Lab Creative, Author at Lab Creative

The Hidden Cost of a DIY AI Website

Lab Creative — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 13:29:32 +0000

Built your website with AI in an afternoon? Read this before you go live

AI website builders are genuinely impressive. Type a few sentences, wait a minute, and you get a homepage with stock photos, a slick hero banner and copy that sounds confident.

It looks finished. For a lot of business owners, that's where the thinking stops.

But a website isn't a picture of a business. It's a piece of software that has to load fast, work on every phone, get found by Google, keep customer data safe and keep working for years. In the hands of someone who knows exactly what to ask for and what to check, AI is a brilliant tool. In the hands of someone who doesn't, it produces something that looks good and is garbage underneath.

This article walks through what's actually going wrong under the bonnet of DIY AI websites, and why a professionally built site buys you something an AI prompt can't: peace of mind.

Looking finished isn't the same as being finished

When you judge a website by eye, you only see the top 10%. The other 90% is invisible to you, but not to the three audiences your site actually has to serve:

Your customers, on real phones, on patchy 4G, some of them using screen readers or zoom
Google and AI search tools, which read your code rather than your design
Bots and attackers, which scan millions of sites a day looking for the weak ones

An AI builder optimises for the thing you can see in the preview window. Nobody is checking the rest unless you know to ask. And if you don't know these things exist, you can't ask for them.

Here's what that hidden 90% looks like.

20 problems hiding under a DIY AI website

We've grouped them into six areas: getting found on Google, speed and mobile, living with the site, security, accessibility, and the content itself.

Google can't rank what it can't find

1. Invisible JavaScript apps. Many AI builders make websites that assemble themselves inside the visitor's browser, using code called JavaScript. Google can usually cope, but it has to queue the page and come back to finish reading it, and Google's own guidance still says sending a ready-made page from the server is a great idea, partly because not every search tool can run that code.

2. Missing SEO elements. These are the behind-the-scenes labels search engines read. Each page needs its own title and short description (the text people see in Google's results), a clear main heading, and written descriptions of its images. The site also needs a sitemap (a list of your pages for Google) and a robots.txt file (instructions for search engine bots). AI tools often skip these, copy the same ones onto every page, or leave placeholder text in.

3. Broken site structure. A good site is organised around how people search: a page per service, a page per area you cover, tidy page addresses and a clear layout. AI builders tend to cram everything onto one long homepage, which gives Google one page to rank instead of twenty.

4. No internal or external linking strategy. Links between your own pages tell Google what matters and how topics connect. Links out to credible sources show you're part of a real industry. A one-prompt site usually has a navigation menu and nothing else.

5. Never getting crawled and indexed. Going live doesn't mean Google knows your site exists. Someone needs to set it up in Google Search Console (Google's free tool for website owners), send Google your list of pages, check those pages actually appear in search, and fix whatever is stopping the ones that don't. Most people building their own site never open Search Console.

6. Throwing away your old rankings. If you're replacing an existing website, every old page address needs a permanent redirect (known as a "301") pointing to its new page. Without them, anyone following an old link, including Google, hits an error page, and rankings built up over years can drop sharply.

7. No structured data. Structured data (also called schema) is a hidden layer of code that spells out your business name, address, opening hours and services in a format search engines and AI tools can read reliably. It's rarely added unless someone knows to ask for it.

Slow, heavy and broken on real phones

8. Poor site speed. Google highly recommends hitting its speed and stability targets, called Core Web Vitals, and says they line up with what its ranking systems reward. In plain terms: the main content should appear within 2.5 seconds, the page should react to a tap in under 0.2 seconds, and things shouldn't jump around while it loads. Huge images, autoplay video and piled-up animations make those targets hard to hit.

9. Bloated "vibe coding". "Vibe coding" means building a site by asking an AI for changes until it looks right. Each request often adds new code rather than tidying what's there. After a few dozen rounds you can end up with duplicated code, add-ons nobody uses and scripts that clash, and every visitor has to download the lot.

