Ever wondered why some Google Ads perform like rockstars while others just kind of… exist? That’s where Google Ads Quality Score comes in. Think of it like a report card for your ads—except instead of getting grounded for bad grades, you just end up paying more for clicks. No pressure, right?
Let’s break it down in a way that won’t make your brain hurt.
What is Google Ads Quality Score?
Google Ads Quality Score is Google’s way of rating your ads based on relevance, user experience, and past performance. It’s a score that ranges from 1 to 10, and the higher the number, the better your ad is in Google’s eyes (and the better for you wallet). In simple terms, a good Quality Score means:
- Lower cost per click (CPC)
- Higher ad positions
- Better overall performance
Basically, it’s Google’s way of saying, “Hey, you’re doing great! Here, have some discounts.” The Google Ads Quality Score is completely different from the Optimization Score, don’t get confused. The Google Ads Optimization Score gives you an indication of how good you are at following Google’s recommendations. It is in no way comparable with the Quality Score, which gives you a real (very real) indication of how goos your ads are. Let’s dig deeper.
Where to Check Your Google Ads Quality Score?
Pretty simple, to visualize your quality score, you need to login to you Google Ads Account and follow these steps:
- Click on Campaigns on the left hand side of the dashboard.
- Select Audiences, Keywords, and Content tab & select Search Keywords in the dropdown.
- If you don’t have the Quality Score column yet, you can add it by clicking Columns in the toolbar.
- Your keywords quality score will populate in your dashboard.
We get it, quality score is a tough topic and can be hard to master. Do you want help for professionals ? Book a free call with us!
How is Google Ads Quality Score Calculated?
Google looks at three major things when deciding your Quality Score:
- Expected Click-Through Rate (CTR) – How likely people are to click your ad. If Google thinks your ad is about as exciting as watching paint dry, expect a low score.
- Ad Relevance – Does your ad actually match what people are searching for? Or is it just there for the vibes?
- Landing Page Experience – When people click, do they land on a helpful page, or do they get lost in a messy website?
The idea here is to have an ad that makes people want to click on it, so with a high CTR (learn how to increase your CTR), that matches what the users are searching for and that brings them to an optimized landing page that is also matching what the users are searching for. The reason why CTR is so important in Google’s eyes is because if you ads generates clicks, it generates also money for Google as you are paying for each click. Therefore, Google is more incline to favor an ad that will make them money. Simple.
From the search query to the landing page, you need to keep things coherent and relevant. You don’t want to bid on a keyword like “buy hat women” and show an ad about leather shoes that brings to a landing page showing marble tables. Keep it together.
Why Does Google Ads Quality Score Matter?
A high Google Ads Quality Score can make a huge difference in your advertising game. Here’s why:
- Lower costs: You could be paying way less per click than someone with a bad score.
- Better ad placement: Higher scores = better chances of showing up at the top.
- More conversions: When your ads are relevant and well-optimized, more people take action (and that’s the goal, right?).
It sounds very simplistic but that’s actually how it works in theory. When you are dealing with real campaigns, you need to know how to improve your quality otherwise you will be paying a fortune to get impressions or even worse, your ads won’t show.
How to Improve Your Google Ads Quality Score
So, how do you go from a mediocre score to a 10? Here are some practical tips:
1. Optimize Your Keywords
Make sure your ads include relevant keywords that match what people are searching for. If your ad is about sneakers, but you’re targeting people searching for flip-flops, you’re gonna have a bad time. Keyword research should be an important part of your process.
2. Write Killer Ad Copy
Your ad needs to be clear, engaging, and to the point. No one wants to read a novel in a Google ad. Here is how you can improve your ad copy.
3. Improve Your Landing Page
Google hates bad user experiences. If your landing page loads slower than a Monday morning, does not match the search or is display a bunch of unnecessary information, fix it.
4. Keep an Eye on CTR
Google expects a good Click-Through Rate. If nobody’s clicking your ad, you might need to rethink your messaging.
5. Use a Google Ads Agency (If You Need Help)
If all of this sounds overwhelming, a Google Ads agency can help fine-tune your campaigns. Experts know all the tricks to boost your Quality Score and save you money, just like we do with our 90-day growth method.
Conclusion
Google Ads Quality Score isn’t just some random number—it’s the key to better performance, lower costs, and higher ROI. Whether you’re running ads yourself or working with a Google Ads agency (⇒ Free Consultation), optimizing for Quality Score should be a priority.
So go forth, tweak those ads, and enjoy the sweet, sweet benefits of a high Quality Score. Your wallet will thank you.
FAQ – What is Google Ads Quality Score
What’s a good Quality Score?
Anything above 7 is solid. If you’re at a 3 or lower, it’s time to fix some things.
How long does it take to improve Quality Score?
It depends! But with the right changes, you can see improvements in a few weeks.
Can a low Quality Score kill my ads?
Not literally, but it can make them super expensive and less effective.
Does Quality Score affect all Google Ads campaigns?
Mostly Search Ads, but it also plays a role in Display and Shopping campaigns.
Should I always aim for a 10/10 Quality Score?
Not necessarily. A 7-9 is usually good enough to see great results.
Where can I check my Quality Score in Google Ads?
Go to your Google Ads account > Campaigns > Search Keywords and add the Quality Score column.