What is the Best Way to Target Locations in Google Ads When Operating in Specific Counties and Cities?

The best way to target locations in Google Ads when you are operating in specific counties and cities is to start from the smallest area and gradually expand to larger locations. Begin by targeting neighborhoods within big cities or specific towns in rural areas. If the search volume is too low in those precise locations, then extend the target to include a radius around the area, such as five to ten miles. If necessary, further widen the targeting to entire counties. This approach helps you reach the right people looking for your specific service, boosting your click-through rate (CTR) and conversion rate.

Full Explanation

When setting location targets in Google Ads, precision is key. Targeting specific neighborhoods in big cities or individual towns in rural areas ensures you connect with an audience most likely to need your service. Beginning with the smallest locations avoids wasting budget on broader areas where users may not be relevant. If these locations show too little search volume, which affects ad impressions and campaign effectiveness, expanding the target zone gradually can help. Using a radius around the town allows you to capture nearby prospects without diluting your audience too much. Only after this should counties or larger regions be included. This stepwise expansion maintains ad relevance and enhances engagement, which improves your CTR and conversion rates.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Start Small: Focus on a neighborhood within a big city or a specific town if you operate in rural areas.
2. Check Search Volume: Evaluate if there is enough search volume to justify the targeting.
3. Expand Radius: If volume is low, increase the area with a radius around the location, for example five or ten miles.
4. Increase Scope: If search volume still isn’t sufficient, expand targeting to the entire county or larger areas as needed.
5. Maintain Precision: Always aim to be as precise as possible to target people genuinely interested in your service.
6. Optimize for Conversion: More precise targeting leads to higher CTRs and better conversion rates.

Real Examples

If you’re targeting users in a big city, starting your Google Ads campaign with neighborhoods makes your ads more relevant to local searchers. Conversely, in rural settings, focusing on the town first captures the main center of activity. If there aren’t enough searches in that town’s limits, you then extend your ads by a manageable radius — such as a five or ten mile ring around the town — before broadening to the county level. This ensures your ads are showing to people who are most likely looking for your services nearby without spreading your budget too thin.

Common Mistakes

• Targeting Too Broadly Upfront: Launching ads at the county or city level without first testing smaller areas can waste budget on irrelevant clicks.
• Ignoring Search Volume: Not assessing the volume in a neighborhood or town might lead to ineffective campaigns.
• Expanding Without Strategy: Increasing target areas without following a stepwise approach may result in lower CTR and fewer conversions.
• Not Adjusting Radius Properly: Setting too large or too small a radius around a target location can reduce your ability to reach the right audience effectively.

FAQs

Why should I start targeting from neighborhoods or towns?

Starting with smaller areas helps you focus on the most relevant audience likely searching for your services, which improves your CTR and conversion rate.

What if the specific town or neighborhood has low search volume?

If search volume is insufficient, gradually widen your targeting by adding a radius around the area, such as five to ten miles, before expanding further.

When should I expand my targeting to counties?

Only expand to counties if smaller geographic targets and radius expansions do not provide enough search volume for your campaign goals.

Does precise targeting really affect conversion rates?

Yes, more precise targeting connects you with a more relevant audience, which typically results in higher CTRs and better conversion rates.

Key Takeaways

• Begin location targeting with the smallest relevant areas like neighborhoods or towns.
• Check search volume to decide if you need to expand your target gradually.
• Use radius targeting around towns when necessary to increase reach without losing relevance.
• Expand to counties only if smaller location targets and radius options don’t yield enough search volume.
• Precise geographic targeting improves CTR and conversion rates by reaching users more likely interested in your service.