Whether you run a small business or work as a freelancer – advertisingis essential to gain visibility and attract customers. In this guide, we will take a look at the three most significant platforms for paid advertising: YouTube, Google, and LinkedIn. Each of these platforms has specific advantages that you can leverage to your benefit. Let’s dive right in!
Key Insights
- YouTube Ads can be displayed in the form of videos and banners and offer broad reach.
- Google Ads have various formats, such as sponsored links and Google Shopping Ads, that appear based on search queries.
- LinkedIn Ads are ideal for Business-to-Business (B2B) marketing and special events.
- Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest also offer advertising opportunities aimed at specific target audiences.
Step-by-Step Guide
Running YouTube Ads
YouTube is not just a platform for videos, but also a versatile advertising tool. If you want to run an ad on YouTube, you can do so either directly before a video or in the form of a sponsored post.

An example is a sponsored video like the one by Todd Williams. The video is specifically promoted to generate more views or sell a product. If you are also part of the YouTube Partner Program, you can run ads before your own videos and generate revenue this way.

In addition to sponsored videos, there are also banner ads displayed next to the video. These can contain links to products or services that may interest the viewers.

Using Google Ads
Google Adsis another powerful tool for targeted advertising. Here you can position your ads in the search results. When someone searches for “buy protein powder,” sponsored links appear at the top that refer to products or websites.

You can also run local ads to ensure that your business is visible in relevant search queries. For instance, if someone searches for “pizza in Vienna,” your ads may appear at the top of the Google results if you have advertised for that.

It is also important to understand that Google offers different ad formats, including text ads and shopping ads. These formats can be very effective in increasing the visibility of your products.

LinkedIn Ads for Your Business
LinkedIn is the platform for B2B marketing. Here you can run targeted ads aimed at other businesses. For example, you have the opportunity to promote products or services that target business professionals.

The ads are often optimized for an audience that is professional and business-oriented. This makes LinkedIn an ideal platform for webinars or events targeted at networking professionals.
Other Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest
Instagram Ads can also be very effective. They often appear as sponsored postings or story ads displayed before or between users' normal content. This allows your products or services to be advertised in one of the most frequently used social networks for young audiences.

Pinterest is particularly useful for promoting visual content. Advertising on Pinterest is typically done through “Promoted Pins” that are marked with “Promoted by.” These pins can link to shopping and product pages to attract potential buyers.

Summary – Basics of Paid Ads Marketing for Businesses
You now have an overview of the most significant platforms for paid advertising. YouTube offers great possibilities for video ads, Google is indispensable for search engine advertising, and LinkedIn is optimal for B2B peak marketing. Use these platforms strategically to effectively reach your target audience and grow your business.
FAQ
How do I run ads on YouTube?You can run ads on YouTube by becoming part of the YouTube Partner Program and placing ads before your videos.
What are Google Ads?Google Ads are paid ads that appear on Google search results pages and other websites when users enter specific search terms.
What makes LinkedIn Ads special?LinkedIn Ads are specifically designed for B2B marketing and allow you to target your offerings to other businesses.
How do I run ads on Instagram?On Instagram, you can create sponsored posts or story ads that are displayed before the regular content of users.
What advantages does Pinterest Ads offer?Pinterest Ads are visually oriented and allow you to increase the visibility of your products through sponsored pins.