Setting up a new Google Ads account can be tempting with the help of Google’s setup wizard, but using it can limit your control over your ad campaigns. Instead, you can create a new account without launching a campaign immediately. In this guide, I’ll show you how to do it in a few simple steps.
Set Up a Google Ads
By following this process, you can ensure that your new account is set up for agency access or equipped with all the necessary Google Ads tools to get the job done right. This way, you can take your time and return to the dashboard to create your ad account when you’re ready and fully prepared.
Step 1. Setup Your Login
Head to the Google Ads website and click the blue “Start Now” button to start the setup process.
You’ll be prompted to enter your email address. If you have a Google account email, such as a Gmail address, use that one and then click “Next” and enter your password.
If not, click on the “Create Account” link, select the “Myself” option, and follow the instructions to create and verify your new Google Account.
Step 2. Go Expert Mode
Next, you’ll be asked to specify your business name. Bypass this option, and click on the “Switch to Expert Mode” link at the bottom of the screen.
Step 3. Skip Choosing A Campaign Type
After that, you’ll be prompted to choose the type of campaign you want to create. To bypass these options, select the “Create an account without a campaign” option at the bottom of the screen.
Step 4. Location & Currency
Verify that the time zone and billing currency settings are accurate on the following screen and make any necessary adjustments. Then, click “Submit” to proceed.
Step 4. Billing Setup
With that, you’ll be taken to your new Google Ads account. Click “Explore Your Account.”
The final step is setting up your billing information by clicking on “Tools and Settings” under “Billing,” select “Settings.”
Enter your billing address and payment details, and then click “Submit.”
Step 5. Add an Agency or User/Freelancer
If you’re working with an agency, odds are they have a Google Ads Manager account. In this case, they need your Google Ads Account Number/ID (the number in the top right corner of your desk/laptop in this format is 123-321-1234).
Once You send them that number, they will request access, and Google Ads will email you. Open that email and follow the instructions inside. Make sure to go through the entire flow completely, the process is a few clicks deep.
If you’re collaborating with a freelancer, it’s time to grant them access.
Below, you will find instructions for the most recent version of the Google Ads dashboard and the previous one. If you are unsure which to choose, look for screenshots matching what you see when you’re logged in to Google AdWords.
All instructions are for desktop screens.
Step 5a. Add A User/Freelancer (Latest Version Of Ads)
Click on “Admin” on the left side menu:
Then click “Access and security”:
Then click the white plus sign in the blue circle:
Then, add the user’s email and select an access level: “Standard” is usually sufficient, but sometimes, “Admin” may be a better fit, depending on your specific needs. Click “Send Invitation.”
And that’s it; you’re good to go from here.
Step 5b. Add A User/Freelancer (Previous Version Of Ads)
Click on “Tools and Settings” in the top menu, and then select “Access and security” under “Setup”.
On this screen, click on the blue plus sign.
Enter the email address provided by the agency or freelancer and select an appropriate access level. “Standard” is usually sufficient, but sometimes, “Admin” may be a better fit, depending on your specific needs. Click “Send Invitation.”
And that’s it; you’re good to go from here.
