A Beginner’s Guide to This Year’s Game-Changing Updates
The world of Google Ads is evolving fast in 2025. With AI-driven features, privacy-first upgrades, and intuitive campaign setup tools, it’s easier than ever for beginners to launch impactful ad campaigns. Here’s a deep dive into the key updates, complete with visuals, data, and step-by-step setup guidance.
Major Google Ads Updates in 2025
Ads in AI Overviews (Now on Desktop!)
- Google now displays ads inside AI Overviews (AI-generated search summaries).
- Rolled out to desktop users in the U.S. to expand advertiser reach.
AI-Powered Creative Tools
Google Ads now includes generative AI tools to simplify ad creation:
- Veo for video generation
- Imagen for AI-generated images
- Available directly within Google Ads and Merchant Center.
Smarter Performance Max Campaigns
- Enhanced with predictive AI that auto-adjusts creatives, bids, and targeting.
- Works across multiple channels: Search, YouTube, Display, and Discovery.
Conversational Campaign Builder (Beta)
- Google introduces a chat-based assistant that builds campaigns from natural language prompts.
- Great for beginners—no manual setup needed.
Privacy & First-Party Data Enhancements
- Focused on cookie-less tracking and better use of owned data.
- Conversion_environment tag now required for offline tracking (deadline: June 30, 2025).
- Google Consent Mode v2 improved for GDPR compliance.
Local Business Profile Ads Upgraded
- Local ads now show:
- Click-to-call buttons
- Google Maps pins
- Store visit metrics
Redesigned Google Ads Interface
- Streamlined layout with a simplified left-hand menu:
- Campaigns
- Goals
- Tools
- Billing
- Admin
- Improved account-switching for multi-account users.
Google Ads in 2025 – Quick Stats
| Metric | Value |
| Annual Google searches | Over 5 trillion |
| AI Mode query length | 2× longer than traditional |
| Click-through rate gain from AI ads | +1.28% |
| Projected AI ad revenue (2024) | $265 billion |
How to Set Up a Google Ads Campaign in 2025
Step 1: Choose Your Campaign Objective
Select your goal (e.g., leads, sales, website traffic) to determine the best campaign type:
Search, Display, Video, App, Shopping, or Performance Max.
Step 2: Use Conversational Campaign Setup
- Use the new chat-based tool to describe your offer.
- Example: “Promote an online skincare brand targeting Australian women under 40.”
Step 3: Enable Smart Bidding Experiments
Choose from:
- Maximize Conversions
- Target CPA (Cost per Acquisition)
- Target ROAS (Return on Ad Spend)
Let Google’s AI optimize for your results automatically.
Step 4: Generate Ad Assets with AI
- Use Imagen to create banners and product visuals.
- Use Veo to generate short, high-converting video ads.
Step 5: Set Up Tracking & Privacy Compliance
- Add the conversion_environment tag for offline tracking.
- Use Google Consent Mode to manage cookies and data preferences.
Step 6: Monitor Performance in AI Placements
- Check reports for clicks and conversions from AI Overview and AI Mode placements.
Key Takeaways for 2025
- AI is driving every part of Google Ads—campaign setup, bidding, and creatives.
- Ads in AI Overviews expand your reach during long-form searches.
- First-party data and tracking updates are now mandatory—start adapting today.
- Beginner tools like conversational setup and intuitive dashboards reduce the learning curve.
Final Thoughts
Google Ads in 2025 is smarter, faster, and more beginner-friendly than ever. Embracing AI tools, automation, and privacy-first strategies will be key to staying competitive in this new era. If you’re just getting started, now’s the perfect time to launch your first campaign—with the tools doing most of the heavy lifting for you.
