Is Google Ads Worth It?
Data-driven analysis of Google Ads ROI across 23 industries. See real return on ad spend, typical costs, and whether paid search makes sense for your business.
Is Google Ads worth it for small business?
Yes, Google Ads is worth it for most small businesses. Across 23 industries, Google Ads delivers an average return of 4-8x ROAS—meaning businesses earn £4-£8 for every £1 spent. The key success factors are your industry's competition level, customer lifetime value, and campaign management quality. Businesses with clear search intent and at least £1,000/month budget typically see positive ROI.
The difference between profitable and unprofitable Google Ads campaigns rarely comes down to budget—it comes down to management. Professionally managed accounts consistently outperform self-managed campaigns by 2-3x on ROAS, primarily through better targeting, negative keyword strategies, and continuous optimization.
The Short Answer: Yes, For Most Businesses
Across all industries, Google Ads delivers an average return of 5.0x ROAS — meaning businesses earn $5 for every $1 spent. However, ROI varies significantly by industry, with some seeing 8x returns while others struggle to break even without proper optimization.
The key factors are your industry's competition level, customer lifetime value, and how well your campaigns are managed. Select your industry below for a detailed analysis.
Is Google Ads Worth It for Your Industry?
Animals & Pets
Good ROIApparel, Fashion & Jewelry
Good ROIArts & Entertainment
Strong ROIAttorneys & Legal Services
Strong ROIAutomotive - Sales
Strong ROIAutomotive - Repair & Service
Strong ROIBeauty & Personal Care
Good ROIBusiness Services
Good ROICareer & Employment
Moderate ROIDentists & Dental Services
Strong ROIEducation & Instruction
Good ROIFinance & Insurance
Strong ROIFurniture
Good ROIHealth & Fitness
Good ROIHome & Home Improvement
Strong ROIIndustrial & Commercial
Good ROIPersonal Services
Strong ROIPhysicians & Surgeons
Strong ROIReal Estate
Strong ROIRestaurants & Food
Strong ROIShopping, Collectibles & Gifts
Good ROISports & Recreation
Strong ROITravel & Hospitality
Strong ROIBest Google Ads ROI by Industry
When Google Ads Works (and When It Doesn't)
Google Ads Works Well When:
- Your product or service has clear search intent (people actively looking)
- Your customer lifetime value exceeds 3x the cost per lead
- You have a budget of at least $1,000-$2,000/month to generate sufficient data
- Your landing pages are optimized for conversions, not just traffic
- You can track leads from click to sale for proper optimization
Google Ads May Not Work When:
- Your product is so new that nobody is searching for it yet
- Your margins are too thin to absorb acquisition costs
- You can't invest at least $1,000/month for 3+ months to build data
- Your website doesn't have a clear conversion path or call to action
- You expect immediate results without testing or optimization
Find Out If Google Ads Is Worth It for You
Get a free analysis of your market, competition, and projected ROI. We'll tell you honestly whether Google Ads makes sense for your business.