10. Layout collapse on real phones. The preview window isn't an iPhone with the keyboard open, an older Android on a small screen, or someone with their text size turned up. Buttons overlap, menus won't close, forms disappear under the keyboard. Google indexes the mobile version of your site first, so a broken mobile layout is your site as far as Google is concerned.

Easy to build, hard to live with

11. The "bug loop". You ask the AI to fix the contact form. It fixes the form and breaks the menu. You ask it to fix the menu and the form breaks again. Without someone who can read the code, you can go round this loop for days and never know which change caused what.

12. Unmaintainable architecture. AI-generated code often has no consistent structure, no documentation and no version history. When you eventually need a developer, they may have to rebuild rather than fix, because nobody can safely work out what holds the site together.

13. Plugins and updates nobody manages. Sites built on WordPress and similar platforms rely on plugins: add-ons that bolt on features like contact forms or bookings. They're also where most security holes turn up. Patchstack's 2026 report logged 11,334 newly found security flaws in WordPress and its add-ons in its latest annual count, up 42% on the year before, and 91% of them were in plugins. For the flaws attackers targeted hardest, the typical time from the flaw going public to the first attack was about 5 hours. A site nobody updates is an easy target.

Security and your customers' data

14. Vulnerable code. AI writes code that works, which isn't the same as code that's safe. Veracode's 2026 GenAI Code Security Report tested more than 100 AI models and found they passed its security tests only 56% of the time on average, barely changed from the year before, even though almost all the code ran without errors. (Veracode sells code-security tools, so it has a commercial interest in this finding.)

15. Data and input risks. Contact forms, quote calculators and booking tools collect people's personal details. Without proper checks on what's typed in, protection against spam bots and secure storage, they can be abused or leak customer data. And without a developer checking, passwords and secret keys for connected services can end up in the site's code, where anyone can view them in their browser.

16. Cookie and privacy compliance. Cookies are small files a website stores on a visitor's device. Since 5 February 2026, UK law lets you use cookies purely to gather statistics for improving your site without asking first, but only if you explain them clearly, give people a simple way to object, and don't share the data beyond helping improve the site. Advertising and tracking cookies, such as social media and ad-network pixels, don't fit that exemption and still need clear consent before they're set. Many AI-built sites add tracking with no consent banner at all, or a banner that doesn't actually stop anything. (Whether a given analytics tool qualifies depends on how it's set up, and the ICO is still updating its guidance, so this needs someone who keeps up.)

Accessibility

17. Inherited accessibility failures. AI learns from existing websites, bad habits included. The WebAIM Million 2026 report checked the home pages of the world's top million websites and found detectable accessibility failures on 95.9% of them, averaging 56.1 errors per page. That was worse than the year before, reversing six years of small improvements. WebAIM suggests the slide likely reflects more complex pages, more reliance on ready-made code libraries and AI-assisted "vibe coding". Text too faint to read, images with no description and form boxes with no label make a site hard or impossible to use for people with sight loss, including those who use screen readers (software that reads pages aloud). None of it shows up in a preview.

Content that damages trust

18. Cookie-cutter aesthetics. The same gradients, the same stock-style imagery, the same "Elevate your experience" headings. Customers have seen it a hundred times, and a site that looks like everyone else's gives them no reason to pick you.

19. Plagiarised and truncated copy. AI can echo wording from competitors' websites, cut content off mid-thought, or pad pages with filler. The problem isn't AI itself. Google's spam policies treat copying other sites' content with only light rewording as "scraping", and churning out lots of low-value pages as "scaled content abuse", no matter how it's created. Sites that break these policies can rank lower or drop out of results altogether.

20. Confident hallucinations. AI will happily invent things that sound right: accreditations you don't hold, years in business, service areas you don't cover, even customer testimonials. Publishing false claims about your business can mislead customers and break consumer protection law, and it's your name on it, not the AI's.

