In the dynamic world of online advertising, simply showing up isn’t enough. To truly connect with your audience and drive meaningful results with Google Ads, you need to understand their journey. Imagine trying to sell someone a car before they even realize they need transportation, or pushing for a sale when they’re still exploring their options. It wouldn’t be very effective, would it?
That’s where the ‘See, Think, Do’ framework comes in. This powerful model, championed by Google and other marketing experts, provides a clear lens through which to view the customer journey, allowing you to tailor your Google Ads strategies to meet their needs at every stage. By understanding the intent behind their searches and online behavior, you can craft more relevant ads, target the right audiences, and ultimately achieve greater success with your campaigns.
In this short guide, we’ll dive outline the ‘See, Think, Do’ framework and explore how you can leverage it to create more effective and impactful Google Ads campaigns. Let’s get started!
What is the ‘See, Think, Do’ Framework?
The ‘See, Think, Do’ framework breaks down the customer journey into three key phases, each representing a different level of customer awareness and intent:
See: The Awareness Stage
- Customer Mindset: At this stage, your potential customers are a broad audience who may not even be aware they have a specific need that your product or service can fulfill. They might be Browse, researching general topics, or simply engaging with content related to your industry. Think of them as having a general interest in the category you operate in.
- Primary Marketing Objective: The main goal here is to build broad awareness and get your brand or offering in front of this large, relevant audience. You’re aiming to increase your brand’s mental availability – making sure people remember you when they eventually move further down the funnel.
- Example: Someone interested in fitness might be reading articles about healthy eating or watching videos about different workout routines. They aren’t necessarily looking for a specific gym or fitness product yet, but they are within your potential audience if you offer those services.
Think: The Consideration Stage
- Customer Mindset: In the ‘Think’ phase, potential customers have become aware of a need or problem and are actively researching potential solutions. They are comparing different options, reading reviews, and looking for more in-depth information. They are now considering specific brands and products.
- Primary Marketing Objective: Your objective here is to be considered as a viable option. You need to provide valuable information, demonstrate your expertise, and highlight the benefits of your product or service compared to competitors. Building trust and credibility is key at this stage.
- Example: The person interested in fitness might now be searching for “best gyms in Calgary,” “types of workout equipment,” or “benefits of personal training.” They are actively thinking about solutions to their fitness goals.
Do: The Action Stage
- Customer Mindset: This is the stage where customers are ready to make a purchase or take a specific action, like requesting a quote or signing up for a free trial. They have narrowed down their options and are looking for the best place to buy or the best provider for their needs.
- Primary Marketing Objective: Your focus in the ‘Do’ phase is to convert this intent into action. You need to make the purchasing process as easy and seamless as possible, provide clear calls to action, and offer compelling reasons to choose you over the competition right now.
- Example: The person who has been researching gyms might now be searching for “gym memberships Calgary prices,” “sign up for [Your Gym Name],” or “schedule a tour at [Your Gym Name].” They are ready to take the next step.
