What is the recommended radius for targeting in a Google Ads campaign?

Short Answer: The recommended radius for targeting in a Google Ads campaign is around 25 miles. Targeting a much larger radius, such as 60 miles, is generally not advisable.

Full Explanation

When setting up location targeting in a Google Ads campaign, choosing the right radius is crucial for reaching your ideal audience effectively. A radius of around 25 miles is recommended because it strikes a balance between reaching enough potential customers and maintaining relevance. Exceeding this radius, such as targeting a 60 mile radius, can dilute your campaign’s focus and reduce the effectiveness of your ads.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Identify your central location: Determine the geographic point from which you want to target.
Set your radius: Choose around 25 miles as your targeting radius to efficiently reach your audience close enough to be relevant.
Avoid extending to 60 miles: Resist the temptation to target a radius as large as 60 miles, as this usually stretches your budget thin and lowers the precision of your campaign.

Real Examples

While specifics vary with each campaign, the guidance to use a 25-mile radius applies broadly to avoid overextending ad spend and keep your audience focused around a meaningful geographic area. This keeps your campaign targeting refined and effective.

Common Mistakes

Setting an excessively large radius, such as 60 miles, which makes ads less relevant to potential customers.
Not considering the impact of a wide targeting radius on budget and ad performance.
Assuming bigger radius means better reach without factoring in audience quality and location relevance.

FAQs

Q: Why is 25 miles recommended instead of 60 miles?
A: Because 25 miles provides a concentrated and relevant audience, whereas 60 miles can spread your budget too thin and reduce ad effectiveness.

Q: Can I change the radius later?
A: Yes, but it’s generally best to start with around 25 miles for optimal targeting results.

Key Takeaways

Use a 25-mile radius for targeted and effective Google Ads campaigns.
Aim for focused geographic reach rather than broader but less relevant areas.
Avoid a 60-mile radius to prevent wasted budget and diluted campaign impact.