Google's Free Ad Programs

AdSense

AdSense is a free Google web application that lets users run text, graphic or video ads on their blogs or websites. There's no charge for the service, and advertisers are paid when user ad clicks reach a certain number. Targeted ads are based on content keywords. If your blog has an article about training puppies, ads will appear on the top of the page (or any part of the page where you've placed code) based on those keywords. AdSense may also be tailored for mobile content and website search results pages.

AdWords Coupon Codes

Google AdWords are short text messages that appear on the right side of a search page. Interested users click on a link to visit the advertiser's website. Normally, businesses pay an activation fee and owe additional money only when a potential customer clicks an ad. Companies can try out the service for free with a coupon code worth up to $100 in no-cost clicks. Google occasionally mails cards containing these codes to existing users. Web-hosting companies and affiliate marketing sites also offer Google AdWord codes.

Google Grants

Non-profit organizations can take advantage of Google Grants, a free AdWords service designed to help charitable programs attract donors, volunteers and others to their cause. Organizations must apply for the grant on the Google company website and have a 501 (c) (3) status with the Internal Revenue Service. To be considered, organizations must have a generated revenue amount of less than 50 percent. Grant recipients can use from $300 to $10,000 worth of free advertising per month, depending on their needs.

Google Local Business Listings

Create a free business listing using Google Local. By entering basic business information via a Google account, companies can add their address, phone number, business category, payment types accepted and other pertinent details. The listing features Google analytics so the business owner can see how many times the people viewed the page and searched for the company name or other information. The listing appears on Google Maps, showing the prospective customer the exact street location.