And the boring essentials nobody mentions

Ownership. Some AI builders host your site on their platform. If you stop paying or the company folds, can you take your site with you?
Backups. If the site is hacked or a change breaks everything, is there a clean copy to restore?
Measurement. Without Google Analytics and Search Console set up properly, you can't tell whether the site is bringing in work at all.

The cheap website is rarely the cheap option

A DIY AI site costs very little on day one. The bill arrives later, usually in one of these forms:

Invisible on Google, so the site brings in no work and you end up paying for ads to make up the gap
A hack or a data leak, with clean-up costs, lost trust and possibly a conversation with the ICO
A rebuild from scratch when a developer can't untangle the code
Lost customers who hit a broken form or a page that won't load and simply call the next business on the list
Your own time, spent prompting, re-prompting and chasing bugs instead of running your business

What a professionally built site actually buys you

A plan before a design. Site structure and pages mapped to what your customers search for.
SEO built in, not bolted on. Page titles, descriptions, headings, structured data, sitemaps and redirects handled from the start.
Clean, fast code that's tested on real devices, not just a preview window.
Security and updates handled by people who watch for vulnerabilities, so you don't have to.
Accessibility and compliance checked properly, including cookies and privacy.
Copy that's accurate and yours, describing your real services, areas and credentials.
Someone to call. When something breaks, there's a person who knows how the site works and can fix it.

That last point is the real difference. With a professional build, you're not just buying a website. You're buying the confidence that it's working for you while you get on with your job.

Already built one? Ask yourself these 10 questions

If you can't answer "yes" confidently to every one of these, your site needs a professional look before it goes live.

Is the site set up in Google Search Console, and have you checked your pages actually show up in Google?
Does every page have its own title and description when it appears in Google's results?
Right-click a page and choose "View page source". Can you find your services written in there, or is it mostly code?
Does your homepage score well on mobile in Google's free PageSpeed Insights tool?
Have you tried the site on at least three real phones, including an older one?
If you replaced an old website, does every old page address redirect to its new page?
Who updates the site and its add-ons, and how quickly after a security fix comes out?
Does the site ask permission before any advertising or tracking cookies are set?
Has a person checked every fact on the site, from accreditations to the areas you cover?
Do you own the domain, the hosting account and the site files, and is there a working backup?

AI is a tool, not a web team

We use AI in our own work, and in experienced hands it's a genuine time-saver. The difference is that we know what to ask it for, what to check, and what to throw away.

A website is often the first impression a customer gets of your business, and the thing that decides whether they pick up the phone. It deserves more than an afternoon and a prompt.

Thinking about a new website, or worried about one you've already built? Get in touch and we'll take a look. If your site is in good shape, we'll tell you. If it isn't, we'll show you exactly what needs fixing.

Call us on 01253 364321

Sources

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Nanda Journeys

Lab Creative — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 15:13:16 +0000

Welcome, fellow adventurers, to Nanda Journeys, your gateway to immersive cultural experiences, transformative travel, and unforgettable adventures around the globe. With a passion for exploration and a commitment to authenticity, we specialise in crafting unique and enriching journeys that go beyond the ordinary and leave a lasting impact on mind, body, and soul.

At Nanda Journeys, we believe that travel is more than just visiting new destinations—it’s about connecting with cultures, communities, and landscapes in meaningful and profound ways. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a group of friends, or a corporate team seeking team-building experiences, we’re here to curate the perfect journey for you.

So why choose Nanda Journeys for your next adventure? Here are just a few reasons why they’re the go-to choice for travellers seeking authentic, enriching, and transformative experiences.

