How to Add a User to Google Ads: A Comprehensive Guide

Adding users to your Google Ads account is crucial for collaboration and delegation. This allows multiple individuals, like team members, agencies, or consultants, to manage your campaigns, track performance, and contribute to your advertising success, ensuring you’re not solely responsible for every aspect.

The Quick Answer: Adding a User to Google Ads

Here’s the streamlined process for adding a user to your Google Ads account:

1. Sign in to your Google Ads account: Use your admin-level login credentials.
2. Navigate to Access and Security: In the left-hand menu, click on “Admin” then select “Access and security”.
3. Add a New User: Click the blue “+” button labeled “Add User“.
4. Enter the User’s Email Address: Type the email address of the person you want to add. This must be a valid Google account email address (e.g., @gmail.com or a Google Workspace account).
5. Choose the Access Level: Select the appropriate access level for the user from the dropdown menu. This is critical; access levels determine what the user can do within your account.
6. Send the Invitation: Click “Send invitation“. The user will receive an email invitation to access your Google Ads account.
7. User Acceptance: The user must accept the invitation by clicking the link in the email to gain access. Once accepted, they’ll be able to log in to Google Ads and view or manage the account based on their assigned access level.

That’s the core process. Now, let’s dive deeper and answer some frequently asked questions to illuminate the nuances and potential pitfalls of user management in Google Ads.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the different access levels in Google Ads, and which one should I choose?

Google Ads offers four primary access levels, each granting different permissions:

• Admin: This is the highest level. Admins have full control over the account. They can manage users (add, remove, and change access levels), link other Google products (like Google Analytics), manage billing information, and do literally everything. Grant this access carefully, as it essentially gives the user complete ownership of your advertising account. Best for: Key decision-makers, business owners, trusted senior team members.
• Standard: Standard access allows users to manage campaigns, keywords, bids, and ads. They can generate reports, make changes to existing campaigns, and create new campaigns. However, they cannot manage users or billing information. Best for: Marketing managers, advertising specialists, agency account managers.
• Email only: With Email only access, users can only receive email notifications regarding the performance of the account. Best for: People who need to be informed, but aren’t actively managing the account.
• Billing: Can access billing settings. Best for: Accountants or someone who needs billing information.

Choosing the correct access level is paramount for security and control. Carefully consider the user’s role and responsibilities before assigning access. Overly granting Admin access can lead to unintended changes or security breaches.

2. Can I change a user’s access level after adding them to my Google Ads account?

Absolutely! You can modify a user’s access level at any time. Simply go to “Admin” then “Access and security”, find the user in the list, and use the dropdown menu next to their name to select a different access level. Save your changes, and the new access level will be immediately applied. This flexibility is crucial for adapting to changing roles and responsibilities within your team.

3. How do I remove a user from my Google Ads account?

Removing a user is as straightforward as changing their access level. Navigate to “Admin” then “Access and security”, locate the user you wish to remove, and click the “Remove User” button (often represented by a trash can icon). Confirm the removal, and the user will immediately lose access to your account. This is a vital security measure when team members leave, change roles, or when an agency agreement concludes.

4. What happens if the user I’m trying to add doesn’t have a Google account?

The user must have a Google account (or a Google Workspace account) associated with the email address you’re using to add them. If they don’t, they’ll need to create one first. It’s a free and simple process, and it’s a fundamental requirement for accessing Google Ads.

5. I’ve sent an invitation, but the user says they haven’t received it. What should I do?

First, ask the user to check their spam or junk mail folder. Google Ads invitations sometimes get filtered. If it’s not there, double-check that you entered the email address correctly. Typos are common! If the email address is correct and the invitation hasn’t been received, you can resend the invitation from the “Admin” then “Access and security” page.

6. Can I see who has access to my Google Ads account?

Yes, the “Admin” then “Access and security” page provides a complete list of all users with access to your account, along with their assigned access levels. This is your central hub for managing user permissions and ensuring only authorized individuals have access. Regularly review this list to maintain security and control.

7. What if I accidentally give someone the wrong access level?

It happens! Don’t panic. Simply go back to “Admin” then “Access and security”, find the user, and change their access level to the correct one. This highlights the importance of regularly auditing user permissions to catch and correct any errors promptly.

8. Is there a limit to the number of users I can add to my Google Ads account?

Google Ads allows you to add a substantial number of users, typically more than enough for most businesses. While a specific hard limit isn’t publicly documented, you’re unlikely to encounter it unless you’re managing an exceptionally large team. If you anticipate needing to add a very large number of users, it’s best to contact Google Ads support for clarification.

9. Can I grant different access levels to different campaigns within my Google Ads account?

Unfortunately, no. Access levels are granted at the account level, not at the campaign level. All users with access to your account will have the same level of access to all campaigns within that account, based on their assigned role. Campaign-level access restrictions are not currently a feature of Google Ads.

10. How can I ensure the security of my Google Ads account when granting access to external agencies or freelancers?

Grant the minimum necessary access. Start with Standard access and only upgrade to Admin if absolutely essential. Clearly define the scope of their work and the expected duration of their access. Upon completion of the project or termination of the agreement, immediately remove their access. Implement strong password policies and encourage users to enable two-factor authentication for their Google accounts. A well-defined contract outlining data security responsibilities is also highly recommended.

11. What is two-factor authentication (2FA) and why is it important for Google Ads security?

Two-factor authentication (also known as multi-factor authentication) adds an extra layer of security to your Google account. In addition to your password, it requires a second verification method, such as a code sent to your phone or generated by an authenticator app. This makes it significantly harder for unauthorized individuals to access your account, even if they have your password. Enabling 2FA is a crucial security best practice for all users, especially those with Admin access to Google Ads accounts.

12. If I have multiple Google Ads accounts, do I need to add users separately to each account?

Yes, you need to add users individually to each Google Ads account. Access permissions are not automatically transferred between accounts. This provides granular control over user access, ensuring that individuals only have access to the accounts they need to manage. It may sound tedious if you have a large number of accounts, but the added security and control are well worth the effort.

By understanding these FAQs and implementing best practices for user management, you can effectively collaborate on your Google Ads campaigns while maintaining the security and integrity of your advertising account.