How much time does it take to set up and run a PPC campaign?

Setting up a basic PPC campaign can be done in a matter of hours, particularly if you have some experience or a clear plan. However, the real work often lies in ongoing management. Initially, you’ll need to create an account (e.g., Google Ads), research keywords, write ad copy, set up location targeting, and define a budget. That’s the easy part.

Once the campaign is live, you can’t just leave it to run on autopilot. You’ll need to regularly check performance metrics—like click-through rate (CTR), cost per click (CPC), and conversion rates—to see if you’re hitting the mark. You may need to tweak bids, pause underperforming keywords, and add new ones based on what’s working. If you notice you’re attracting the wrong audience, you might adjust your ads or add negative keywords. In short, while initial setup might be quick, maintaining a healthy, effective PPC campaign is an ongoing commitment that could require a few hours of attention each week.