You’re walking a new client through the basics of Google Search ads.
Which one of the following groupings would you highlight to them as the three basic components of a Google Search ad?
- Queries, marketing goals, and Search ads
- AI, bid strategies, and creatives
- Targeting, ad formats, and bid strategies
- Queries, ad formats, and keywords
The correct answer is: Queries, ad formats, and keywords ✅

Why Correct?
When introducing a new client to the basics of Google Search ads, it’s crucial to help them understand the core elements that make the system work. These three components form the foundation:
1. Queries
These are the search terms that people type into Google. For example:
🔍 “best noise cancelling headphones”
When a user types a query, Google looks for ads with relevant keywords to display.
2. Keywords
These are the words or phrases advertisers bid on — telling Google, “Show my ad when someone searches for this.”
Advertisers choose:
- Exact match:
[noise cancelling headphones]
- Phrase match:
"noise cancelling headphones"
- Broad match:
noise cancelling headphones
The closer the match between keyword and query, the more relevant the ad.
3. Ad Formats
This refers to how the ad is structured and displayed. In Search Ads, this usually means:
- Text-based headlines and descriptions
- Displayed alongside a clickable link
- May include extensions like sitelinks, location, or call buttons
These elements come together to form the final search ad that appears in the results.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
Option | Why It’s Wrong |
---|---|
❌ Queries, marketing goals, and Search ads | Marketing goals are important but not a core component of the ad itself. |
❌ AI, bid strategies, and creatives | These are advanced concepts. Not fundamental components of a basic search ad. |
❌ Targeting, ad formats, and bid strategies | Targeting and bidding are part of campaign setup, not the three core elements of a single search ad. |
Summary:
Component | Role in Search Ads |
---|---|
✅ Queries | What users type into Google |
✅ Keywords | What advertisers bid on to match queries |
✅ Ad Formats | How the ad is structured and shown |
Now, if you are ready, then you take the Google Skillshop test for the Google Ads Search Exam. If you want more questions about the Google Ads Search Certification Exam, follow.