How to run Google Ads for B2B in India (without burning ₹50,000)

Most Indian SMBs running Google Ads waste 40-60% of spend on bad keywords + bad audiences. Here is the 5-day setup that gets you to break-even by week 2.

Step 1: Build keyword list around commercial intent

Tier 1: 'CRM software India', 'GST billing software', 'WhatsApp Business CRM' (high competition, high intent). Tier 2: 'CRM for IndiaMART leads', 'GST invoice software for small business' (medium competition, high intent). Tier 3: 'CRM for CA firms', 'free GST invoice software Hindi' (low competition, high intent). Tier 3 is your golden zone.

Step 2: Set up conversion tracking BEFORE running ads

Google Tag Manager → Google Ads Conversion → Track 'completed_signup' and 'demo_request'. Without conversion tracking you're flying blind. Test the firing in Tag Assistant before going live.

Step 3: Negative keyword list from day 1

Block: free, jobs, career, salary, login, app download, tutorial, course, alternative (if you don't want competitor leads). Without negatives, 20-40% of spend goes to wrong intent.

Step 4: Build a dedicated landing page

Don't send paid traffic to homepage. Build /lp/crm-software-india with a single value prop, single CTA, social proof, no nav. Landing page conversion: 5-15% vs homepage 1-2%.

Step 5: Start with Exact Match + Phrase Match

Broad match wastes money in week 1. Use [exact match] and \

Step 6: Daily budget = manageable risk

Start at ₹500-1,500/day. Above ₹3,000/day requires daily monitoring or you'll burn cash before the algorithm learns. Scale up only after CPL is profitable.

Step 7: Optimise weekly, kill bad performers

Pause keywords with CPL > 2x target. Pause ad groups with conversion rate < 2%. Pause locations that don't convert. Reinvest the saved budget into top performers.

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