What is the Difference Between Google Ads Smart Mode and Expert Mode?

Google Ads has become an enormously important platform over the last few years for large and small businesses alike. Implemented correctly, the platform can be used to effectively advertise a product and/or service. Doing so can draw in the right kind of traffic to your website, improve lead generation and inherently nurture business growth. However, in saying that, creating a Google Ads account and knowing the difference between Google Ads Smart Mode and Expert Mode can be a daunting prospect.

When it comes to Google Ads, the choice between Smart Mode and Expert Mode is particularly important. Your decision can impact the end-user experience, meaning it can affect the ease of use at your end. Your choice can also change the type of advertisements your target audience sees and ultimately impact the amount of traffic your campaign generates.

So what is the difference between Smart Mode and Expert Mode? And what mode is right for your business?

An important note…

Before you start, you will need to create your Google Ads account. You can still use Google Ads if you don’t have a website using Smart Campaigns. Smart Campaigns is a ‘default Google Ads experience’ for new advertisers.

You can read more about creating your Google Ads account here. When you create your account, it will automatically default to Smart Mode unless you click Switch to Expert Mode at the bottom of the screen.

Am I in Smart Mode or Expert Mode?

You can identify what mode your account is in through the settings tab. If you’re in Smart Mode, your settings tab will be called Settings. If you’re in Expert Mode, this tab will be called Tools & Settings. Both modes are identified by a spanner icon in the top right corner of your Google Ads account. Smart Mode is a white spanner with a dark grey handle. Expert Mode is a dark grey spanner with a dark grey handle.

If you’re in Expert Mode, you will have access to two different views – Summary or Detailed View. If separate icons for Tools and Settings & Billing are present, you’re in Detailed View. You can click the icon next to the data range picker (look for the arrows) to toggle between these views.

The difference between Smart Mode and Expert Mode

Your experience with Google Ads will differ slightly depending on whether you’re in Smart Mode or Expert Mode. In a nutshell, Smart Mode is the simplified version of the Google Ads platform. It was designed to simplify the advertising experience for smaller businesses but is also a useful tool for larger organisations. Essentially, Smart Mode allows large and small businesses alike to drive real results. It also saves time when it comes to setting up and managing your campaigns.

Every campaign in Smart Mode is a Smart Campaign. Smart Campaigns allow advertisers to choose their goals as well as what, where and when they want to advertise. Google then uses innovative machine learning to deliver real results tailored to those goals, such as phone calls, actions on a website and shop visits.

Most new Google Ads users join Google Ads in Smart Mode. However, there are also many benefits to choosing Expert Mode, including access to a full range of features and campaign types.

It’s important to remember that when you switch your account to Expert mode, you can’t revert back to Smart Mode. Whilst it gives advertisers more control over their campaigns, Expert Mode also requires more complex management and maintenance. This is why Google recommends Expert Mode for more advanced marketers and advertisers such as the team at Priority Pixels.

Switching from Smart Mode to Expert Mode

If you’re after more advanced features or other campaign types, you should make the switch to Expert Mode.

1. Once you’re signed in to your Google Ads account, click the settings icon in the top right corner
2. Select Switch to Expert Mode
3. Once you’ve switched over to Expert Mode, you’ll be able to access the full Google Ads experience and create Google Ads campaign types including Search, Display, Video, App and Shopping

Google Ads at Priority Pixels

Google Ads isn’t just about text. Within the platform, your business can also run Responsive Texts Ads with the Google Search Network as well as Paid Display Ads, which includes Remarketing, Google Shopping and YouTube Ads (Yes, Google owns that too). That’s why, when implemented correctly, Google Ads can add undeniable value to your business. The platform can be used to draw in the right kind of website traffic, improve lead generation and nurture growth within your business.

If you’ve created your Google Ads account but need assistance with your campaigns, the team at Priority Pixels would be delighted to assist you. We understand just how daunting managing a Google Ads account can be and can provide your business with the support, advice and guidance your business needs to flourish and grow.

For a full range of paid search services including help with Google Ads and Google Shopping, Remarketing, Paid Display and YouTube Ads, give our team a call today at 01626 245061 or send us an email at hello@prioritypixels.co.uk.