Expertly Crafted Itineraries: Our team of seasoned travel experts works tirelessly to craft meticulously planned itineraries that showcase the best of each destination while offering unique and immersive experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. From cultural tours and culinary adventures to wellness retreats and volunteer opportunities, we’ve got something for everyone.
Local Insights and Connections: We believe that the best travel experiences are born out of genuine connections with locals. That’s why we partner with knowledgeable guides, passionate artisans, and community leaders who provide insider insights, authentic experiences, and a deeper understanding of the places we visit.
Small Group Travel: We specialise in small group travel, offering intimate and personalised experiences that foster meaningful connections and lasting friendships. Traveling in small groups allows us to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, engage with local communities, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Sustainable and Responsible Tourism: We are committed to promoting sustainable and responsible tourism practices that minimise our environmental impact, support local economies, and preserve cultural heritage. From eco-friendly accommodations to carbon offset initiatives, we strive to ensure that our journeys leave a positive footprint on the world.
Transformative Experiences: At Nanda Journeys, we believe that travel has the power to transform lives. Whether it’s stepping out of your comfort zone, challenging your perspectives, or forging deep connections with fellow travellers, our journeys are designed to inspire personal growth, self-discovery, and a greater appreciation for the world around us.

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Arthur Agency

Lab Creative — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 15:02:53 +0000

Welcome to Arthur Agency, your premier destination for top-tier talent and services to fuel your projects and propel your business to new heights. With a commitment to excellence, creativity, and innovation, we specialise in providing a diverse range of people, skills, and solutions to meet the unique needs of clients across the UK, Europe, and beyond.

At Arthur Agency, we understand that success is built on the foundation of exceptional talent and expertise. That’s why we’ve assembled a dynamic team of professionals from various disciplines and industries, each bringing their unique skills, experiences, and perspectives to the table. Whether you’re in need of creative minds, technical wizards, strategic thinkers, or administrative support, we’ve got you covered.

Top-Tier Talent: Our extensive network of professionals spans a wide range of industries and skill sets, allowing us to match you with the perfect individuals or teams to meet your specific project requirements. Whether you need designers, developers, marketers, writers, consultants, or any other specialised talent, we’ve got the expertise you need to succeed.
Flexible Services: We understand that every project is unique, which is why we offer a flexible range of services to meet your needs. From short-term contracts to long-term partnerships, we’re here to support you every step of the way, providing the services you need, when you need them.
Seamless Integration: When you work with Arthur Agency, you can trust that our talent seamlessly integrates with your existing team and processes. Whether you’re collaborating with our professionals remotely or on-site, we prioritise clear communication, collaboration, and transparency to ensure that your projects run smoothly and efficiently.
Unparalleled Expertise: With years of experience and a proven track record of success, our team brings unparalleled expertise and insight to every project we undertake. Whether you’re launching a new product, expanding into new markets, or implementing innovative solutions, we have the knowledge and know-how to help you achieve your goals.
Global Reach: While we’re based in the UK, our reach extends far beyond borders. With experience working on projects across Europe and beyond, we have the global perspective and connections to help you succeed in today’s interconnected world.

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Waterford FC

Lab Creative — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 14:50:09 +0000

Greetings, football enthusiasts, and welcome to the official blog of Waterford FC!

As the premier football club in Waterford, Ireland, we’re thrilled to launch this platform as a hub for all things football-related, where fans can come together to celebrate our beloved sport, share in our triumphs, and support our team through every match.

Here at Waterford FC, we’re more than just a football club—we’re a community united by our passion for the beautiful game. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter who bleeds blue and white or a casual fan looking to learn more about the sport, this blog is for you. Join us as we dive into the world of football and explore all that makes Waterford FC truly special.

Match Previews and Reviews: Get ready for the big game with our in-depth match previews, where we break down the key players, tactics, and storylines to watch out for. After the final whistle blows, join us for comprehensive match reviews, where we analyse the action, celebrate our victories, and reflect on lessons learned.
Player Profiles and Interviews: Get to know the faces behind the jerseys with our exclusive player profiles and interviews. From rising stars to seasoned veterans, we’ll introduce you to the talented individuals who make up the Waterford FC squad and share their stories, insights, and aspirations.
Club News and Updates: Stay up-to-date with all the latest news and happenings from inside the club. Whether it’s transfer rumours, injury updates, or behind-the-scenes glimpses into daily life at Waterford FC, you’ll find it all right on our blog.
Fan Features and Community Spotlights: Celebrate the heart and soul of our club—our fans! We’ll shine a spotlight on the passionate supporters who stand behind us through thick and thin, sharing their stories, traditions, and experiences of cheering on Waterford FC from the stands.
Football Culture and Insights: Explore the wider world of football culture, history, and trends with our engaging articles and features. From iconic moments in football history to the latest trends in tactics and technology, we’ll delve into the topics that matter most to football fans.

