How to Get Into PPC Marketing
I have to admit, I got pretty lucky getting into Pay-Per-Click (PPC) marketing. I was a Marketing Executive who helped out with PPC from time to time before leaving to go travelling. When I got back, the PPC position at my old company had opened up, and they knew I was data-driven, so they offered me the role. My workplace personality got me into it, and honestly, I’ve loved it ever since.
In this blog post, I’ll share some tips on how to get into PPC marketing and exactly what I’d do if I were starting from scratch.
Is PPC Marketing for Me?
Ask yourself: Why do I want to get into PPC marketing? If it’s just to sit around and do nothing, that’s a common misconception and the wrong mindset. There’s always plenty to do in PPC, and you’ll constantly look for ways to improve accounts.
You’ll also be managing budgets that come with pressure. Some companies spend millions on paid ads, so you must be comfortable handling that responsibility.
Finally, you need to be data-driven and focused on long-term results. You won’t see instant success just by glancing at an account. Deep dives are a daily thing, and sometimes it takes a while for things to start falling into place.
If this sounds like you, let’s look at where you can learn PPC.
Learn about PPC
Google Ads Certifications
Google has a free Skillshop where you can earn Google Ads certifications. It covers all aspects of Google Ads, including Search, Display and PMAX.
What do I think of it? Honestly, I don’t think it’s great. It’s a bit biased, and some parts are poorly written. But as a starting point, it’s solid. Many roles expect you to be Google Ads certified, so I’d recommend every beginner go through these.
Blogs
The PPC community is huge, with tons of blog posts covering every topic you can think of. Be curious and search for what you want to learn. If you like written content, I recommend Search Engine Land, their writers are PPC experts.
I also have a blog if you’d like to check out some of my content!
YouTube
For a visual learner, I 100% recommend YouTube. here’s loads of great content on paid ads, and I find the creators refreshingly honest, not just trying to sell their services.
My favourite, without a doubt, is Grow My Ads by Austin LeClear & Luke Donoghue. You’re guaranteed to learn a lot from their content.
There are two main communities on Reddit: /ppc and /googleads. It’s always worth checking them out to see what other PPC professionals are discussing or even to ask questions if you’re curious. Both communities are (mostly) friendly, and I turn to them for a lot of my own queries when I feel stuck.
Use Google Ads
It’s the obvious answer, but the best way to learn Google Ads is by using it yourself. Create an account and click around to get familiar with how it works. If you’re curious (and lucky), reach out to someone in PPC and ask if you can take a look at their account.
Other
If you’re looking to get into other PPC channels like Amazon, Meta, or TikTok, check out the same resources I recommended for Google Ads.
Finding a Job
The hardest part is landing a job. You’re up against others (some with experience) so you need to stand out.
If I were starting from scratch, here’s how I’d break into PPC marketing.
Junior Positions (Just Apply!)
Unless you have a lot of relevant experience, you’ll likely be offered junior roles first. Some won’t pay as much as others, but if you’re serious about getting into paid ads, it’s something you have to do.
Make your CV relevant to the role and apply for any junior positions you see. Applying is free, so make the most of it.
Impress at your workplace
If I were hiring a junior PPC assistant, executive, or manager, I’d look at two things:
Experience
Credentials to become a good PPC Specialist
I had very little experience when I started, but I had proven in my previous role that I had all the abilities to become a PPC manager. I was confident, data-driven and understood all aspects of marketing.
If you’re seriously interested in working in PPC, just ask the relevant manager. If they’re friendly enough, they’ll put things in place for you to learn more.
Conclusion
If you’re data-driven and have the drive to get into PPC marketing, nothing’s stopping you. Everyone starts somewhere, you just need to learn the trade and start applying for relevant roles to break into PPC.
If you have any questions about this blog, feel free to send me a message using the contact section in the footer.