Want to learn Google Ads? Here's a quick breakdown of the top courses in 2024:
Course | Cost | Time | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Google Skillshop | Free | 3-4 hours | Getting certified |
Udemy Step-by-Step | $14.99-29.99 | 90 min | Quick learning |
HubSpot Academy | Free | 4.5 hours | Marketing basics |
Coursera Certificate | $49/month | 15 hours | Career changers |
LinkedIn Learning | $29.99/month | 2.8 hours | Networking |
Bottom line: Start with Google Skillshop if you're new. It's free, official, and covers everything you need.
If You Want | Pick This | Why |
---|---|---|
Basic Training | Google Skillshop | Free + official cert |
Career Switch | Coursera | Job placement help |
Marketing Skills | HubSpot | Shows big picture |
Quick Start | Udemy | Fast, practical lessons |
Pro Network | Connect while learning |
What you'll learn in any good course:
- Building campaigns from scratch
- Writing ads that work
- Managing your budget
- Tracking results
- Getting certified
Fun fact: U.S. advertisers pay $1.99 per click on average. That's why proper training matters - one wrong move can waste serious money.
Let's look at each course in detail.
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Google Skillshop: Free Official Training
Google Skillshop replaced Academy for Ads as Google's main training platform. It won't cost you a penny, and you can learn whenever you want.
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Cost | Free |
Format | Self-paced online courses |
Certification Duration | 1 year |
Retake Policy | Wait 1 day after failing |
Key Topics | Search, Display, Video, Shopping Ads |
Here's what you get:
- Video lessons that walk you through each step
- Hands-on exercises
- Tests to check your knowledge
- Final exams for certification
The platform now uses a new exam format. Instead of splitting things into "Fundamentals" and "Mobile", you'll take the "Google Ads – Measurement" exam. You'll see different question types: multiple-choice, matching, and multi-part questions.
Module | What You'll Learn |
---|---|
Campaign Setup | How to build accounts and target ads |
Ad Creation | Making text, display, and video ads |
Measurement | Setting up tracking and reports |
Optimization | Managing bids, budgets, and results |
Want to make the most of it? Here's what works:
- Start with the diagnostic test to find what you need to learn
- Focus on one module at a time
- Practice with sample questions
- Save your certificate as soon as you pass
But here's the thing: Skillshop teaches you the theory, not the practice. You won't get to run actual campaigns. Even so, it's the best way to start learning Google Ads - it's free and Google-approved.
2. Paid Media Courses Directory: Curated Learning Path
Looking to master Google Ads? Here's a breakdown of the top courses you can take right now:
Course Level | Course Name | Duration | Cost | Certificate |
---|---|---|---|---|
Beginner | Google Ads Search Free Certification | 4 hours | Free | Yes |
Beginner | HubSpot Academy's Google Ads Course | 2 hours | Free | No |
Intermediate | Google Ads Course (Isaac Rudansky) | 24 hours | $99 | Yes |
Beginner | LinkedIn Learning Google Ads (Brad Batesole) | 2-3 hours | $29 | Yes |
Beginner | PPC Fundamentals (Semrush) | 5 hours | Free | Yes |
All Levels | Diploma in Google Ads (Alison) | 15 hours | Free | Yes |
Here's something interesting: 80% of businesses run Google Ads campaigns. And they're getting $2 back for every $1 they spend. That's why picking the right course is so important.
Let's look at what students think about these courses:
Metric | Data |
---|---|
Total Enrollments | 437,900+ |
Most Popular Course | Isaac Rudansky (218K students) |
Average Rating | 4.6/5 |
Course Options | 3 Free, 6 Paid |
These courses cover four main areas:
- Setting up your first campaign
- Writing ads that convert
- Managing your ad spend
- Tracking what works (and what doesn't)
The directory stays up-to-date with Google's changes. So whether you've got 2 hours or 24 hours to learn, there's a course that fits.
