"Don’t be afraid to fail. Be afraid not to try."- Sara Blakely, Founder of Spanx

Don’t Worry! Why Your Ad Isn’t Showing (and Why It’s Okay)

As a business owner, it’s natural to want to see immediate results from your ads. If you search for your business and don’t see your ad, it can feel like something’s wrong. But don’t worry—this is perfectly normal, especially when you’re just starting out. The key is to trust the process and give it time, especially if you’ve just launched your ad campaigns. Here’s what you need to know, and why you should trust your ad professional for at least 60 days.

1. Ads Take Time: Trust the Process

When you start running ads, especially with a brand-new account, Google needs time to learn what works best for you. If your account has zero data, it takes a little longer for Google to start showing your ads regularly. Think of it like nurturing a plant—it needs time and care to grow. Trust your ads professional and give it at least 60 days for the system to fine-tune and optimize your campaign.

2. Budget and Bidding Matter

If your budget or bid is too low, your ad might not show up as often, especially if competitors are bidding more. Ads are an auction, and the highest bid usually gets the top spots. But don’t worry—your ad expert knows the ropes. With some time and adjustments, they’ll help find the right balance for your campaign. Trust the process, and allow time for changes to take effect.

3. Location Targeting: Your Ad Might Be Just Where It Needs to Be

Sometimes, your ad isn’t showing because you’re searching from a different location than your target audience. If you’re aiming at a specific area, like Orlando, but you’re searching from out of town, you won’t see your ad. Use Google’s Ad Preview Tool to check your ad’s visibility in the right location without affecting its performance. Remember the difference Presence and Interests include people who are travelling to or though that location. Presence includes people who are regularly in (live) that location. 

4. Personalized Results: Google Knows You, But You Can’t Always See It

Google personalizes search results based on your past searches. If you’ve clicked on your ads before, it might not show them again to avoid repetition. This is perfectly normal. Your ad is still running—Google just knows you’ve already seen it. To get an unbiased view, search in incognito mode or ask your ad expert for a preview.

5. Ad Scheduling: Is Your Ad Just on a Break?

If your ad is set to run only during specific hours or days, it won’t show when you search outside of those times. Double-check your ad schedule to make sure it aligns with your needs and the times you’re searching.

6. Competition: More Ads, Less Space

You might be competing with other businesses for the same keywords. If your budget or bid isn’t high enough, your ad might not appear as often. With the right adjustments, your ad will become more competitive, but it may take a little time. Be patient and trust your ads expert—they’ll help you find the right strategy.

7. Negative Keywords: Could You Be Blocking Your Own Ad?

If you’ve added negative keywords to your campaign, your ad may not appear for certain searches. Review your negative keyword list to ensure you’re not unintentionally excluding the right audience. Your ad expert will help keep things in check.

8. Give It Time: Ads Are a Journey, Not a Quick Fix

Even though it can be frustrating, ads are a long-term strategy, not a quick fix. It takes time for Google to gather enough data and optimize your campaign. Trust your ad expert for at least 60 days—that’s the minimum time needed to really see how things are performing and make necessary adjustments.

What You Can Do:

• Check your metrics: Look at your impressions and clicks on your dashboard to get a sense of your ad’s progress.

• Give it time: If your account is new, allow at least 60 days for data to accumulate and optimization to take effect.

• Lean on your expert: If you’re feeling uncertain, talk to your ad professional. They’re here to guide you through the process and make necessary changes.

Conclusion: Trust the Process and Be Patient

It’s completely normal to feel a little anxious if you don’t see your ad right away. But remember: ads take time, and results will come. Give it 60 days, trust your ads professional, and allow the system to work its magic. With patience, consistency, and a little guidance, your ads will be exactly where they need to be. You’ve got this, and so do your ads experts!