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Fylde Power Clean

Lab Creative — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 12:47:18 +0000

Fylde Power Clean

At Fylde Power Clean, they take pride in providing professional, reliable, and environmentally-friendly cleaning solutions to homes and businesses throughout the Fylde Coast. From pressure washing and gutter cleaning to driveway restoration and exterior building cleaning, they go above and beyond to ensure that every surface shines like new.

When it came time to revamp their online presence, we knew that they needed a website that would not only showcase their services but also capture the essence of who they are as a company.

Pressure Washing: Blast away dirt, grime, and debris with our high-pressure washing services. From driveways and sidewalks to patios and decking, we’ll restore your outdoor surfaces to their former glory, leaving them looking fresh and revitalised.
Gutter Cleaning: Don’t let clogged gutters wreak havoc on your property. Our professional gutter cleaning services ensure that rainwater flows freely, preventing water damage, mold growth, and structural issues.
Driveway Restoration: Say goodbye to oil stains, dirt buildup, and discolouration with our driveway restoration services. Using advanced techniques and eco-friendly solutions, we’ll breathe new life into your driveway, enhancing its appearance and durability.
Exterior Building Cleaning: Make a lasting impression with a clean and well-maintained exterior. Our exterior building cleaning services remove dirt, grime, and pollutants, leaving your property looking fresh, inviting, and professional.
Roof Cleaning: Preserve the integrity and aesthetics of your roof with our gentle yet effective roof cleaning services. We’ll remove moss, algae, and debris, extending the lifespan of your roof and enhancing its curb appeal.
Commercial Cleaning: From storefronts and office buildings to parking lots and industrial facilities, we provide comprehensive commercial cleaning services tailored to the unique needs of your business. Our team works efficiently and effectively to minimise disruption and ensure a spotless finish.

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Borrow It Blackpool

Lab Creative — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 10:22:45 +0000

Borrow It Blackpool

The brand-new website, meticulously designed and crafted with love and expertise by the talented team at Lab Creative.

As a charity deeply committed to promoting sustainability, sharing, and access to essential resources, they recognise the importance of having a digital presence that reflects their values and mission. That’s why they chose Lab Creative, a web design powerhouse known for their creativity, innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

From the very first consultation to the final launch, the Lab Creative team demonstrated a profound understanding of their needs and vision.

The result? A stunning online platform that not only showcases our mission and programs but also serves as a hub for community engagement, connection, and empowerment.

User-Friendly Design: Lab Creative’s sleek design ensures that visitors can find the information they need quickly and efficiently.
Engaging Content: From heartwarming stories of impact to informative resources on sustainability and sharing, our website is filled with engaging content that inspires, educates, and empowers.
Seamless Donation Process: Supporting their mission has never been simpler. Lab Creative has streamlined the donation process, making it easy for supporters to contribute to our cause and make a difference in the lives of those in need.
Community Hub: Our website serves as a digital gathering place for our community, where members can connect, share, and collaborate towards a common goal of creating positive change.
Mobile Compatibility: Whether you’re browsing on your desktop, tablet, or smartphone, our website looks and functions flawlessly across all devices, ensuring a seamless experience no matter where you are.

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Transfer your WordPress site to us for FREE!

Lab Creative — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 09:57:58 +0000

Upgrade Your Website Experience – Transfer Your WordPress Site to Us for Free!

Are you feeling frustrated with your current website service provider? Is your WordPress website not delivering the results you expected? It’s time for a change.

At Lab Creative, we believe your website should work for you, not against you.

That’s why we’re offering a free migration service to help you seamlessly transition to a better web hosting experience.

Why make the switch to Lab Creative?

