The most effective location targeting strategy begins by aligning your campaign settings with your actual service area. Whether you operate nationally, regionally, or hyper-locally, your initial targeting should reflect the full scope of where you can realistically do business - be it an entire country, specific states, particular counties, or individual zip codes.

Here's why this approach works: Google Ads provides robust reporting that lets you analyze performance at increasingly granular levels. When you target a broader area like a county, you can still see exactly which cities and zip codes drive the best results. This data becomes your compass for optimization.

After collecting sufficient performance data (typically 30-60 days), you can make strategic adjustments:

• Increase bids for high-converting neighborhoods or municipalities

• Reduce spend in areas with poor performance

• Potentially exclude locations that consistently underdeliver

This method ensures you don't prematurely limit your potential reach while still giving you the control to optimize based on real-world results. The key is starting with your true service capacity, then letting the data guide your refinements for maximum efficiency and profitability.

Remember - location targeting isn't set in stone. As your business expands or market conditions change, you can always revisit and adjust your geographic parameters to reflect your current capabilities and opportunities.