If you have a Google Ads account that is currently set up as an individual account and you want to switch it to an organization account, the process involves a few steps. Google Ads allows you to manage your account either as an individual or as a business (organization) account, but the transition requires careful handling, as some settings and features may differ between the two types.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to change your Google Ads account from an individual to an organization:
Step 1: Verify Your Account Type and Ownership
Before making any changes, it’s important to verify that your account is currently set up as an individual account. The main difference between individual and organization accounts is that organization accounts are designed for businesses or larger teams, offering more advanced features such as user roles and access levels.
- Individual Account: Typically set up for sole proprietors or individuals running their own ad campaigns.
- Organization Account: Set up for businesses with multiple users, providing access to features like Google Ads Manager Accounts (MCC) and the ability to manage multiple users and permissions.
To check the type of your Google Ads account:
- Sign in to Google Ads.
- Navigate to the Account Settings by clicking on the Tools & Settings icon in the top-right corner (the wrench icon).
- Under Setup, select Account Settings.
- Review the information listed in the “Account Type” section to confirm whether it’s categorized as an individual account.
Step 2: Create or Update Your Google Ads Manager Account (MCC)
If you want to switch to an organization account, Google suggests setting up a Google Ads Manager Account (MCC). This type of account is specifically designed for businesses that manage multiple campaigns, have a team, or need more advanced tools for reporting and analysis.
- Create a Google Ads Manager Account:
- Visit the Google Ads Manager Account sign-up page: Create a Google Ads Manager Account.
- Follow the prompts to set up your manager account, which will be associated with your business.
- During the setup, you will be asked for your business information, such as your business name, billing address, and contact details.
- Link Your Existing Individual Account:
- Once the Google Ads Manager Account is created, you can link your individual Google Ads account to the Manager Account. This allows you to manage multiple ad accounts under one umbrella.
- Go to your Google Ads Manager Account and navigate to the Accounts tab.
- Click on + and select Link existing account.
- Enter your individual Google Ads account number (found in your Google Ads settings) and follow the steps to link the account.
Step 3: Update Business Information in Your Google Ads Account
When transitioning from an individual account to an organization, you’ll need to ensure that your Google Ads account reflects your business details rather than personal information.
- Update Your Business Name and Address:
- In Google Ads, navigate to Tools & Settings > Account Settings.
- Under the Account Information section, update your business name and billing address.
- Ensure that all details match the registered details of your organization to avoid discrepancies.
- Billing and Payment Information:
- Go to Tools & Settings > Billing & Payments to update your billing profile.
- You may need to provide your business tax information (such as your VAT ID or business registration number) depending on your location.
- Google may also ask for a payment method that matches the organization’s information.
Step 4: Add Multiple Users and Set Permissions
One of the primary advantages of an organization account is the ability to add multiple users and control their access levels. If your organization needs to manage multiple people or teams, you can assign specific roles to users within your Google Ads account.
- Invite Users to Your Google Ads Account:
- In your Google Ads Manager Account, go to Tools & Settings > Access and Security under the Setup section.
- Click on + to invite new users to your account.
- Enter the email addresses of the users you want to invite, and assign them a role (e.g., Admin, Standard, or Read-Only).
- You can also manage existing user permissions if you’ve already set up team members.
- Assign User Roles:
- You can assign different roles based on the level of access required. For instance:
- Admin: Full access to all features and settings.
- Standard: Limited access, including campaign management and reporting.
- Read-Only: View-only access with no editing privileges.
- You can assign different roles based on the level of access required. For instance:
- Manage User Permissions:
- Ensure that users only have access to the relevant parts of the account. You can customize permissions for different teams or individuals within your organization.
Step 5: Contact Google Support (If Necessary)
If you have difficulties transitioning your individual account to an organization account or encounter any issues during the setup process, you can contact Google Ads support for assistance. While Google doesn’t typically allow a direct change from individual to organization account without creating a new Manager Account, support can guide you through the necessary steps or clarify any issues related to billing, permissions, or linking accounts.
To contact Google Ads support:
- Go to the Help section within your Google Ads account.
- Click on Contact us for live chat, email, or phone support.
- Explain your situation, and the support team can provide personalized guidance.
Step 6: Monitor Account Performance and Access
After transitioning your account to an organization, it’s important to monitor the overall performance and ensure that all users and permissions are correctly set up. This will help streamline your campaigns and ensure that your team can collaborate efficiently.
- Monitor Account Performance: Check your Google Ads reports regularly to ensure that everything is functioning properly, and that all ad campaigns are running smoothly.
- Check User Access: Ensure that the correct people have access to the account and that user roles are appropriately assigned.
Conclusion
Changing your Google Ads account from an individual to an organization requires creating or linking a Google Ads Manager Account (MCC) and updating your business information within the account. By setting up a Manager Account, you can manage multiple campaigns, assign roles, and allow for more efficient collaboration within your team. Additionally, updating your billing information and adding business details will ensure compliance and ensure your account is properly classified as an organization.
Following these steps will allow you to successfully transition your Google Ads account from an individual to an organization and take full advantage of the features offered to businesses.