Are Google Ads Worth It?
If you’ve ever wondered whether running Google Ads is really worth it, you’re not alone. Business owners across Hawke’s Bay and New Zealand ask this question every week. After all, advertising budgets are tight, and you want to know your money is going into something that will actually bring you more customers.
At Hands Free Marketing, we work with service and trade businesses every day, and we’ve seen first-hand just how effective Google Ads can be when set up correctly. Whether you’re a local plumber in Napier, a sparky in Hastings, or a nationwide eCommerce store, Google Ads can help you get in front of people at the exact moment they’re searching for your services.
In this article, we’ll break down:
- How Google Ads actually work
- Whether they’re expensive (and what they really cost)
- Why they’re particularly powerful for tradies and service businesses
- What makes Google Ads different from other advertising platforms
- And ultimately… if they’re worth it for you
How Do Google Ads Work?
Google Ads is Google’s online advertising platform that allows businesses to display ads at the top of search results, on YouTube, and across other websites. The most common format (and the one we recommend for most service and trade businesses) is Search Ads—these are the text ads you see at the very top of Google when you type in something like “plumber Napier” or “electrician Hastings.”
Here’s how it works:
- A customer searches for your service
Let’s say someone in Hawke’s Bay has a leaking hot water cylinder. They jump onto Google and type in “hot water repair Napier.” - Your ad shows up
If you’re running Google Ads targeting that keyword, your business can show right at the top of the results—above all the organic listings. - You only pay if they click
Unlike traditional advertising (like radio or newspaper), you don’t pay just to be seen. You only pay when someone actually clicks on your ad and goes to your website or calls you. - They take action
Because they were already searching for your service, they’re much more likely to pick up the phone, request a quote, or make a booking.
This is why we believe Google Ads are the most effective form of advertising for tradies and service-based businesses—your ad only shows when someone is actively looking for what you do, right at the moment they need it.
Are Google Ads Expensive?
This is one of the most common questions we get from local business owners. The short answer is: they can be, if they’re not managed properly. But when set up and optimised the right way, they can actually be one of the most cost-effective marketing channels out there.
Think about it this way:
- If you spend $300 on a print ad in the paper, you have no idea if the right people will see it or if anyone will take action.
- If you spend $300 on Google Ads, your business can show up for hundreds of people searching specifically for the service you provide.
It’s not about how much you spend—it’s about how targeted and effective the ads are.
For example, a plumber in Napier might pay $5–$10 per click, but if just one out of every 10 clicks turns into a $300+ job, the return on investment is clear.
How Much Do Google Ads Cost in New Zealand?
The cost of Google Ads in New Zealand varies depending on your industry, competition, and location. For most service businesses, here’s a rough guide:
- Trades (plumbers, builders, electricians, etc.): $3–$10 per click
- Specialist services (lawyers, dentists, finance, etc.): $5–$20 per click
- E-commerce: Often cheaper per click, but more volume required
The good news is that you can set a daily or monthly budget that suits you. Whether you want to spend $7 a day or $100 a day, you’re in control.
Here at Hands Free Marketing, we usually recommend starting with a monthly budget of $300–$1,000 for local service businesses. This gives enough clicks and data to start seeing real results without breaking the bank.
And the best part? You can pause, adjust, or scale up at any time.
Are Google Ads Worth It for Tradies?
This is where Google Ads really shine. If you’re a tradesperson—plumber, builder, electrician, landscaper, mechanic, painter—you know that most of your customers aren’t browsing Facebook looking for someone like you. They’re not scrolling Instagram hoping to stumble upon an ad for a new hot water system.
Instead, when something goes wrong (or they’re ready to take action), they go straight to Google.
That’s why Google Ads for tradies are so powerful. You’re putting your business directly in front of someone at the exact time they’re searching for your service. They’re already motivated. They’re already thinking about calling someone. All you need to do is show up first.
Compare that to other forms of advertising:
- Facebook Ads: Great for awareness, but harder to get immediate leads.
- Print/Radio: Expensive, broad, and hard to track ROI.
- Word of Mouth: Fantastic, but slow to scale and unpredictable.
Google Ads gives tradies the ability to turn on a tap of new leads and keep the work coming in consistently.
What Makes Google Ads Different from Other Advertising?
The biggest difference is intent.
When someone is on Google searching “emergency plumber near me”—they’re not casually browsing. They’re actively looking for help right now. That means they’re far more likely to take action than someone who simply sees a billboard or hears a radio jingle.
That’s why we recommend Google Ads Hawke’s Bay for local businesses that want to attract real customers quickly. Instead of waiting for SEO to slowly climb the rankings (which is still important long-term), you can start showing up for key search terms instantly with ads.
Combine this with proper campaign management, negative keywords (to stop irrelevant clicks), and optimised landing pages, and you’ve got a lead-generating machine.
Common Concerns About Google Ads
“I’ve tried them before and they didn’t work.”
This is something we hear often. The truth is, poorly set up Google Ads are a money pit. If you don’t have the right targeting, keywords, and optimisation, you’ll burn through your budget quickly.
With the right setup and ongoing management, though, the results can be night and day.
“I can’t afford to compete with the big players.”
You don’t need the biggest budget—you just need smarter targeting. For example, focusing on Napier or Hastings specifically (instead of all of New Zealand) makes your ads more cost-effective and tailored to your ideal customers. You don’t need to compete with them for every job, just enough to keep your phone busy and your guys busy.
“Can I just rely on SEO instead?”
SEO is great, but it takes time. Google Ads gives you immediate visibility while your SEO efforts grow in the background. The two actually work hand-in-hand for long-term growth.
Why We Believe Google Ads Are Best for Service Businesses
At Hands Free Marketing, we’ve tested almost every marketing channel out there for local businesses. And time and again, Google Ads comes out on top for service and trade businesses.
Why?
- Right place, right time: Ads only show when people are actively searching for your service.
- High intent leads: These aren’t cold audiences—they’re ready to learn more or request a quote now.
- Trackable results: You can see exactly how many calls, form fills, and bookings came from your ads.
- Scalable: Start small and increase your budget as the jobs roll in.
Whether you’re looking at Google Ads New Zealand wide, or want to focus on Google Ads Hawke’s Bay, this platform lets you connect with customers who are ready to take action.
So… Are Google Ads Worth It?
The short answer: Yes—when done properly.
For tradies, service providers, and local businesses across New Zealand, Google Ads is one of the most effective ways to generate consistent leads. It’s not about spending the most—it’s about targeting the right people, at the right time, with the right message.
At Hands Free Marketing, we specialise in helping local businesses (especially service and trade-based industries) get the most out of their ad spend. From campaign setup to ongoing management, we make sure your ads are working hard to bring you real customers, not just clicks.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re still wondering if Google Ads are worth it for your business, the best next step is to try them with the right partner on your side.
👉 Reach out to Hands Free Marketing today—we’ll show you how Google Ads can start driving new leads for your business right here in Hawke’s Bay, and across New Zealand.
👉 Book your free 15-minute consult
📞 027 590 9421
📧 jevon@handsfreemarketing.com
🌐 Google Ads Hawke’s Bay