Ad Planner

Step-by-Step: How to Use the Ad Planner Template

Step 1: Make your own copy. Open the spreadsheet, go to File and select Make a copy. This gives you a private, editable version. The original is locked, you won’t be able to type directly into it.

Step 2: Fill in your campaign details. The template opens on the main planning sheet. Enter the Client Name (or your business name), the Website to Target, the Categories you want to advertise, the Locations you’re targeting, and your total Budget. These five fields define the scope of every campaign you plan.

Step 3: Add your ad groups and keywords. Below the campaign header, map out your ad groups, group related products or services together. For each ad group, list the keywords you want to trigger your ads. Keeping keywords tightly themed within each group improves your Quality Score and reduces wasted spend.

Step 4: Draft your ad copy. For each ad group, write your headlines and descriptions in the designated columns. Google Search ads allow up to 15 headlines and 4 descriptions, use the template to draft and test variations before uploading to the platform.

Step 5: Allocate your budget. Use the Budget column to split your total spend across campaigns or ad groups. Even a rough allocation at planning stage prevents the common mistake of one campaign consuming the entire budget before others get a chance to run.

Step 6: Use the Notes column. Flag anything that needs a decision before launch, landing page URLs, creative assets not yet ready, approvals outstanding. A campaign delayed at launch because of a missing asset is a campaign that didn’t start on time.

Step 7: Duplicate for each campaign. Copy the sheet tab for each new campaign rather than overwriting it. You’ll build a clear historical record of how each campaign was planned, which becomes useful when reviewing what worked.

Planning is only as good as the execution behind it. Our Google Ads campaigns team has managed over $115 million in ad spend for Australian businesses. If you want the strategy and the hands doing the work, we can help. For a broader view of how paid campaigns fit into your overall mix, take a look at our PPC advertising services. And if you’re building out a full-year plan rather than a single campaign, our Paid Digital Marketing Strategy service is the right starting point.

Why an Ad Planner Template is Important for Your Business

An Ad Planner Template is a powerful tool for businesses that want to run effective and profitable advertising campaigns. It provides a clear framework to:

• Simplify campaign planning – break down complex tasks into easy-to-follow steps.
• Organise budgets effectively – allocate resources with confidence and avoid overspending.
• Map out winning strategies – set clear objectives, timelines, and creative directions.

With tools like Click Click Media’s Ad Planner Template, you can streamline the entire process of planning, monitoring, and adjusting campaigns. This ensures your advertising stays on track and delivers the best possible return on investment.

By using a template, your business gains consistency, efficiency, and strategic focus, giving every campaign a stronger chance of success.

Need help?

Get in touch with Click Click Media today to start planning smarter, more effective ad campaigns.