The Two Costs of Google Ads
Google Ads has two separate cost components that are commonly confused:
- Ad spend — Money paid directly to Google for your clicks. You set this budget and it goes directly to Google.
- Management fee — Paid to the agency managing your campaigns. This covers strategy, setup, ongoing optimization, and reporting.
At Creative Cowboys, our Google Ads management starts at $497/month. Your ad spend is separate and paid directly to Google.
Expected Costs Per Click by Industry
Cost-per-click varies enormously by industry and market. In West Georgia, you’ll generally pay less than in Atlanta metro for the same keywords — but the ranges below give you a realistic picture:
| Industry | Avg. CPC (West Georgia) | Monthly Budget Suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Home services (HVAC, plumbing, roofing) | $8–$25 | $500–$1,000 |
| Legal services | $25–$80 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Marketing & consulting | $5–$20 | $500–$1,500 |
| Medical & dental | $10–$35 | $800–$2,000 |
| Retail / e-commerce | $0.50–$5 | $300–$1,000 |
| Real estate | $5–$25 | $500–$1,500 |
What Determines Your Cost-Per-Click
- Competition — More advertisers bidding on the same keyword = higher cost
- Quality Score — Google rewards relevant, well-structured ads with lower CPCs. Proper campaign setup directly reduces your cost
- Location targeting — Smaller geographic targets can reduce competition
- Match type — Exact match keywords typically cost more but convert better than broad match
- Seasonality — Costs rise when demand spikes (roofing after storms, HVAC in summer)
What to Budget as a West Georgia Small Business
Here’s our transparent recommendation for starting budgets:
- Minimum viable: $500/month ad spend — enough to gather meaningful data for low-competition markets
- Solid launch: $1,000–$1,500/month — recommended starting point for most local service businesses
- Aggressive growth: $2,000–$5,000/month — appropriate for competitive markets or when you want to dominate quickly
The right budget depends on your market and how many leads you need. We’ll give you a specific recommendation during your free consultation.
When Google Ads Is Worth the Investment
Google Ads is worth the investment when you have:
- A clear offer and good conversion rate on your landing page
- Proper conversion tracking set up (call tracking, form submissions)
- A management team that actively optimizes — not “set and forget”
- A realistic customer lifetime value that justifies the cost-per-lead
Our commercial insurance client has sustained 2 years of positive ROI because we track every lead, know the exact cost-per-acquisition, and continuously optimize. Read the case study →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum budget for Google Ads?
Google itself has no minimum. However, we recommend a minimum of $500/month in ad spend for most West Georgia markets to gather enough data to optimize effectively. Very low budgets often don't generate enough clicks to learn what's working.
Is Google Ads worth it for small businesses?
Yes — when managed correctly. We've sustained 2+ years of positive ROI for a commercial insurance client through Google Ads. The key is proper campaign structure, keyword targeting, and conversion tracking so you know exactly what you're getting for your money.
How much should I spend on Google Ads per month?
Most West Georgia small businesses start with $500–$2,000/month in ad spend depending on their market competitiveness and goals. We'll recommend a specific budget after reviewing your industry and target market.
Ready to run Google Ads that actually work?
Free consultation. We’ll tell you what budget makes sense for your market and what you can realistically expect.
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