The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Bing Ads (Microsoft Ads) for Small Business

Bing Ads

Why Bing Ads (Microsoft Ads) Matter for SMBs

When most people think of online advertising, they immediately think of Google Ads. But there’s a powerful alternative that’s often overlooked: Bing Ads, now known as Microsoft Advertising.

Why It Matters:

Lower cost-per-click (CPC):
Microsoft Ads can cost 30–50% less than Google Ads.
Less competition:

Many industries are underutilizing Bing, leaving valuable traffic on the table.

Powerful audience:

Bing powers Yahoo, AOL, MSN, and is the default search engine on Windows Edge, Cortana, and many desktops—especially in corporate, older, and higher-income demographics.

LinkedIn integration:
Unique to Microsoft Ads, you can target by job title, company, or industry, which is perfect for B2B.
Bing Ads

If you’re a small business looking to diversify your marketing strategy or reduce ad costs, Bing Ads is a smart place to start.

Importing Google Ads Campaigns to Microsoft Ads

The easiest way to get started with Bing Ads is by importing your existing Google Ads campaigns.

Step-by-Step:

Bing Ads

Sign in or create a Microsoft Ads account at ads.microsoft.com.

Bing Ads

Click “Import from Google Ads.

Bing Ads

Follow the prompts to connect your Google Ads account.

Bing Ads

Choose which campaigns, budgets, and settings to import.

Bing Ads

Review and customize for Bing’s ecosystem.

Bing Ads
Tip: Microsoft Ads supports many Google Ads features, but double-check bids, device targeting, and location settings after import.

Take Advantage of Demographic Targeting

Microsoft Ads gives you granular control over your audience, helping you fine-tune your ad spend.

Key Demographic Options:

Bing Ads Age

Bing Ads Gender

Bing AdsDevice type
(desktop, tablet, mobile)

Bing AdsLocation

Bing AdsTime of day / day of week

Bing AdsLanguage

How to Use It:

Bing Ads Tip: Bing Ads’ desktop dominance makes it great for targeting professionals, older users, and researchers.

Use LinkedIn Profile Targeting (Exclusive to Microsoft Ads)

One of Microsoft Ads’ most powerful features is LinkedIn profile targeting—not available on Google.

Target By:

Bing Ads Company

Bing AdsIndustry

Bing AdsJob function

Example Use Cases:

How to Set It Up:

Bing Ads Tip: This is extremely effective for B2B lead generation, webinars, or niche services.

Set Up Bing Shopping Campaigns for E-Commerce

If you sell products online, Microsoft Shopping Campaigns can display your products directly in search results—just like Google Shopping.

Requirements:

How to Launch:

Where Your Products Appear:

Bing Ads

Bing.com search results

Bing Ads

Microsoft Start

Bing Ads

MSN

Bing Ads

Yahoo Search

Bing Ads

Edge browser’s shopping interface

Bing Ads Tip: Bing Shopping often has lower CPCs than Google and reaches users in purchase-ready mode.

Final Thoughts – Why SMBs Shouldn’t Overlook Bing Ads

If you’re only advertising on Google, you’re missing a portion of your audience—and likely overpaying for it.

Bing Ads Benefits Recap:

Bing Ads can help you diversify your ad strategy, reach untapped audiences, and improve ROI—especially if you’re in B2B, home services, professional services, or online retail.

Bing Ads

What to Do Next

Bing Ads
Create a Microsoft Ads account
Bing Ads

Import your Google campaigns or set up a new one

Bing Ads

Explore demographic and LinkedIn targeting

Bing Ads
Test Bing Shopping if you sell products online

Bing Ads

Monitor and compare performance against Google Ads

Feel Lost? Contact ETOS

Is Your Business Ready for Digital Transformation?




    Elevate your inbox with our curated newsletter, designed to inspire, inform, and engage. Subscribe now and never miss a beat!

      Contact Us Now!

      Fill out the form and our team will respond promptly.