Will paid search still be effective in 2026?
Yes, paid search will continue to work in 2026 because it targets people with clear intent, adapts to changing technology, and delivers measurable ROI when managed correctly. For businesses looking to attract high‑quality leads, working with a google ads agency remains one of the most reliable ways to drive growth in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.
As a google ads agency at Marketing Together, we’ve seen paid search evolve significantly over the years. What hasn’t changed is its ability to connect businesses with people actively searching for solutions. Heading into 2026, we’re excited to continue growing the number of businesses we support through Google Ads and helping even more Australian brands turn intent into results.
One of the biggest reasons paid search will work in 2026 is intent. Unlike social media advertising, where users are scrolling passively, Google Ads targets people who are actively searching for answers, services, or products.
We’ve seen this first‑hand with a real estate client we worked with. Initially, Meta advertising was used to build awareness, but because real estate is a high‑value, high‑commitment decision, awareness alone wasn’t enough. When we introduced Google Ads, we were able to capture people already searching for property‑related solutions. Almost immediately, lead quality improved and enquiries became far more consistent.
This is where working with an experienced google ads agency makes the difference, understanding when search intent matters most and how to structure campaigns around it.
Google Ads has changed dramatically over the last few years, and by 2026, automation and machine learning are no longer optional – they’re essential.
Smart bidding, audience signals, and campaign types like Performance Max allow advertisers to optimise faster and more efficiently than ever before. However, automation still requires strategy. Without proper structure, messaging, and conversion tracking, campaigns can easily underperform.
At Marketing Together, our google ads management services focus on guiding automation rather than letting it run unchecked. By combining data‑driven decision‑making with human oversight, we help businesses get the most out of Google’s evolving ad platform while keeping costs under control.
Another reason paid search will continue to thrive is its adaptability. Google Ads isn’t limited to one industry or business model, it works just as effectively for eCommerce brands as it does for service‑based businesses.
For Polen Food Oceania, manufacturers and distributors of Vizyon baking products, we managed both Meta and Google advertising alongside content creation. With a mix of B2B and B2C targeting, paid search played a key role in driving high‑intent traffic. The result was 6,342 clicks, 567 conversions, and an all‑time ROAS of 9.96x – proof that Google Ads can support complex buying journeys when structured correctly.
For Clayfield Medical Centre, paid search was used to connect local patients with healthcare services when they needed them most. Through Google advertising, website improvements, and conversion‑focused content, the campaign achieved an 18.45% CTR, a 102.2% conversion rate, and 1,988+ conversions in just over a month.
These outcomes highlight why businesses continue to partner with a trusted google ads agency like us to drive measurable growth.
While this article focuses on paid search, many businesses in 2026 are still deciding how to split budgets between Google Ads and social platforms like Meta.
Paid social is excellent for awareness and brand building, but paid search excels when the goal is conversions and leads. If you’re weighing up where your budget should go, this Search Engine Journal guide on choosing between Google Ads and Meta Ads offers a helpful breakdown of when each channel makes the most sense: Budget Allocation: When To Choose Google Ads Vs. Meta Ads. Understanding this distinction is key to building a balanced digital strategy.
A common question we hear is around google ads cost. The truth is, there’s no universal google ads price list, costs depend on competition, industry, targeting, and how well campaigns are managed.
What matters more than spend is efficiency. With the right structure and ongoing optimisation, businesses can reduce wasted spend and improve return on investment. This is where partnering with a google ads consultant or experienced ppc management services provider like Marketing Together becomes invaluable.
Managing paid search in‑house can be challenging. Between keyword research, bidding strategies, ad copy, and tracking performance, there’s a lot to get right.
A professional google ads agency brings experience, data insights, and ongoing optimisation to ensure campaigns don’t just run, they perform. From google ads management services to ongoing optimisation, the goal isn’t just clicks, but meaningful conversions that support business growth.
Paid search isn’t slowing down, it’s becoming more refined, more intelligent, and more essential for businesses that want predictable, scalable growth. With intent‑driven targeting, smarter automation, and measurable outcomes, Google Ads remains a core part of digital marketing success.
At Marketing Together, we’re focused on helping businesses across Australia make paid search work for them in 2026 and beyond – without wasted spend or guesswork.
Ready to make Google Ads work for your business?
If you’re looking for a google ads agency that focuses on strategy, performance, and long‑term growth, get in touch with Marketing Together today for your free consultation and let’s talk about how paid search can support your goals this year.
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