country and time zone. This is more than just a detail; it directly impacts the accuracy of your campaign’s reporting, billing, and ad scheduling. Google Ads relies on this data to track when your Google Ads for Decking are displayed and clicked, ensuring your performance reports reflect real-time activity. Also, your billing cycle and charges are calculated based on your selected time zone, and any scheduled ad displays will be timed correctly.
Following this, you’ll need to enter your payment information. This is where you select your preferred payment method, such as a credit or debit card, and input the necessary details. This step is necessary, as Google Ads requires valid payment information to activate your campaign. Without it, your Google Ads for Decking won’t be displayed, and you’ll miss out on potential customers.
Accurate payment details also guarantee seamless billing, preventing any interruptions to your campaign’s operation. If you possess a promotional code, this is the moment to enter it, potentially securing credits or discounts on your advertising expenditure. Completing these account and payment details is not just a formality; it’s the gateway to launching your campaign and reaching potential customers actively seeking your decking services.
Payment Profiles: Individual vs. Organization
Individual Payment Profile — This is for sole proprietors, freelancers, or individuals running Google Ads for personal projects. It requires your personal information, like your name and address. It’s simpler to set up.
Organization Payment Profile — This is for registered businesses, corporations, or other organizations. It requires your business’s legal name, address, and often a tax ID or business registration number. This profile is needed for businesses that require formal invoices and tax documentation.
Dominate your local market and leave the competition in the dust. Our hyper-targeted Google Ads campaigns will put your decking business in front of homeowners actively searching for your services. Get ahead and see your customer numbers go up fast!
Monitor For Optimization
Negative Keywords
Negative keywords are a significant and effective way to optimize your Google Ads for Decking. They work by preventing your Google Ads for Decking campaigns from showing for search terms that are irrelevant to your services.
They’re important for optimization as they prevent irrelevant clicks.
People search for all sorts of things on Google. Without negative keywords, your Google Ads for Decking might show for searches that have nothing to do with building or repairing decks.
For example, someone searching for “free deck of cards” or “deck building games” might trigger your ad if you don’t use negative keywords.
These clicks are a waste of your advertising budget.
Access Negative Keywords through Google Ads’ Keyword Planner.
Remarketing with PMAX
Performance Max (PMax) campaigns offer a way to monitor and optimize your advertising efforts. But, it’s important to understand how PMax differs from traditional campaign types.
PMax is highly automated. Google’s AI handles much of the optimization, including ad placement, bidding, and audience targeting.
You provide the assets and goals, and Google optimizes for the best results.
Remarketing with Performance Max is like a friendly reminder that brings people visiting your decking website but did not contact you. Google will show them your Google Ads for Decking again on its different platforms like Search, YouTube, and Gmail. This helps them remember your business and encourages them to get in touch to request a quote this time. It’s a smart way to reconnect with potential customers who have already shown interest in your decking services.
Note: Choose PMax once you have more than 30 conversions per month.
Conclusion
Mastering Google Ads for your decking business involves understanding the basics, setting up your account strategically, building targeted campaigns, diligently tracking performance, and continuously optimizing for success. It’s a process that requires careful planning, keyword research, compelling ad copywriting, and ongoing management. While it may seem difficult at first, the potential rewards are significant.
Potential customers search online for decking services before considering picking up the phone. If your business isn’t visible on Google when they search for “deck builders near me”, or “deck repair”, you’re missing out on a massive pool of qualified leads. Think about it: how many potential projects have slipped through the cracks simply because your competitors showed up in the search results and you didn’t?
Investing in Google Ads is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for any decking company that wants to thrive. It’s the most direct and effective way to reach customers actively looking for the services you offer, right in their moment of need. It’s about capturing those high-intent searches and turning them into real, paying clients.
YoYoFuMedia understands the unique challenges and opportunities of the decking industry. We’ve helped thousands of businesses achieve remarkable growth through expertly crafted Google Ads campaigns. We know what keywords to target, how to write ads that convert, and how to optimize campaigns for maximum ROI. We’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of a well-managed Google Ads strategy, turning struggling businesses into market leaders. You can see our record of success on our Case Studies Page.
Don’t leave your business’s success to chance. Partner with our experts, and let us build a campaign that drives a steady stream of qualified leads to your door. Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how we can help you build a brighter future for your decking business.