Google Ads for career
and trade schools.
Future students research programs carefully before they apply. I build Google Ads campaigns for career colleges and trade schools across the US that reach people looking for your programs and turn interest into enquiries and campus visits.
Sound familiar?
If any of these hit home, you're in the right place.
How people search for career and trade programs
Prospective students usually search in stages. Early on they look for careers ('how to become an electrician', 'medical assistant jobs'). Then they look for training ('HVAC school near me', 'cosmetology program', 'CDL training') and finally compare specific schools, schedules and financial aid options. The middle and later searches are where ads tend to work best, because the person is actively looking for a program.
Commute matters too. Most students attend a campus within a realistic drive, so location targeting should match where your students actually come from. For online or hybrid programs, the targeting can be wider, but it should still respect where you're able to enroll students.
How I build school campaigns
I organize campaigns by program — welding, HVAC, medical assisting, cosmetology, truck driving and so on — so each one has its own keywords, ads and landing page. That makes it clear which programs are generating enquiries and lets us put budget where you have open seats.
I set up conversion tracking for information requests, calls, applications and tour bookings, and work with you on what happens after a lead comes in, because fast follow-up makes a big difference in education. Ads are written to be accurate and clear: program length, schedule options and next steps, without overpromising on jobs or pay. Education advertising has its own sensitivities, and honest ads protect both your school and your account.
Ongoing, I review search terms to filter out job seekers looking for work rather than training, people searching for free courses or unrelated programs, and other low-intent searches.
Make your program pages work
Each program page should answer the basics quickly: what you'll learn, how long it takes, schedule options, location, how to get started and how to reach admissions. If your site needs work, the free website check is a quick first look.
Read more about my Google Ads management approach, or start with a Google Ads audit if your school already advertises.
What I do
Every piece works together to grow your business.
Program-level campaigns
Separate campaigns for each program so budget goes where seats are open.
Commute-based targeting
Reach people within a realistic distance of your campus.
Enquiry & tour tracking
Track information requests, calls, applications and campus visits.
Lead quality filters
Filter out job hunters, free-course and unrelated searches.
Why work with a freelancer instead of an agency?
Case study
Real client story coming soon
I'm putting together a detailed write-up of a real campaign for this page. In the meantime, I'm happy to walk you through examples on a call.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of schools do you work with?
Career colleges, trade and vocational schools, and similar training programs — for example HVAC, welding, electrical, medical assisting, cosmetology and CDL training.
Can you run separate campaigns for each program?
Yes, and I recommend it. It shows which programs bring enquiries and lets you shift budget toward programs with open seats.
Are there special rules for education ads?
Ads need to be accurate and avoid misleading claims, especially about jobs, earnings and outcomes. I write ads with that in mind.
How do you price school campaigns?
Every school gets a custom quote based on programs, locations and goals. Ad spend is paid directly to Google with no markup.
Do you work with schools in other states?
Yes. I work remotely with career and trade schools anywhere in the US.
Reach students who are ready to start training.
Tell me about your programs and enrollment goals. I'll share an honest plan and a custom quote.
Get a Free Strategy Call