A marketing manager has been familiarizing themselves with the different ad components of a Search ad. Which of these would they select as an accurate description of a Display URL?

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Lata Bala

Young man pointing at Google ad showing display URL with green checkmark

If you’re prepping for the Google Ads Search Certification exam, this is one of those questions that might look tricky at first — but it’s actually super straightforward once you understand the parts of a search ad.

Let me walk you through it:

Question:

A marketing manager has been familiarizing themselves with the different ad components of a Search ad. Which of these would they select as an accurate description of a Display URL?

  • The Display URL is a headline in the ad that users most often notice first.
  • The Display URL takes users to a specific page of a website.
  • The Display URL provides details about an advertiser’s product or service.
  • The Display URL gives users an idea of where they’ll go if they click the ad.

Here is a correct answer:

✅ The Display URL gives users an idea of where they’ll go if they click the ad.

If you are interested, you can take the exam on Google Ads Search Certification.

✅ Why this is correct:

In a Google Search ad, there are three main parts:

  1. Headlines (the clickable title)
  2. Descriptions (the supporting info)
  3. Display URL (the link users see under the headline)

What does the Display URL actually do?

The Display URL doesn’t show the entire Final URL. Instead, it displays a short, clean version to help users quickly understand where they’ll land after clicking.

Example:

Let’s say the real link (called the Final URL) is:

Display URL idea for ads

This version is short and clear. It tells the user:

“Oh, this ad will take me to a custom electric guitar page.”

That’s all the Display URL is meant to do — give users a preview of the destination, without the clutter.

Extra Tip (for the exam):

You can edit the “Path” section in your ad — this doesn’t change the landing page, it only changes what appears in the Display URL.
You might add:

  • Path 1: custom
  • Path 2: guitars

So it shows:
guitars.com/custom/guitars

Still clean. Still helpful.

❌ Why the other answers are wrong:

OptionWhy It’s Incorrect
The Display URL is a headline in the ad❌ Nope! That’s called a headline, not the Display URL.
The Display URL takes users to a specific page❌ That’s the job of the Final URL, not the display one.
The Display URL provides details about the product❌ That’s what the description lines do — not the Display URL.

Helpful Links to Learn More:

FAQs

Q1: Can the Display URL be different from the real link?

Yes, it can be slightly different, but it must share the same root domain (like guitars.com).

Q2: Do Display URLs help improve click-through rates?

Yes! A clear, clean URL can build trust and increase your ad’s performance.

Q3: Where do I set the Display URL in Google Ads?

When creating a Search ad, you’ll enter:

  • The Final URL (the real landing page)
  • The Path fields (which build the Display URL)

Conclusion

When writing Google Ads, think of the Display URL as your ad’s street sign — it helps users know they’re heading in the right direction.

✅ The right choice on the exam?

The Display URL gives users an idea of where they’ll go if they click the ad.

Now that you know, you’re one step closer to acing the Google Ads Search Certification Exam.
Ready? You can take the Google Skillshop test here.

Looking for more questions and walkthroughs? Keep following!