Why You Should Own Your Google Ads Manager Account
Google Ads is an absolute game-changer for local businesses. It’s like having a magic wand that puts your business right in front of the people who are searching for what you offer. But let’s be real for a second—Google Ads isn’t exactly simple. If you dive in without knowing what you’re doing, you could end up burning through cash faster than you can say, “Where did my budget go?”
That’s why so many small business owners turn to digital marketing agencies for help. And honestly, it’s a smart move. You get to skip the steep learning curve and focus on running your business while someone else handles the technical stuff. Sounds perfect, right? Well, almost.
Here’s the catch: not all agencies play fair. Some have this sneaky little habit of keeping full control of your Google Ads account. They won’t give you access or ownership. At first, you might think, “No big deal, they’re the experts.” But trust me, this is a HUGE deal, and it comes with some serious risks.
In this blog, we’re going to break down why owning your Google Ads Manager account isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must. We’ll also call out those shady practices some agencies use and explain why good agencies, like The SMB Strategist here in Charlotte, NC, always put their clients in the driver’s seat. Because at the end of the day, a great agency doesn’t need to hold you hostage. They keep you around by delivering results that make you say, “Wow.” Let’s get into it!
The Importance of Owning Your Google Ads Manager Account
Owning your Google Ads Manager account is more than just a technical detail. It’s about having control, transparency, and the ability to make decisions that benefit your business. Let’s break down why this matters so much.
Your Data Is Your Biggest Asset
The most valuable part of any Google Ads campaign is the historic data it collects. Google Ads takes time to learn who your ideal customers are. You’ll need to test different kinds of ad copy, images, and strategies to figure out what works best. This optimization process isn’t quick—it can take months, even years, to refine your campaigns and get them running like a well-oiled machine.
But here’s the problem: if your agency owns the account, all that data stays with them if you decide to leave. You’d have to start from scratch with a brand-new account, losing all the progress you’ve made. Starting over isn’t just frustrating—it’s expensive. It can take months of ad spend to rebuild what you had, and that’s money you’ll never get back.
When you own your account, you keep all that valuable data. It’s yours to use, no matter which agency you work with or if you decide to take things in-house. Think of it this way: the money you pay an agency isn’t just for their expertise—it’s for setting up and optimizing your account. You should own the results of that work, plain and simple.
Transparency Builds Trust
Having access to your account lets you see exactly what’s happening with your campaigns. While you probably hired an expert so you don’t have to make changes yourself, it’s still helpful to see firsthand what’s being done. You don’t have to wait for weekly or monthly reports to understand where your money is going and how your ads are performing. A good agency will always be happy to show you the work they’re doing because they have nothing to hide.
Flexibility and Freedom
When you own your Google Ads account, you’re free to make decisions that work best for your business. If you decide to switch agencies or bring your advertising in-house, you can do so without skipping a beat. Your campaigns, your data, and your settings are all ready to go.
On the other hand, if your agency owns the account, you’re stuck. Want to leave? Be prepared to start from square one. And let’s be honest—starting over isn’t just inconvenient; it’s a major setback. Why should you lose everything you’ve built just because you want to try a new agency? Owning your account gives you the freedom to work with whoever you want, whenever you want, without losing all your progress.
Conclusion
If you’re investing in Google Ads, owning your account is non-negotiable. It’s the best way to protect the time, money, and energy you’ve poured into building your campaigns. From keeping your valuable data to maintaining transparency and flexibility, account ownership puts you in control of your business’s success.
At The SMB Strategist, we believe that our clients deserve nothing less. That’s why we offer free Google Ads audits. If you’re running ads right now and want to know if your agency has set things up correctly, we’ll take a look and let you know if there’s room for improvement. And if you’re not running ads yet but are curious about what Google Ads could do for your business, we’d love to help. Our audits and consultations are 100% free with no obligations.
Best of all, when you work with us, you own everything we create. From landing pages to ad accounts, you’ll have full ownership of the assets we build for you. We’re here to help you take your business to the next level with paid ads—without any tricks or strings attached.
Ready to see what’s possible? Contact The SMB Strategist today and let’s get started!