Your client owns a manufacturing business that makes specialized hiking and rock-climbing gear. They’re a small player in the market, but are ready to scale the business. Which two Google Ads campaign types could your client use to increase the brand’s exposure and reach audiences interested in hiking and rock climbing across the web?

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Lata Bala

Business owner choosing Google Ads campaign types for hiking gear, showing Performance Max and Discovery options

I recently worked with a client who owns a small business making specialized hiking and rock-climbing gear. They wanted to grow their brand online — but weren’t sure where to start with Google Ads.

So I explored which campaign types would help them reach more people who are into hiking and climbing.

Here’s the exact question — and what the right answer is.

Your client owns a manufacturing business that makes specialized hiking and rock-climbing gear. They’re a small player in the market, but are ready to scale the business.

Which two Google Ads campaign types could your client use to increase the brand’s exposure and reach audiences interested in hiking and rock climbing across the web?

  • Performance Max
  • Search
  • Discovery
  • Video

Here is a correct answer:

✅ Performance Max and

✅ Discovery

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

✅ Why these are Corrects:

✅ 1. Performance Max Campaigns

This one’s like an “all-in-one” ad system.

You give Google:

  • A few headlines and images
  • Some video (optional)
  • Your website/product info

Then Google’s smart system shows your ads across:
✔️ YouTube
✔️ Search
✔️ Gmail
✔️ Maps
✔️ Display
✔️ Discover feed

👉 Perfect for maximum exposure, especially for small brands that want to show up everywhere without managing different campaigns.

✅ 2. Discovery

These ads show up where people are scrolling and exploring, like:

  • The YouTube home feed
  • The Gmail promotions tab
  • The Google Discover feed on mobile

👉 It’s great for catching attention early, even before people start searching.

If your gear looks cool (and it should!), Discovery campaigns are an awesome way to introduce your brand to active, outdoorsy people.

❌ Why the Other Answers Are Wrong:

OptionWhy It’s Not Right
Search❌ This shows text ads only when people search with keywords. It’s great for intent, but not reach.
Video❌ Only shows on YouTube. Good for engagement, but not as broad as Performance Max or Discovery.

Real-Life Example:

Let’s say your client sells eco-friendly climbing shoes.

  • With Performance Max, someone looking at rock-climbing videos on YouTube or reading a blog might see your ad.
  • With Discovery, someone scrolling through the YouTube homepage or Gmail may spot your shoes even before they search for them.

Both help get your product in front of adventurous people who didn’t even know they needed your gear yet!

Helpful Links to Learn More:

FAQs

Q1: Are Performance Max and Discovery good for small businesses?

Yes! They help you get seen on Google platforms without needing a huge ad team.

Q2: Can I still use Search Ads too?

Sure — but use them after people know your brand or if you’re targeting high-intent searchers.

Q3: Do I need fancy videos or tons of graphics?

Not necessarily! Some great photos and clear text can go a long way in both campaign types.

Conclusion

If your client is a small business that wants to reach outdoor lovers, get started with:

✅ Performance Max – for maximum presence across Google
✅ Discovery – for showing up in the scroll when people least expect it

Let Google do the heavy lifting — and your climbing gear just might peak interest. 😉

Now, if you are ready, you can take the Google Skillshop test for the Google Ads Search Exam. If you want more questions about the Google Ads Search Certification Exam, keep following.