"Getting certified doesn't just boost your skills - it helps you win clients and land jobs in online advertising." - Geri Mileva, Writer at Influencer Marketing Hub
Choose your course based on:
- How much time you can spend
- What you can afford
- If you need a certificate
- How you like to learn
3. HubSpot Academy: Marketing Platform Training
HubSpot Academy's Google Ads course shows you how paid ads fit into your overall marketing plan. With 200,000+ users and a 4.5/5 rating from 121 G2 reviews, it's a top pick for marketers.
Course Details | Information |
---|---|
Cost | Free |
Duration | 2-3 hours |
Certificate | Yes |
Languages | English, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish |
Annual Certifications | 60,000+ |
The course covers:
- Building Google Ads campaigns
- Managing contacts
- Getting more leads
- Using marketing automation
- Measuring results
- Making campaigns better
But here's what makes it DIFFERENT:
You won't just learn Google Ads by itself. You'll see how it works with:
Marketing Channel | How It Works Together |
---|---|
Content Marketing | Match ads with your content |
Email Marketing | Turn ad clicks into email subscribers |
Social Media | Run campaigns across channels |
SEO | Use the right keywords and landing pages |
"HubSpot Academy is a free online resource where anyone - beginner or pro - can learn, get certified, and level up their skills." - Marc Gabriel A., Client Success Manager, Marketing and Advertising
Here's something cool: Northeastern University counts these certifications as credits for their master's programs in social media.
Learning Format | What You Get |
---|---|
Video Lessons | Quick, clear tutorials |
Worksheets | Hands-on practice |
Quizzes | Test what you learned |
Final Exam | Get certified |
Transcripts | Read along with videos |
If you're starting with Google Ads and want to understand how it fits into marketing, this free course gives you everything you need.
4. Coursera: Google Ads Certificate Program
The Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Professional Certificate on Coursera has a 4.8/5 rating from 28,126 users. Over 789,000 students have joined the program.
Program Details | Information |
---|---|
Cost | $49/month |
Duration | Self-paced |
Certificate | Yes |
Experience Required | No |
Job Support | Yes |
Format | 100% online |
Want to test the waters first? There's a free 2-hour Google Ads starter course by Ishita Sinha:
Topic | Focus |
---|---|
Search Ads Basics | Setting up first campaigns |
Campaign Creation | Step-by-step setup process |
Account Structure | Organization and management |
Initial Setup | Getting started guide |
Here's what you'll get in the full program:
Learning Component | Description |
---|---|
Hands-on Projects | Practice with real campaigns |
Assessment Tests | Check your knowledge |
Multiple Content Areas | Search, video, display, shopping ads |
Skill Development | Campaign optimization, measurement |
Languages | Available in 22 languages |
Let's talk numbers - here's what graduates achieve:
Career Outcomes | Statistics |
---|---|
Job Placement Rate | 80% within 6 months |
Starting Salary | $50,000+ per year |
Skills Gained | Google Ads + Meta Ads certifications |
What makes this program different?
- It's built for beginners (zero experience needed)
- Google keeps the cost low
- You'll learn skills you can use right away
- 80% of graduates land jobs within 6 months
The program uses video lessons, practice exercises, and knowledge checks. You set the pace - perfect if you're working or studying.
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5. Udemy: Step-by-Step Google Ads Guide
Here's what you'll get from Udemy's most popular Google Ads course in 2024:
Course Details | Information |
---|---|
Access | Lifetime + future updates |
Format | Video lessons |
Money-back | 30-day guarantee |
Experience Level | No prior knowledge needed |
Certificate | Yes, downloadable |
Updates | Latest 2024 interface |
The course shows you how to master these core areas:
Skills | What You'll Learn |
---|---|
Campaign Setup | Account structure, settings, networks |
Targeting | Locations, languages, schedules |
Bidding | Strategy selection, budget management |
Keywords | Research methods, selection tactics |
Tracking | Conversion setup, performance analysis |
You'll get hands-on practice with these tools:
Practice Areas | Tools Used |
---|---|
Keyword Research | Keyword Planner, SEMRush |
Ad Creation | Live Google Ads interface |
Campaign Building | Step-by-step walkthroughs |
Performance Tools | Google Ads Formula Calculator |
Resource Access | Cheat sheets, templates |
Here's what people who took the course say:
"I am a Google Ad professional. I am only 3 videos in and I've already learned new and useful tips." - Claire Jepsen
"I run google ads campaign for my business and I'm getting amazing conversions." - Stanislav Volevach
Your instructor is Joshua from ClickSlice, a UK-based SEO agency. He's a Google Premier Partner (top 3% worldwide) who breaks down complex concepts into simple steps.
