> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://serpapi.com/blog/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # How to spy on winning Google Ads (Competitor Analysis) - URL: https://serpapi.com/blog/google-ads-competitor-analysis-system-spying-with-api/ - Published: 2024-11-13T06:29:33.000Z - Updated: 2026-05-29T06:18:40.000Z - Description: Learn your competitor's Google ads strategy via SERP results, ads transparency center, and more. You can do this programmatically! - Author: Hilman Ramadhan - Tags: Google Ads Want to see what your competitors are up to with their Google Ads? Let's explore how SerpApi can help you discover their strategies and make better campaign decisions. After this tutorial, you will know how to spy on winning competitors' Google Ads We'll see how to grab this data manually and automatically. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a5/00/a5004977-0dd2-4bcd-9292-dd0e05d4c59e/content/images/2024/10/google-ads-competitor-analysis-2.webp) Google Ads Competitor Analysis System ## **Sponsored section in Google SERP** First, we can find ads from a Google search - Search on Google for a particular keyword - Take notes of the image, title, and description of the ads One way to discover your competitor's strategy is to search on Google for particular keywords. You can use a "hot" keyword that people would search for that is relevant to your niche, and see who your competitors are in the sponsored section. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a5/00/a5004977-0dd2-4bcd-9292-dd0e05d4c59e/content/images/2024/10/CleanShot-2024-10-28-at-15.57.06.png) Search ads example on SERP Sponsored results are not just at the top of search results but also at the bottom of your search. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a5/00/a5004977-0dd2-4bcd-9292-dd0e05d4c59e/content/images/2024/10/CleanShot-2024-10-28-at-15.59.30.png) Ads example at the bottom of the SERP Learn what your competitors use for their image, title, and snippet for the ads. **Find ads programmatically** You can do this automatically using SerpApi. We provide [Google Ad Results API](https://serpapi.com/google-ads). Here is an example in Python: [Scrape Competitors’ Google Ads Data (Tutorial 2026)Learn how to scrape Google Ads to monitor your own ads or your competitors using Google Search and Ads Transparency Center data.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)SerpApiSonika Arora![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a5/00/a5004977-0dd2-4bcd-9292-dd0e05d4c59e/content/images/thumbnail/scrape-google-ads-aecefec5d914f3385f079d8f3b2231fffb8a5471b33c3e6caea9c87ad82c17a4.webp)](https://serpapi.com/blog/scrape-competitors-google-ads-data-using-python/) ## **Google Ads Transparency Center** [The Google Ads Transparency Center ](https://adstransparency.google.com/)is a feature launched by Google to provide more transparency and information about advertising on its platforms. **What's interesting about this page is that we can see ads from any advertiser.** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a5/00/a5004977-0dd2-4bcd-9292-dd0e05d4c59e/content/images/2024/10/CleanShot-2024-10-28-at-16.04.26.png) Example of finding Nike ads on the transparency page **Scrape the ads transparency center programmatically** You can do this automatically using SerpApi. We provide a [Google Ads Transparency Center API](https://serpapi.com/google-ads-transparency-center-api). Here is an example of how to scrape the Ad Transparency Center in Python: [Scrape Competitors’ Google Ads Data Using PythonThis blog post guides you on how to scrape Google Ads Transparency Center data using SerpApi and Python.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a5/00/a5004977-0dd2-4bcd-9292-dd0e05d4c59e/content/images/size/w256h256/2021/07/serpapi-favicon.png)SerpApiSonika Arora![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a5/00/a5004977-0dd2-4bcd-9292-dd0e05d4c59e/content/images/size/w1200/2024/09/img-1JjfFAHC2DJE24PKbbK0iBdo.png)](https://serpapi.com/blog/scrape-competitors-google-ads-data-using-python/) Looking for a no-code solution? [No code Google Ads Transparency Center search results scraper](https://serpapi.com/blog/no-code-google-ads-transparency-center-scraper/). **Search by text or the Advertiser ID** You can search for any ads by text, for example, search by the domain name. Alternatively, if you have the `advertiser_id` , you are welcome to use it as well. You can leave the `region` parameter to be empty if you want to search for any regions, or give a specific region ID if needed. ### Monitor competitors' ads using Google Sheets Let's see how to scrape it using Google Sheets. **Install SerpApi Add-on** In the end, these are the results you will get. We are using `Hubspot` as an example. The image below shows the live ads from Hubspot. