Google Ads for Tradies and Local Services in Perth: Which Campaign Wins?
Google Ads for Tradies and Local Services in Perth: Which Campaign Wins?
Finding the right Google Ads campaign for your trade business in Perth can feel overwhelming with so many options available. More than half of the world’s population has internet access, making Google Ads for local businesses essential for tradies who want to stay competitive.
This guide breaks down each campaign type, compares costs and features, and shows you which advertising strategy delivers the best return on investment for your specific trade services.
Important Update: As of 2025, Local Services Ads (LSAs) are not yet available in Australia. Therefore, this campaign type is currently not an option for tradies in Perth.
Key Takeaways
- Search Ads use cost per click pricing, while Local Services Ads (not yet available in Australia) charge per lead, offering different budget control approaches for tradies.
- Local Services Ads appear above regular search results and may include a Google Guarantee badge in countries where available, building trust and credibility.
- Over 50 percent of Google searches have local intent, making radius-based location targeting essential for Perth campaigns.
- Search Ads work best for established businesses wanting website traffic, while LSAs suit new tradies seeking direct customer contact (when available).
- Call tracking with 3 minute+ duration and conversion tracking help identify which campaigns deliver the most valuable leads.
Types of Google Ads Campaigns for Tradies and Local Services
Google Ads offers several campaign types suitable for Perth tradies. Each format serves different goals and reaches customers at various stages of their decision-making journey.
What Are Search Ads and How Do They Work?
Search Ads are the primary advertising format that places your business above organic search results. These ads are triggered by keyword bidding, helping you appear when locals search for services like plumbing or carpentry.
Your ads show at the top of search results pages, marked with an “Ad” label. You only pay when someone clicks on your ad and visits your site.
Search Ads operate on a cost per click model. You can target users within a specific radius, schedule ads during business hours, and use ad extensions (e.g. callouts, sitelinks) to boost performance.
Are Local Services Ads Available in Perth?
No. As of now, Local Services Ads are not yet available in Australia. While they offer strong benefits overseas—such as pay per lead billing, automatic display of business info, and the Google Guarantee badge—these features do not currently apply to Perth-based businesses.
Perth tradies should focus on Search Ads and other campaign types available in the region.
When Should You Use Display Ads?
Display Ads help build brand awareness across the web. These visual banners show on websites your potential clients visit, even before they search for your services.
- Best for brand recognition in specific Perth suburbs
- Budget friendly with cost per click or cost per thousand impressions
- Ideal during slower business seasons
Are Shopping Ads Relevant for Tradies?
Shopping Ads are not typically useful for service-based businesses. They work best for retailers with physical products.
Tradies should prioritise Search and Display Ads, which are better suited for local service marketing.
How Can Video Ads Support Tradies?
Video Ads on YouTube and Google platforms let tradies demonstrate services visually—before and after projects, customer reviews, etc.
These campaigns help build trust and brand memory. They also improve quality score when users engage, potentially lowering costs.
Pair video content with Performance Max campaigns to target users across multiple platforms.
Why Use Google Ads as a Perth Tradie?
Google Ads helps you reach customers exactly when they need you. Here’s what sets it apart:
How Does Local Targeting Improve Results?
Local targeting lets you reach only those in your service area. This ensures you’re paying for clicks from real potential customers.
Use radius-based location targeting (e.g. 5 kilometres). Link your business address to show on maps and schedule ads during peak times.
Is Google Ads Cost Effective for Tradies?
Yes. Campaigns can start from as little as five dollars per day, and you only pay when someone clicks your ad.
You can pause or adjust campaigns anytime. Setting a clear daily or monthly budget helps avoid overspending.
How Does Google Ads Improve Visibility?
Your ads appear above organic search listings. This immediate exposure helps you stay visible while building up your organic SEO.
Google also shows your business across platforms like Maps, Search, and its partner websites.
Search Ads vs Local Services Ads
Since LSAs are not yet in Australia, tradies should focus on the advantages of Search Ads. Here’s a simplified overview:
| Feature | Search Ads | Local Services Ads (Unavailable in Perth) |
|---|---|---|
| Billing | Cost per click | Pay per lead (where available) |
| Targeting | Keyword based | Category based |
| Placement | Top of SERP and across Google | Above all search ads |
| Lead Generation | To website or phone | Direct calls/messages |
Search Ads give full control over targeting, keywords, ad copy, and tracking. For tradies, this flexibility makes it the best available option.
How to Create a Winning Campaign
- Use local keywords in ad headlines (e.g. “Plumber Fremantle”).
- Add ad extensions: call, sitelinks, location.
- Use call tracking to measure calls lasting more than 3 minutes.
- Enable conversion tracking for enquiries, forms, PDF downloads.
Key Metrics to Monitor
- Cost per conversion: What it costs to acquire a lead
- Click-through rate (CTR): Measures engagement
- Return on ad spend (ROAS): Measures profitability
- Conversion rate: % of users taking action
Final Thoughts
Google Ads is a powerful tool for tradies in Perth. While Local Services Ads are not yet supported in Australia, Search Ads remain the top choice for performance, flexibility, and control.
Display and Video Ads add brand visibility, and Performance Max helps broaden reach. For Perth tradies wanting consistent leads and measurable growth, a well-managed Google Ads campaign can deliver long-term results.
Need help setting up or managing your campaign? I’m here to assist you with Google Ads setup, targeting, and optimisation.
Are Local Services Ads available for tradies in Perth?
No, Local Services Ads (LSAs) are not yet available in Australia. Although they offer benefits like pay-per-lead billing and Google Guarantee badges in other countries, tradies in Perth should focus on Search Ads, Display, and Video campaigns for now.
How much should I budget for Google Ads as a local tradie?
You can start with as little as five dollars per day. Since Google Ads uses a pay-per-click model, you’re only charged when someone clicks your ad, giving you full control over your spending. It’s easy to scale your budget as your campaign delivers results.
What makes Search Ads the best option for tradies in Perth?
Search Ads provide the most control over targeting, keywords, and budget. You can reach customers actively searching for services in your area, track performance accurately, and optimise based on real data. For most Perth tradies, it’s the most reliable way to generate leads.
Can Google Ads work for niche services like mobile dog grooming or pest control?
Yes. Whether you’re offering common trades or niche local services, Google Ads can help you reach the right audience. The key is setting up precise targeting and choosing relevant keywords that your customers are actually searching for.
How long does it take to see results from Google Ads?
You can start seeing clicks and enquiries almost immediately once your campaign goes live. That said, it typically takes 2 to 4 weeks of data to fully assess performance and begin optimising for the best return.
