Short Answer:
Google Ads is the rebranded name for Google AdWords. The core functionality remains the same: both platforms are used for online advertising on Google's search engine and its partner sites. The rebrand from AdWords to Google Ads in 2018 was made to simplify the platform and include more advertising options.
Comparison Chart: Google Ads vs. Google AdWords
| Feature | Google Ads | Google AdWords |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Name | Google Ads (current) | Google AdWords (old name, pre-2018) |
| Launch Year | 2018 | 2000 |
| Platform Purpose | Online advertising across Google platforms | Online advertising across Google platforms |
| Ad Types Available | Search ads, display ads, video ads, app ads, shopping ads | Search ads, display ads, video ads, app ads, shopping ads |
| Targeting Options | Same targeting features as AdWords (keywords, demographics, location, etc.) | Same targeting features as Google Ads |
| Ad Creation & Management | Managed via Google Ads interface | Managed via AdWords interface (now obsolete) |
| User Interface | Updated UI designed for all types of ads | Older UI, now replaced by Google Ads interface |
| Integration | More comprehensive integration with other Google products and services | Less integrated before rebranding |
Full Article: Google Ads vs. Google AdWords: A Detailed Comparison
Introduction
If you’ve been researching online advertising or recently ventured into the world of digital marketing, you may have come across the terms Google Ads and Google AdWords. You might be wondering: Is there a difference between these two platforms? The short answer is no, the terms refer to the same service, but there are key distinctions related to branding and functionality evolution.
In 2018, Google rebranded Google AdWords to Google Ads, a move designed to simplify their advertising services and reflect the growing range of advertising products available. Let’s explore the history and differences between these two, and what that means for advertisers today.
History and Evolution of Google AdWords
Launched in 2000, Google AdWords revolutionized the way businesses approached online advertising. Initially, it was a simple platform for placing text-based ads on Google’s search engine. The goal was to enable businesses to reach people searching for specific keywords related to their products or services. Over the years, AdWords grew, introducing new ad formats, more targeting options, and the ability to advertise across Google's massive network of websites, mobile apps, and YouTube.
Rebranding to Google Ads
In 2018, Google announced that AdWords would be rebranded as Google Ads. While this change might seem minor, it reflected a much larger shift in the platform's structure and its expansion beyond just search ads.
Why the Change?
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Simplified User Experience
The rebrand was part of Google’s efforts to make their advertising solutions easier to use. Instead of simply being focused on search ads, Google Ads encompasses all forms of digital advertising—search, display, video, shopping, and more. The new name better reflected the broad range of offerings available under one umbrella. -
Comprehensive Ad Solutions
The shift also aligned with Google's emphasis on simplifying ad campaigns for users. Advertisers no longer just focus on keyword-driven search ads but can integrate with new advertising solutions for display ads, video campaigns on YouTube, app promotion, and even shopping ads—all within the Google Ads platform. -
Improved User Interface
As part of the transition, Google Ads introduced a more user-friendly interface, making it easier for beginners and experienced marketers alike to set up, manage, and track campaigns across all types of ads. This was an improvement over AdWords, which had a more complex, segmented interface.
Key Features of Google Ads (Previously AdWords)
While the name may have changed, the core functionality of the platform has largely remained intact. Below are the key features of Google Ads, the same functionality that existed in Google AdWords.
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Search Ads
These ads appear when users search for keywords relevant to your business on Google Search. Advertisers bid on keywords and create ads that show up at the top of the search results. These ads are still one of the most popular ways for businesses to generate leads. -
Display Ads
Google Ads allows advertisers to place ads on a variety of websites through the Google Display Network (GDN). These can be banner ads, images, or videos, appearing on millions of websites that partner with Google. Display ads are a great way to increase brand awareness. -
Video Ads
With the rise of video content, Google Ads allows businesses to run ads on YouTube and across the Google Display Network. Video ads can be skippable, non-skippable, or bumper ads, targeting users based on their interests or search behavior. -
Shopping Ads
For eCommerce businesses, Google Ads offers shopping ads that show a product image, price, and store name directly in search results. These ads make it easy for users to find the product they want and complete a purchase. -
App Ads
For mobile app marketers, Google Ads offers app promotion campaigns that help drive downloads. These ads are shown across Google’s network and other mobile apps, targeting users based on behavior or demographics. -
Advanced Targeting Options
Both Google Ads and Google AdWords allow advertisers to target specific keywords, but with the rebrand, Google Ads expanded targeting options. Advertisers can now more effectively target by location, device, demographic, time of day, interests, and more.
What Google Ads Means for Marketers Today
For businesses looking to advertise, Google Ads offers an expansive, multi-platform approach to digital marketing. From small local businesses to large enterprises, Google Ads provides a comprehensive set of tools that allow advertisers to tailor their campaigns for specific audiences and track ROI effectively.
In contrast, Google AdWords was a more narrowly focused tool for search ads. Over time, as Google expanded its advertising options across its network, the name change to Google Ads made sense to better represent the broader range of ad types and solutions available.
The evolution from Google AdWords to Google Ads has streamlined advertising options for users, provided more intuitive interfaces, and encouraged a more holistic approach to digital marketing. Today, businesses can create cross-platform campaigns that include search, display, video, and shopping ads, and integrate them seamlessly for better reach and conversion.
Conclusion
While Google Ads and Google AdWords refer to the same core advertising service, the rebranding was a step towards simplifying the platform and expanding its capabilities. Google Ads today is a more holistic solution for online advertising, encompassing search, display, shopping, and video ads in a single platform. Whether you are a seasoned digital marketer or just starting, Google Ads offers the tools you need to reach your audience and grow your business effectively.
For more detailed information and to start your own Google Ads campaign, visit the official Google Ads website.