Google Ads Demystified: A Local Business Guide to Smart Paid Marketing in Devon and Cornwall

Ever wondered why your competitors in Wadebridge, Truro, or Exeter keep showing up at the top of Google search results, and your business doesn’t? You’re not alone. Many small and medium-sized businesses across Devon, Cornwall, and the South West feel overwhelmed by Google Ads.

At The Ocean Agency, we specialise in making digital marketing simple, accessible, and effective for local businesses from Penzance to Plymouth, Newquay to South Hams. This guide is your straightforward introduction to using Google Ads to drive real, local results - whether you run a family-run B&B in St Ives, a deli in Totnes, or a trades business in Bideford.

Why Google Ads Works for Local Businesses Across the South West

Whether you're a surf shop in Newquay, a café in Falmouth, or a design studio in Dartmouth, Google Ads helps you appear in front of people who are already searching for what you offer right when they need it.

Hyper-Local Example Searches:

·       “Emergency electrician in Plymouth”

·       “Best Sunday roast near Truro”

·       “Decking installers Newquay”

·       “Boutique hotel South Hams”

With the right strategy, even a modest daily budget can deliver measurable results like calls, bookings, and visits from your target towns and villages.

Understanding Google Ads: Types That Work for Local Businesses

Search Ads

Appear at the top of search results when someone types a localised query like “hair salon Exmouth” or “fitted kitchens Bude”.

Best for: Local services, appointment-based businesses, urgent solutions.

Display Ads

Visual banners on Google’s partner websites. Great for brand awareness and retargeting across Devon and Cornwall-based audiences.

Best for: Staying top-of-mind in towns like Padstow, Liskeard, or Tavistock.

Shopping Ads

Ideal for eCommerce businesses based in the South West, helping your products show directly in search results.

Best for: Online Cornish lifestyle stores or boutiques based in places like St Austell or Kingsbridge.

Performance Max

This AI-driven campaign runs ads across Search, Maps, YouTube, Gmail, and Display. All managed under one smart strategy.

Best for: Businesses seeking visibility and conversions from high-intent customers across areas like Launceston, Ivybridge, and Sidmouth.

Why Performance Max Is Perfect for South West Businesses

Geo-Targeting That Works

Want your ad to be seen only by people within 5 miles of your Exeter showroom or your Padstow boutique? With Performance Max, you can tailor your targeting to specific postcodes or custom local catchment areas, ideal during tourist season when towns like St Mawes and Rock are bustling.

Omnichannel Exposure Across Local Platforms

One campaign, multiple placements. Get seen on:

·       Google Search by people searching for your product or service in Brixham or Polzeath

·       Google Maps by tourists searching “near me” in Salcombe or Looe

·       YouTube & Gmail to stay in front of affluent homeowners in Carbis Bay or Topsham

Google Ads Myths Busted

“I need a huge budget”Not true. Local businesses in Okehampton, Honiton, and Seaton have seen results starting from just £5–£10/day.

“Google does it all for me”AI helps, but without the right local keyword targeting (e.g., “plumber South Brent”), compelling visuals, and a fast-loading website, results can stall.

“It’s only for online retailers”Absolutely not. If you're a local service provider, restaurant, or visitor attraction in Bodmin, Barnstaple, or Portscatho, Google Ads can drive footfall, calls, and direct bookings.

The Ideal First Campaign for Your Local Business

Here’s how we typically launch a campaign for businesses in Devon and Cornwall:

·       Budget: Start small, test at £5–£10 per day

·       Keywords: Use town-specific terms like “hairdresser Torquay” or “car valeting Saltash”

·       Copy: Clear, benefit-led, and local (e.g., “Rated #1 in Wadebridge for dog grooming”)

·       Tracking: Monitor calls, contact forms, and store visits

·       Optimisation: Weekly refinements to improve ROI

Free Campaign & Website Review - Tailored for Devon & Cornwall

We’re offering a free, no-strings-attached review of your Google Ads account and website. We’ll assess:

·       Are you targeting the right local search terms?

·       Is your ad showing in the right South West locations?

·       Is your website converting local traffic effectively?

Our aim? To give you clear advice that helps you grow.

Let’s Talk: Your Next Customer Is Searching

Whether you're in Plymouth’s Barbican, Exeter’s Cathedral Quarter, or on the high street in Fowey, someone is Googling a product or service you provide.

The only question is: will they find you or your competitor?

We’re local. We’re experienced. And we’re here to help businesses across Devon, Cornwall and the South West grow smarter through paid search.