Google launched AdWords in the year 2000.[1] Initially, Google itself would set up and manage advertisers’ campaigns. Google then introduced a self-service AdWords portal for small businesses that wanted to manage their own campaigns.
In 2005, Google started a campaign management service known as “Jumpstart”.[5]
In 2007, Google acquired DoubleClick for $3.1 billion. The acquisition was strategically important for Google, providing access to DoubleClick’s advanced ad-serving technology and established industry relationships.[6] This deal, while “transforming Google into a powerhouse”, later attracted antitrust scrutiny, raising questions about its impact on market competition and digital advertising dominance.[7]
In 2008, Google launched the Google Online Marketing Challenge,[8] an in-class academic exercise for tertiary students.[9]
Google retired the DoubleClick and AdWords brands in 2018 to simplify entry points for advertisers and ad sellers. The core product was renamed Google Ads, providing access to inventory on Google Search, its YouTube video service, the Google Play app store, and AdSense website publisher partners.[10][11][12]