How to Use SEMrush for Google Ads: A Complete Guide to Smarter PPC Campaigns

TL;DR: Quick Summary

SEMrush is a powerful tool for optimizing Google Ads campaigns. It helps advertisers conduct advanced keyword research, analyze competitor ads, build structured PPC campaigns, write compelling ad copy, and monitor performance. With tools like Keyword Magic, Advertising Research, PPC Keyword Tool, and Ad Builder, SEMrush empowers marketers to reduce ad spend waste and improve ROI through data-driven decisions.

If you’re running Google Ads campaigns and want to maximize your ROI, SEMrush is one of the most powerful platforms you can use to supercharge your strategy. From keyword research and competitor analysis to ad copy optimization and performance tracking, SEMrush offers a suite of tools designed to help advertisers make smarter, data-driven decisions. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to use SEMrush for Google Ads, highlight its key features, and show you how to build campaigns that convert.

Why Use SEMrush for Google Ads?

Google Ads is a pay-per-click (PPC) advertising platform where businesses bid on keywords to display ads on Google’s search results and partner sites. While Google Ads provides its own analytics and keyword planner, SEMrush adds a layer of competitive intelligence, keyword depth, and campaign optimization that can dramatically improve your results.

Here’s what SEMrush brings to the table:

Advanced keyword research
Competitor ad analysis
Ad copy insights
Campaign structure optimization
Performance tracking
Integration with Google Ads Editor

Step 1: Conduct Keyword Research with SEMrush

Before launching any Google Ads campaign, you need to identify the right keywords. SEMrush’s Keyword Magic Tool is ideal for this.

Enter a seed keyword (e.g., “running shoes”) and SEMrush will generate thousands of related keywords.
Use filters to narrow down by search volume, keyword difficulty, CPC, and search intent.
Identify long-tail keywords with lower competition and higher conversion potential.
Export your keyword list in CSV or XLSX format for easy import into Google Ads.

Pro Tip: Use the Keyword Gap Tool to compare your keyword strategy with competitors and uncover missed opportunities.

Maximize Every Click, Turn Data into ROI

Explore high-performing keywords, analyze competitors’ ad strategies, and optimize every dollar you spend. With SEMrush, you’ll create ads that convert — and campaigns that truly scale.

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Step 2: Analyze Competitor Ads

Go to the Advertising Research tool from the left menu. Enter your competitor’s domain (for example, “example.com”) in the search bar. SEMrush will instantly show you:

The keywords your competitor is bidding on.
Their ad copies (both text and headlines).
Traffic cost estimates for each keyword.
Landing pages linked to their ads.

This insight helps you understand what’s already working in your niche. You can identify which keywords drive the most traffic and which ad formats attract clicks.

Step 3: Optimize Ad Copy

Once you’ve identified your keywords and studied competitors, it’s time to write compelling ad copy.

SEMrush’s Ad Builder Tool helps you:

Create ad headlines and descriptions based on high-performing competitor ads.
Ensure your copy includes relevant keywords and matches user intent.
Preview how your ads will appear on Google SERPs.

You can also use SEMrush’s SEO Writing Assistant to ensure your landing page content aligns with your ad messaging and keyword strategy.

Step 4: Structure Your Campaigns with the PPC Keyword Tool

The PPC Keyword Tool is designed to help you organize and refine your Google Ads campaigns.

Import keywords manually or upload a file from Google Ads Editor.
Group keywords into campaigns and ad groups for better targeting.
Use negative keyword suggestions to eliminate irrelevant traffic.
Analyze keyword metrics like volume, CPC, and competition.

This tool ensures your campaigns are well-structured and optimized for performance.

Step 5: Import Google Ads Campaigns into SEMrush

Already running campaigns in Google Ads? You can import them into SEMrush for deeper analysis.

Export your campaigns from Google Ads or Google Ads Editor in CSV format.
Upload the file into SEMrush’s PPC Keyword Tool.
SEMrush will automatically organize your keywords into campaigns and ad groups.
You can now edit, optimize, and refine your campaigns within SEMrush.

This feature is especially useful for agencies managing multiple accounts.

Step 6: Monitor Performance and Make Adjustments

SEMrush doesn’t just help you plan campaigns—it helps you track and improve them.

Use the Position Tracking Tool to:

Monitor keyword rankings for your ads.
Track visibility and traffic changes over time.
Compare performance across devices and locations.

Combine this with Google Analytics integration to get a full picture of user behavior and conversion paths.

Step 7: Refine Bidding Strategies

SEMrush provides insights into CPC trends, keyword competition, and SERP features that can influence bidding.

Identify keywords with high conversion potential but low competition.
Adjust bids based on device, location, and time of day.
Use SEMrush’s Traffic Analytics to understand user engagement and refine targeting.

This helps you allocate your budget more effectively and reduce wasted spend.

Step 8: Export and Share Campaign Reports

SEMrush makes it easy to create custom reports for your Google Ads campaigns.

Use the My Reports Tool to build white-label reports.
Include keyword data, ad performance, competitor insights, and traffic metrics.
Schedule reports for automatic delivery to clients or team members.

This is a must-have feature for agencies and marketing teams.

Bonus: Integrate SEMrush with Other Tools

SEMrush integrates with:

Google Ads Editor: For seamless campaign imports and exports.
Google Analytics: To track user behavior and conversions.
Google Search Console: For organic and paid keyword insights.

These integrations create a unified marketing ecosystem that enhances your decision-making.

Key SEMrush Tools for Google Ads

Tool Name	Purpose
Keyword Magic Tool	Discover high-performing keywords
Advertising Research	Analyze competitor ads and strategies
PPC Keyword Tool	Organize campaigns and ad groups
Ad Builder	Create optimized ad copy
Position Tracking	Monitor ad performance and keyword rankings
My Reports	Generate custom campaign reports

Learn How to Use SEMrush for Google Ads

Ready to take your Google Ads performance to the next level?
SEMrush gives you everything you need to build smarter, data-driven campaigns — from uncovering profitable keywords to analyzing competitors’ ad copies and optimizing your ROI.

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Best Practices for Using SEMrush with Google Ads

Start with intent-based keyword research: Focus on transactional and commercial keywords.
Use competitor insights to guide your strategy: Don’t reinvent the wheel—learn from others.
Optimize ad copy for relevance and clarity: Match user intent and include strong CTAs.
Structure campaigns logically: Group keywords by theme and use negative keywords wisely.
Monitor and iterate: Use SEMrush data to refine bids, targeting, and messaging.

Final Thoughts

Using SEMrush for Google Ads is like having a digital marketing strategist by your side. It empowers you to make smarter decisions, reduce ad spend waste, and improve campaign performance. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, a digital agency, or a large enterprise, SEMrush provides the tools and insights needed to dominate the PPC landscape.

From keyword discovery and competitor analysis to campaign structuring and performance tracking, SEMrush transforms Google Ads from guesswork into a precision-driven strategy. Start with a free trial, explore the tools, and watch your advertising ROI soar.