If you're new to Google Ads, you're not alone. One of the most common questions we get at Adverank is: How do Google Search Ads actually work?
What Are Google Search Ads?
Google Search Ads are text-based ads that appear at the top of Google search results when someone types in a keyword or phrase—like “storage units near me” or “climate-controlled storage in Phoenix.”
These ads are designed to reach high-intent customers—people actively searching for storage. That’s what makes Google Ads one of the most effective tools for driving move-ins.
How Budget & Bidding Work
When you launch a campaign, you set a daily budget—how much you're willing to spend each day on clicks.
But you’re not just paying Google a flat rate. Instead, Google Ads works on a bidding system:
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You tell Google the maximum amount you're willing to pay per click (CPC).
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Google compares your bid to others who want to show up for the same keywords.
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Your ad's position depends on a combination of your bid, ad quality, and relevance.
Good news: you often end up paying less than your max bid—just enough to beat the next highest bidder.
When Do Ads Show Up?
Your ads appear when:
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A user searches for a keyword you’re targeting
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Your budget and bid are competitive enough
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Your ad and landing page are relevant to the search
- The user searching meets other requirements set by your campaign settings, like device, location, and time of day.
Google aims to show ads that provide value to users. That means even if someone else bids more, your ad could still win if it's more relevant or better written.
How Do You Pay?
You only pay when someone clicks your ad (this is called pay-per-click or PPC). You’re not charged for impressions (when your ad shows up), only for actual interaction.
This is what makes Google Ads so effective for self storage: you're not paying for awareness—you’re paying for real leads.
What About Results?
Results depend on:
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Your location and local competition
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The keywords you’re targeting
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Your website and how easily someone can rent or reserve online
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How your budget and bid strategy are set - if you're out of budget for the day, ads will stop serving!
Adverank helps automate and optimize these elements based on your occupancy and market demand—so your budget is always working smarter, not harder.
Key Takeaways
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Google Ads are triggered by search intent—perfect for reaching people actively looking for storage.
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You control how much you spend daily, and only pay when someone clicks.
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Ad position is based on a mix of your bid, relevance, and ad quality.
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Performance improves over time with data, optimizations, and good campaign management.
Need help getting started or want to understand how your budget is being used? Ask@adverank.ai