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a5/00/a5004977-0dd2-4bcd-9292-dd0e05d4c59e/content/images/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-17-at-3.09.36-PM.png) First of all, **make a copy** of the below Google Sheets. I have already set up everything and the only thing you will need to change is the **Advertiser ID.** [Monitor Companies Google AdsHubspot Advertiser ID,AR10072600183532683265 Query,advertiser\_id=AR10072600183532683265&engine=google\_ads\_transparency\_center®ion=2840&creative\_format=text URL,Image https://tpc.googlesyndication.com/archive/simgad…![](https://ssl.gstatic.com/docs/spreadsheets/spreadsheets_2023q4.ico)Google Docs![](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docs/AHkbwyJWmD4uYGSqf6kbsSLWOJrpltCpstdvDuPVTf-KdlHDeFCCx-5tAlz3WtGvevDu1uF1LStJjOyzRVtJpqiIuP-M_V2lIzXwayprUHZSenWKoQk=w1200-h630-p)](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dFW8Gp%5FuWXaC25a93RezhXbI7qbgFRA-M6u3JmRKUYI/edit?usp=sharing) Let's install the [SerpApi's add-ons](https://workspace.google.com/u/2/marketplace/app/serpapi%5Fsearch%5Fengine%5Fresults%5Fand%5Franks/562749385480). At the menu bar, you should see **Extensions**, find the **Get add-ons** option within it. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a5/00/a5004977-0dd2-4bcd-9292-dd0e05d4c59e/content/images/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-17-at-3.14.17-PM.png) Google Workspace Marketplace will show up after you click on it. At the search bar, type in `serpapi`, and click on the first result like the image below. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a5/00/a5004977-0dd2-4bcd-9292-dd0e05d4c59e/content/images/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-17-at-3.15.11-PM.png) You should see SerpApi's add-on and click on it. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a5/00/a5004977-0dd2-4bcd-9292-dd0e05d4c59e/content/images/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-17-at-3.16.33-PM.png) An **Install** button should be visible on your screen if you have followed along. Click on the **Install** button and you have successfully completed the first step. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a5/00/a5004977-0dd2-4bcd-9292-dd0e05d4c59e/content/images/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-17-at-3.16.55-PM.png) **Setup SerpApi's Add-on** To request the data from SerpApi, we need an API key. An API key is like a username and password for the system to recognize you, so we have to keep it safe. If you haven't had an account with SerpApi before, please proceed to [sign up](https://serpapi.com/users/sign%5Fup). Once you successfully sign up with SerpApi, you can find the API key in the [dashboard](https://serpapi.com/dashboard). Copy the API key and in Google Sheets, find **Register your API key** within **Extensions**. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a5/00/a5004977-0dd2-4bcd-9292-dd0e05d4c59e/content/images/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-17-at-3.21.48-PM.png) Paste the API key into the input field and click **OK**, then you should see a successful message. We have done the second step and we only have one more step to go. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a5/00/a5004977-0dd2-4bcd-9292-dd0e05d4c59e/content/images/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-17-at-3.22.04-PM.png) **Find the company Advertiser ID** To get the results of a company, we have to know the **Advertiser ID**. The **Advertiser ID** is available in the URL of a live ad. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a5/00/a5004977-0dd2-4bcd-9292-dd0e05d4c59e/content/images/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-17-at-3.01.46-PM.png) We will start from the [Google Ads Transparency Center](https://adstransparency.google.com/?region=US) home page. Type in the company name you would like to monitor, in this example, we use `Hubspot`. Then click on the first relevant result in the dropdown menu. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a5/00/a5004977-0dd2-4bcd-9292-dd0e05d4c59e/content/images/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-17-at-3.00.32-PM.png) Live ads are showing for the company you have selected. Proceed to click on any one of the ads. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a5/00/a5004977-0dd2-4bcd-9292-dd0e05d4c59e/content/images/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-17-at-2.59.54-PM.png) Switch your focus to the URL bar and notice the series of characters that starts with `AR`, that is the **Advertiser ID** of the company. Hubspot's **Advertiser ID** is `AR10072600183532683265`. