Running Google Ads in a competitive niche like website design is no walk in the park—especially when you’re up against major players like GoDaddy, Wix, and HostGator. If you’re spending $5–$16 per click and seeing max conversions cost spike to $43, it’s natural to question whether continuing your campaign is worth it. Here’s an expert breakdown to help you decide your next step.
Initial Campaign Snapshot
One advertiser recently shared their journey:
- Started with manual CPC ($16 max) but saw occasional spikes when trying Maximize Conversions.
- Current spend: $4.65
- CTR: 12%—a good start.
- Campaign Duration: 1 month, with only the last week delivering significant impressions.
- Recent Improvement: Added a second ad group with better keyword volume.
- Landing Page: Claimed to be highly optimized and conversion-focused.
- Product: Selling websites for $310–$620 (post-discount).
So, what’s the verdict?
1. Web Design is Ultra-Competitive
Web design is one of the most saturated markets on Google Ads. You’re competing not just with freelancers, but with billion-dollar companies offering bundled domains, hosting, and site builders. That’s a tough hill to climb with a limited budget.
🛑 Tip: Don’t try to outbid the giants. Outsmart them.
2. Target Locally, Not Globally
With a budget under $10, even targeting a small city might not yield clicks. Focus on your own city or a narrow niche audience, where your reputation and personalized service can shine.
✅ Pro Tip:
Add your phone number, use location extensions, and showcase local credibility to improve ad authenticity.
3. Don’t Just Sell Websites—Sell Stories
Instead of generic “Buy a Website” ads, consider leading with real-world success.
Build a case study showing how your redesign helped a client 2x or 3x their conversions.
Then run YouTube Ads or Google Display Ads highlighting:
- Before/after results
- Testimonials
- A clear CTA to book a call or demo
💡 Why Stories Work
Humans relate to transformation. When your ad says “Here’s how we helped XYZ business go from 2 leads to 20,” people listen—and click.
4. Structure Your Ads by Intent
Don’t lump multiple keywords into one ad group. Break them down by intent:
- “Affordable website design” – Budget-conscious buyers
- “Ecommerce website for small business” – Feature-seekers
- “Landing page design for marketing” – Conversion-focused users
Each group deserves its own ad copy and landing page variation to match searcher intent.
5. When to Pause or Pivot
If you’re not seeing meaningful conversions after optimizing the basics (keywords, negative keywords, CTR, ad copy), it’s time to pivot.
Consider:
- Switching platforms (e.g., Facebook or LinkedIn Ads)
- Doubling down on content marketing or SEO
- Using Google My Business for local lead gen
Or—go all in with a content-driven sales funnel that starts with education and ends with conversion.
Final Verdict: Keep Running or Stop?
If:
✅ You’re targeting locally
✅ Have a solid landing page
✅ Craft ads based on real stories
✅ Optimize based on data
Then YES, keep testing.
But if:
❌ You’re targeting broadly
❌ Using one generic ad group
❌ Spending without conversions
Pause. Rethink. Restart with a smarter strategy.
Need Professional Help?
If you want expert consultation for Google Ads setup, strategy, or even web design services, Hire me and my team — a UAE-based digital marketing agency trusted by hundreds of businesses.