Enhanced Performance: Experience a significant improvement in website performance with our optimised hosting infrastructure. Say goodbye to slow loading times and hello to lightning-fast page speeds.
Reliable Support: Tired of waiting endlessly for support? Our team is committed to providing prompt and reliable assistance whenever you need it. From technical issues to general inquiries, we’ve got you covered.
Advanced Features: Unlock a plethora of advanced features and tools designed to elevate your website to new heights. Whether it’s robust security measures, intuitive site management interfaces, or customisable themes, we have everything you need to succeed online.
Scalability: As your business grows, so should your website. Our scalable hosting solutions ensure that your website can handle increased traffic and resource demands without missing a beat.
Transparent Pricing: No more surprises when it comes to pricing. With us, what you see is what you get. Enjoy transparent pricing plans with no hidden fees or gimmicks.

Our Hassle-Free Migration Process:

Initial Consultation: Get in touch with our team to discuss your website transfer needs. We’ll assess your current setup and tailor a migration plan that aligns with your goals.
Backup and Preparation: We’ll take care of backing up your existing WordPress website and preparing it for migration. Rest assured, your data will be safe and secure throughout the process.
Migration and Testing: Our experts will handle the migration process swiftly and efficiently, ensuring that all your website’s content, plugins, and functionalities are seamlessly transferred to our platform. We’ll conduct thorough testing to ensure everything is working as expected.
Finalisation and Launch: With your approval, we’ll finalise the transfer and launch your website on our platform. Sit back, relax, and watch your website thrive in its new home.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Don’t let your website hold you back any longer. Upgrade to a better hosting experience with Lab Creative.

Contact us today to learn more about our free WordPress website transfer service and take the first step towards a brighter online future.

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Google sites to be switched OFF by March 2024

Lab Creative — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 13:49:50 +0000

Websites made with Google Business Profiles will be turned off soon!

What are Google sites? Websites made with Google Business Profiles are basic websites powered by the information on your Business Profile. In March 2024, websites made with Google Business Profiles will be turned off and customers visiting your site will be redirected to your Business Profile instead. The redirect will work until June 10, 2024.

Tips for your Google Profile

Domains that end with business.site and negocio.site will be removed from the website field on your Business Profile in March. We recommend that you update your Google Business Profile to point to a new website.
Other than that, your Business Profile won’t be affected. When customers visit your website made with Google Business Profile, they’ll be redirected to your Business Profile instead.
If you don’t have a website made with a Google Business Profile, the changes discussed in this article won’t affect you.

Learn how to find your website made with your Google Business Profile.

What happens when your website is turned off?

Don’t leave it too late to create a new website, at Lab Creative we have different packages to suit all budgets.

We have created some fantastic designs – combine that with some optimisation or ads, and they will get results that speak for themselves.

Book your discovery call today at https://labcreative.co.uk/

This information was sourced from https://support.google.com/business/answer/7178589#find_website

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Google Grants for UK Charities

Lab Creative — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 08:36:16 +0000

Google provides valuable support for non-profit organisations and charities

This program (Google for Non-Profits) allows non-profit charities access to a huge range of products and services that assist in addressing certain challenges such as finding volunteers, finding donors, enhancing online fundraising, and helping spread awareness.

What are Google Ads?

Google Ads are the paid listings on Google’s search engine results, these can come in many forms, but the main ones are text-based ads and marked as ‘sponsored’, these can also appear as shopping-based ads, plus display ads in other places online. The Google Ads grant for charities allows you to have a text-based ad for your non-profit, totally for free – pushing traffic to your website.

Book a Discovery Call

How Does the Free Google Ads Credit Work?

The Google Ad Grant offers select non-profits $10,000 USD (roughly converted as £8,000) of in-kind advertising from Google each month. This advertising budget can be used to create effective search campaigns that promote the organisation’s mission, initiatives, and goals.

By utilising a Google Ad Grant account, non-profits can display text ads on Google’s Search Engine Results Pages, enabling them to attract donation, raise awareness of fundraising events and simply spread awareness of your charity or non-profit.