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a5/00/a5004977-0dd2-4bcd-9292-dd0e05d4c59e/content/images/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-17-at-3.01.46-PM.png) **Final: Getting the results** Let's get back to the Google Sheets. Copy the **Advertiser ID** you have obtained and paste it into the same cell that you see on the Sheet. The Sheet should start loading after you change the **ID**, If you see blank sheets or it has been loading for a long time, try to refresh the page. You should see results like below. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a5/00/a5004977-0dd2-4bcd-9292-dd0e05d4c59e/content/images/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-17-at-3.09.36-PM-1.png) **Tips**: To get more results, simply copy columns **A** and **B** together and paste them into a new row. ## Google Shopping Ads Google also allows businesses to advertise their products across channels, including the Google Shopping page. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a5/00/a5004977-0dd2-4bcd-9292-dd0e05d4c59e/content/images/2024/11/CleanShot-2024-11-18-at-09.42.59.png) Google Shopping Ads example You can use our Google Shopping API to get the ads from Google Shopping programmatically. It'll be available on the `inline_shopping_results` response. [Google Shopping API - SerpApiScrape Google Shopping results automatically with SerpApi. Position, price, rating, source, link, and more![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a5/00/a5004977-0dd2-4bcd-9292-dd0e05d4c59e/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-10.png)SerpApiSerpApi![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a5/00/a5004977-0dd2-4bcd-9292-dd0e05d4c59e/content/images/thumbnail/serpapi-text-logo-621a467e3b1e907622c18a6ac81455032e9784d6a86e81a1b4f6407d3f0120a6-9.svg)](https://serpapi.com/google-shopping-api) ## Google Maps Ads Ads are also available in Google Maps search: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a5/00/a5004977-0dd2-4bcd-9292-dd0e05d4c59e/content/images/2024/11/CleanShot-2024-11-13-at-09.33.00.png) Sample ads on Google Maps Using our [Google Maps API](https://serpapi.com/google-maps-api), you can scrape whenever ads are available. The ads will be available in a nice structured JSON format like this ```json "ads": [ { "position": 1, "title": "First Service Roofing & Construction", "place_id": "ChIJ40kZESxC24gRD_zZEQ7Qu3k", "data_id": "0x88db422c111949e3:0x79bbd00e11d9fc0f", "data_cid": "8771833458081790991", "reviews_link": "https://serpapi.com/search.json?data_id=0x88db422c111949e3%3A0x79bbd00e11d9fc0f&engine=google_maps_reviews&hl=en", "photos_link": "https://serpapi.com/search.json?data_id=0x88db422c111949e3%3A0x79bbd00e11d9fc0f&engine=google_maps_photos&hl=en", "gps_coordinates": { "latitude": 26.6720556, "longitude": -81.89239909999999 }, "place_id_search": "https://serpapi.com/search.json?engine=google_maps&google_domain=google.com&hl=en&place_id=ChIJ40kZESxC24gRD_zZEQ7Qu3k", "provider_id": "/g/1tdh4p5w", "rating": 4.7, "reviews": 211, "type": "Roofing contractor", "types": [ "Roofing contractor", "Painter" ], "type_id": "roofing_contractor", "type_ids": [ "roofing_contractor", "painter" ], "address": "1364 Touchstone Rd, Fort Myers, FL 33903", "open_state": "Closed ⋅ Opens 7 AM Wed", "hours": "Closed ⋅ Opens 7 AM Wed", "operating_hours": { "tuesday": "7 AM–5 PM", "wednesday": "7 AM–5 PM", "thursday": "7 AM–5 PM", "friday": "7 AM–5 PM", "saturday": "7 AM–5 PM", "sunday": "7 AM–5 PM", "monday": "7 AM–5 PM" }, "phone": "(239) 652-5784", "website": "https://www.myfirstservice.net/", "thumbnail": "https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipMImLlWFkLosfOtCjKzQCZLQBSAFUM3zyfSRAxM=k-no-" }, ``` Here is a tutorial on how to scrape Google Maps Data using Python: [Scrape Google Maps data and reviews using PythonLearn how to quickly and effortlessly scrape Google Maps places data and its reviews using the SerpApi Python library. Bonus: export the data to a CSV file.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a5/00/a5004977-0dd2-4bcd-9292-dd0e05d4c59e/content/images/icon/serpapi-favicon-14.png)SerpApiHilman Ramadhan![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a5/00/a5004977-0dd2-4bcd-9292-dd0e05d4c59e/content/images/thumbnail/scraping-google-maps-API-cover.webp)](https://serpapi.com/blog/scrape-google-maps-data-and-reviews-using-python/) That's it! I hope this can help you automate your ads strategy by learning what other competitors do.