Why this course stands out:
Feature | Benefit |
---|---|
Question Support | New videos based on student questions |
Live Examples | Work with actual Google Ads accounts |
Latest Content | Updated for 2024 interface changes |
Practical Focus | Learn by doing, not just theory |
The course covers these ad types:
Topic Area | Coverage |
---|---|
Search Ads | Setup, optimization, management |
Shopping Ads | Product listing creation |
Display Ads | Visual campaign setup |
YouTube Ads | Video advertising basics |
Discovery Ads | New format implementation |
6. LinkedIn Learning: Google Ads Basics
Here's what you'll get from LinkedIn Learning's Google Ads course in 2024:
Course Details | Information |
---|---|
Duration | 2 hours 47 minutes |
Instructor | Brad Batesole |
Rating | 4.8/5 from 2,643 ratings |
Access | Part of LinkedIn Premium ($29.99/month) |
Format | Short video modules |
Level | Beginner |
Certificate | Yes, adds to LinkedIn profile |
The course focuses on 5 main areas:
Module | What You'll Learn |
---|---|
PPC Basics | How to set up your account and navigate the platform |
Keywords | Find and pick the right keywords |
Ad Writing | Create and test your ads |
Campaign Setup | Set budgets and target audiences |
Optimization | Track and improve performance |
Here's what makes this course different:
Feature | What It Does |
---|---|
Mobile App | Watch lessons anywhere |
Video Transcripts | Read instead of watch |
Progress Tracking | Set weekly goals |
Notes System | Mark important points |
Q&A Section | Learn from other students |
"Duane's breakdown of PPC ads coupled with his explanations covering terminology was very insightful and easy to grasp!" - Grace Hassell, Aspiring Marketing Manager
The course comes with these tools:
Tool Type | How It Helps |
---|---|
Knowledge Checks | Test what you've learned |
Practice Files | Try it yourself |
Learning Paths | Follow step-by-step guides |
Mobile Sync | Switch between devices |
Resource Library | Get extra materials |
By the end, you'll know how to:
Skill Area | What You'll Master |
---|---|
Traffic Generation | Get more website visitors |
ROI Analysis | Measure your results |
Ad Copy | Write better ads |
Campaign Types | Run different ad formats |
Budget Control | Manage your spending |
Course Comparison
Here's a clear breakdown of Google Ads courses in 2024:
Course | Duration | Cost | Level | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
Google Skillshop | 3.7 hours | Free | Intermediate | 4.7/5 |
Udemy Step-by-Step | 90 minutes | $14.99-29.99 | Beginner | 4.6/5 |
HubSpot Academy | 4.5 hours | Free | Beginner | 4.5/5 |
Coursera Certificate | 15 hours | $49/month | All levels | 4.7/5 |
LinkedIn Learning | 2.8 hours | $29.99/month | Beginner | 4.8/5 |
Each course serves different needs:
Course | Main Focus | Best For |
---|---|---|
Google Skillshop | Platform mastery | Getting certified |
Udemy | Quick setup | Fast learning |
HubSpot | Marketing integration | Brand builders |
Coursera | Deep learning | Career changers |
Networking | Professionals |
What you'll get with each course:
| Feature | Google Skillshop | Udemy | HubSpot | Coursera | LinkedIn | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Practice Files | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | | Mobile App | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Progress Tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Q&A Support | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | | Certificate | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How long your certificate lasts:
Platform | Valid For | Renewal Needed |
---|---|---|
Google Skillshop | 1 year | Yes |
HubSpot | 2 years | Yes |
Coursera | Lifetime | No |
Lifetime | No | |
Udemy | Lifetime | No |
What it costs:
Path | Total Cost | Time to Complete |
---|---|---|
Basic (Free) | $0 | 4-6 weeks |
Standard | $50-100 | 2-3 weeks |
Premium | $200-300 | 1-2 weeks |
"The Google Ads Search certification takes around 3-4 hours to complete and requires a score of 80% to pass", - Brad Geddes, Advanced Google Ads instructor
Success metrics:
Course | Pass Rate | Job Placement |
---|---|---|
Google Skillshop | 75% | Not tracked |
Coursera | 82% | 65% |
85% | 71% |
Which Course Should You Choose?