Book a Discovery Call

Is your Charity Eligible for a Google Ads Grant?

For UK charities to qualify for a Google Ad Grant, organisations must meet the following criteria:

Be a registered UK charity or non-profit – in England or Wales this means you must be registered with the Charity Commission and in Scotland and Northern Ireland pass the ‘Charity Test’ as outlined by the OSCR. Non-profits must have charitable tax-exempt tax status with HMRC.
Not be a governmental entity or organisation, hospital, school, academic institution, or university.
Agree to the terms of service for Google for Non-Profits and Google Ads.
Have a high-quality website with content that complies with Google’s website policies. This means that the website must be secured with HTTPS; not contain any broken links; have unique content; have clear descriptions of your organisation and its goals; clear navigation and calls to action.

Book a Discovery Call

How to Apply for a Google Ads Grant?

Setting up a Google Ad Grant account for your non-profit or charitable organisation can be easily done via Google for Non-profits by clicking here – after providing details of your organisation, one of their verification partners will verify your organisation’s charity status.

Once you have been approved as a non-profit organisation you will be able to access a number of other benefits from Google products alongside the ads grant including:

Free Google Workspace usage.
Exclusive YouTube features such as Link Anywhere cards linking supporters directly to your website.
Google Earth and Maps credits to display interactive maps on your website.
Once verified it’s time to set up your ad campaigns. This involves identifying popular keywords, writing ad copy and setting bids for these terms.

Conversion actions will also need to be set up for the site. Is it possible to do this yourself?

Yes! Is it possible to do this yourself effectively? That’s another story!

Option One: DIY Ad Campaign Setup.

Option Two: Have a Google Ads Agency Set it up for you.

Book a Discovery Call

Do you qualify?:

To be eligible for Google Grants charity PPC an organization must:

Hold current and valid charity status (i.e. Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales; and/or Registered with HM Revenue & Customs as a charity for tax relief.)
Acknowledge and agree to Google’s required certifications regarding non-discrimination and donation receipt and use.
Have a live website with substantial content.
Governmental entities and organizations, hospitals and medical groups, schools, academic institutions and universities are not eligible for Google for Non-profits, but philanthropic arms of educational institutions are eligible.

How to stay qualified:

To maintain your eligibility for Google Ad Grants, your organisation must abide by program policies.

All the ads in your account must link to the non-profit URL that was approved in your application process.
You must be engaged and proactive in your Google Ads account by logging in to the account, at least, monthly.
The ads you are promoting must reflect the mission of your non-profit. You can advertise to sell products as long as 100% of the proceeds are going to support your program.
The ads you create cannot point to pages that are used to primarily send visitors to other websites.
Your ads cannot offer financial products, such as mortgages or credit cards.
Your ads also cannot be asking for donations in the form of large goods such as cars, boats or property donations. Keywords related to this activity are also not allowed.
Your website cannot display ads from Google AdSense or other affiliate advertising links while participating in Google Grants
A daily budget set to £329, which is equivalent to about £10,000 per month
A maximum cost-per-click (CPC) limit of £2.00 (without bid strategies)
Paid adverts will always appear above grants adverts.
It is limited to the search market. You cannot run ads in the display market.
Ad Grantees may only promote mission-based ads and keywords in their Google Ads account.

The fine print:

Maintain a 5% Click through rate (CTR). CTR is the ratio showing how often people who see your ad end up clicking it. If your account doesn’t achieve at least a 5% CTR for two consecutive months, your account will be cancelled.
Non-profits cannot buy branded keywords they don’t own.
Keywords must have quality scores of 3 or higher.
Campaigns must have at least two ad groups with at least two ads running in each.
Accounts also must have at least two sitelink extensions active.
Accounts must have geotargeting.
Most single-word keywords are prohibited, the idea being non-profits should choose well-targeted keywords.
Contact us to help you with the management of your campaigns and get the best return for this amazing opportunity.

Click here to arrange a call with one of our experts.

Book a Discovery Call

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