Have you ever searched your own business name on Google and seen a competitor sitting above you? It feels unfair, doesn’t it? You have spent time, effort and money building a trusted brand, yet someone else can appear right at the top when people look for you.
So the question is, should you run Google Ads on your own business name?
The short answer is yes. Not because Google needs more of your money, but because branded search campaigns are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your brand, control what people see and convert more of the customers who are already looking for you.
Why This Matters to You
When someone searches for your business name, they already know who you are. They are not browsing or comparing; they are ready to act. Maybe they have seen your van, met you at an event or had a recommendation from a friend.
That is what makes these searches so valuable. They are often the final step before someone calls, books or buys.
The problem is that anyone can bid on your business name in Google Ads, including your competitors and lead generation sites that undercut genuine tradespeople.
By running a branded campaign, you control the message. You decide what appears first when someone looks you up, not Google, not an aggregator, and not a rival pretending to be you.
Take Back Control of Your Message
When you advertise on your own name, you decide what your customers see. You can highlight your five-star reviews, your local service, your quick response, your experience and the things that make your business special.
Even better, you can send people straight to the page that converts best. That might be your contact page, your reviews page or your quote form. You are no longer leaving it to chance; you are guiding them exactly where you want them to go.
That builds trust and keeps the customer journey smooth from search to sale.
How to Beat the Competition and Save Money Doing It
Many business owners worry that running ads on their own name means paying for traffic they already get for free. But branded clicks are incredibly cheap.
Because your advert, keyword and website all match perfectly, Google rewards you with a high relevancy score and a very low cost per click. In most cases, you will pay less than fifty pence per click, while your competitors might be paying three or four pounds for the same search.
If you are not running ads on your name, there is nothing stopping someone else from doing it. Once you start, your ad quality and relevance are so high that competitors cannot afford to keep up. You do not just appear higher; you stay there.
Watch the Full Webinar
To make it easy to see exactly how it works, we recorded a full walkthrough that shows the process step by step. It is simple, jargon free and perfect even if you have never used Google Ads before.
Here is the video:
What You Will Learn in the Video
- Why advertising on your own name boosts trust and conversions
- How to stop competitors appearing above your business
- How to write headlines and descriptions that get clicks
- How to keep costs down and performance high
- Real examples from small businesses already doing it
What’s In It for You
This is not about spending more. It is about spending smarter. When people are searching for you, make sure they actually find you.
Running Google Ads on your own name protects what you have built, keeps your business visible and helps you make the most of the customers who are already ready to buy.
For local businesses, trades and service providers, it is one of the most cost-effective ways to strengthen your brand and bring in more leads, all while spending just a few pounds a week.
Next Steps
If you would like help setting up your own branded Google Ads campaign, our team at Bamsh Digital Marketing can walk you through it.
We work with businesses across the UK to make marketing simple, affordable and effective.
Book a free 15 minute consultation at bamsh.co.uk/15-min
Visit our website at bamsh.co.uk
Bamsh Digital Marketing helps small businesses grow online with honest advice, clear results and practical guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should I really pay for ads on my own business name?
Yes, you should. Advertising on your own name makes sure customers searching for you actually find you first. It also prevents competitors, directories, and lead generation sites from appearing above your organic results. It costs very little but helps you protect your brand, your leads, and your reputation.
2. If I already rank first on Google, why would I need ads?
Ranking first organically is great, but it doesn’t stop other companies from buying an ad space above you. A branded campaign means you own more of the search results page, giving you more visibility and trust while blocking competitors from jumping ahead.
3. Isn’t that just wasting money on people who already know me?
Not at all. People who search your name are your warmest leads. They are often ready to buy or call. Paying a few pence to make sure they reach you instead of a competitor is one of the best marketing investments you can make.
4. How much does it cost to run Google Ads on my business name?
Usually just pennies per click. Because your advert, keywords, and website all match, Google rewards you with a high relevancy score and a very low cost per click. Many small businesses spend just a few pounds a week to protect their brand and stay visible.
5. Can my competitors really advertise on my name?
Yes, they can bid on your business name as a keyword, even if they can’t legally use your name in their advert. Without your own branded campaign, there’s nothing stopping them from appearing above you and taking traffic that should have been yours.
6. What if I don’t know how to use Google Ads?
That’s exactly what the webinar explains. It shows you step by step how to set up a branded campaign in plain English, without jargon or technical talk. Even if you’ve never used Google Ads before, you’ll be able to follow along and set it up yourself.
7. How will I know if my branded ads are working?
You can check performance directly inside your Google Ads dashboard. Look at impressions (how often your ad is seen), clicks, and conversions. Because branded ads are so relevant, you’ll likely see a very high click-through rate and low cost per lead.
8. What happens if I don’t run branded ads?
You might lose traffic and enquiries to competitors who are bidding on your name. Even if people were trying to find you, they could end up clicking the wrong result. A branded ad stops that from happening and keeps the customer journey simple and safe.
9. Does this work for local businesses and trades?
Absolutely. Local businesses, trades, and service providers often benefit the most. Whether you’re a locksmith, a plumber, or an accountant, protecting your name in search results ensures people who already know you stay with you.
10. How can I get help setting this up?
You can watch the full webinar on this page or book a free 15-minute chat with the Bamsh Digital Marketing team. We’ll guide you through your first campaign and help you protect your brand online.
