What Happens When You Hide an Account in Google Ads?
Ever wondered what happens when you decide to hide an account in Google Ads? While you might be tempted to think it simply disappears into the digital ether, it's not quite as straightforward as that. Hiding an account in Google Ads is more akin to putting it in a temporary holding pattern, allowing you to manage your campaigns more effectively.
Why Would You Want to Hide an Account?
Before diving into the specifics of what hiding an account entails, let's understand why you might choose to do so.
Here are some common reasons:
- Temporarily pausing campaigns: If you're taking a break from advertising, hiding your account provides a way to pause all campaigns without deleting them.
- Organization: If you manage multiple accounts for different clients or brands, hiding an account allows you to focus on the active ones.
- Account cleanup: Hiding an account can help you declutter your Google Ads dashboard and make it easier to find the accounts you actively use.
What Happens When You Hide an Account?
So, when you hit that "hide" button, what's happening behind the scenes?
- Campaigns are paused: All active campaigns within the hidden account will automatically pause. This means they'll no longer be eligible for showing ads.
- No new ad delivery: You won't be charged for any clicks or impressions while the account is hidden.
- Account remains accessible: While the account is hidden, it remains accessible to you. You can still access all your data, reports, and settings.
- No impact on billing: You'll still be charged for any outstanding invoices or other fees associated with the account.
How to Hide an Account
Here's a step-by-step guide on hiding an account in Google Ads:
- Log into your Google Ads account.
- Go to the "Account" section.
- Locate the "Settings" menu.
- Choose "Account settings" from the drop-down menu.
- Under the "Account" tab, click on "Hidden".
- Confirm your decision by clicking "Hide"
What Happens When You Unhide an Account?
To reactivate a hidden account, follow these steps:
- Log into your Google Ads account.
- Go to the "Account" section.
- Locate the "Settings" menu.
- Choose "Account settings" from the drop-down menu.
- Under the "Account" tab, click on "Unhide".
- Confirm your decision by clicking "Unhide".
Things to Consider
While hiding an account can be a helpful tool for managing your Google Ads efforts, there are a few things to consider:
- Data preservation: Remember that hiding an account doesn't delete any data. All your campaigns, reports, and settings will remain available.
- Performance metrics: If you're pausing campaigns temporarily, it's essential to note that any performance data you've collected will be paused during the period the account is hidden.
- Billing: Even if you hide your account, you may still incur charges for existing services or outstanding invoices.
Alternatives to Hiding an Account
If you're looking for ways to manage your campaigns without necessarily hiding an account, here are some alternatives:
- Pause campaigns: You can pause individual campaigns within an account without hiding the entire account.
- Create separate accounts: If you manage campaigns for different clients or brands, consider creating separate Google Ads accounts for each one.
- Use Google Ads Editor: This offline tool allows you to manage your campaigns without needing to access the Google Ads website, which can be particularly helpful if you need to make changes to multiple accounts simultaneously.
Conclusion
Hiding an account in Google Ads can be a helpful tool for managing your campaigns. It provides a way to temporarily pause activity, organize your accounts, and declutter your dashboard. However, it's crucial to understand the consequences of hiding an account and consider alternative options before making a decision.