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?

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

Google Ads Search Certification

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

OptionWhy It’s Wrong
Queries, marketing goals, and Search adsMarketing goals are important but not a core component of the ad itself.
AI, bid strategies, and creativesThese are advanced concepts. Not fundamental components of a basic search ad.
Targeting, ad formats, and bid strategiesTargeting and bidding are part of campaign setup, not the three core elements of a single search ad.

Summary:

ComponentRole in Search Ads
QueriesWhat users type into Google
KeywordsWhat advertisers bid on to match queries
Ad FormatsHow 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.