Let's make picking your Google Ads course simple:
If You Want | Go With | Here's Why |
---|---|---|
Basic Training | Google Skillshop | Free, takes 3.7 hours, comes with official cert |
Job Skills | Coursera Certificate | Deep dive into ads (15 hours), helps land jobs |
Marketing Know-How | HubSpot Academy | Shows how ads fit with marketing, free, 4.5 hours |
Pro Connections | LinkedIn Learning | Connect with other pros, finish in 2.8 hours |
Low Cost | Udemy | Costs $14.99-29.99, quick 90-minute course |
Here's what matters when picking:
Think About | Look For |
---|---|
Time | Can you spend 2-15 hours? |
Learning Type | Videos? Reading? Practice? |
Help Needed | Forums? Teacher help? |
Certification | How long is it good for? |
Money | What's your budget ($0-300)? |
Just Starting Out? Google Skillshop is your best bet. It's free, self-paced, and covers the basics you need.
Want a New Career? Go with Coursera. You'll get:
- A clear path to follow
- Help finding work (65% get jobs)
- A solid certificate
Running a Business? HubSpot Academy fits best. You'll learn:
- How ads work with your marketing
- Real campaign skills
- Quality stuff (and it's free)
"8 out of 10 Climb Hire students land jobs within 6 months, starting at $50k" - Climb Hire Data
Check These Course Features:
Must-Have | Why |
---|---|
Clear steps | Know what to do next |
Pro teachers | Get solid info |
Real practice | Learn by doing |
Fresh content | Latest ad tricks |
Help options | Get unstuck fast |
FAQs
What is the best course to learn Google Ads?
Here's what you need to know about the top Google Ads courses:
Course Type | Best For | Time Required |
---|---|---|
Google Skillshop | Official certification | 75 minutes per exam |
Coursera Certificate | Career advancement | 15 hours |
HubSpot Academy | Marketing integration | 4.5 hours |
LinkedIn Learning | Professional networking | 2.8 hours |
Udemy | Quick learning | 90 minutes |
Want the BEST option for beginners? Go with Google Skillshop.
Here's why:
- It's 100% free
- It's the ONLY official certification
- You get 6 different certifications (Search, Display, Video, Shopping, Apps, Measurement)
- Each exam has 46-50 questions
Is a Google skillshop certificate worth it?
Short answer: YES.
Here's a breakdown of what you get:
Benefit | Details |
---|---|
Cost | 100% free |
Duration | 1-year validity |
Job Market | Required by many employers |
Updates | Latest Google Ads features |
Official Status | Google's ONLY certification platform |
"Google Skillshop is the only official administrator of Google Ads certifications, so if you're looking to boost your business or agency's credibility and confidence, you'll likely want to get yourself and your team certified." - WordStream
What you should know:
- You'll need to retake the exam every year
- Employers LOVE seeing this certification
- It proves you know your stuff
- Makes your resume and LinkedIn profile stand out
Bottom line: If you're serious about Google Ads, get certified through Skillshop.