Many businesses hire an SEO or digital marketing company to improve their online visibility, and that often includes managing paid search campaigns alongside organic efforts. To do this, your agency needs access to your Google Ads account, which was known as Google AdWords until it was rebranded. Sharing access properly is important: it lets your agency work efficiently while you keep ownership and control of your account, billing, and data. This guide explains exactly how to add an SEO company to your Google Ads account, which access level to choose, and the best practices for keeping everything secure.
Why Businesses Trust AAMAX.CO With Search Marketing
Choosing the right partner matters as much as granting access correctly. AAMAX.CO is a full-service digital marketing company offering web development, digital marketing, and SEO services worldwide. Their team coordinates paid and organic search so keyword insights from Google Ads campaigns inform content strategy, and organic data helps reduce wasted ad spend. Businesses that hire them for SEO services benefit from a unified search strategy where every channel works together to generate qualified leads and sales.
Why Your SEO Company Needs Google Ads Access
An SEO company may request access to your Google Ads account for several reasons. The account contains valuable keyword data, including search terms that actually drive conversions. Agencies use this information to identify organic opportunities, align landing pages with ad messaging, and measure how paid and organic channels perform together. If the agency also manages your campaigns, they need access to create ads, adjust bids, and optimize budgets.
Understanding Google Ads Access Levels
Before adding anyone, understand the available access levels so you can grant only what is needed:
- Admin: Full control, including managing users, billing, and account settings.
- Standard: Can view and edit campaigns and most settings but cannot manage user access.
- Read only: Can view campaigns and reports without making changes.
- Email only: Can receive notifications and reports by email.
- Billing: Can view and manage billing information.
For an SEO company that only needs keyword and performance insights, Read only access is usually sufficient. If the company will manage campaigns, Standard access is typically the right choice. Reserve Admin access for trusted team members within your own business whenever possible.
Method 1: Invite Your SEO Company by Email
The simplest method is to invite a specific person at the agency using their email address:
- Sign in to your Google Ads account.
- Click the Admin icon in the navigation menu.
- Select Access and security.
- Click the plus button to add a new user.
- Enter the email address of your agency contact.
- Choose the appropriate access level.
- Click Send invitation.
Your agency contact will receive an email invitation and must accept it to gain access. The interface may change slightly over time, but these settings remain in the Access and security area of your account.
Method 2: Link to Your Agency's Manager Account
Most professional agencies use a Google Ads manager account, sometimes called an MCC, to manage multiple client accounts from one dashboard. Linking your account to their manager account is often the preferred approach:
- Share your 10-digit Google Ads customer ID with your agency. You can find it at the top of your Google Ads dashboard.
- Your agency sends a link request from their manager account.
- In your account, go to Admin, then Access and security, and open the Managers tab.
- Review the pending request and click Accept.
Once linked, the agency can manage your campaigns while you retain ownership. You can remove the link at any time from the same Managers tab.
Best Practices for Secure Access
Protecting your Google Ads account is essential, especially because it is connected to your payment information. Follow these best practices:
- Always keep ownership: Create the account yourself using a business email, and never let an agency own your account.
- Use the lowest necessary access level: Grant only the permissions your agency actually needs.
- Never share your login password: Always use the official user access or manager linking features.
- Enable two-step verification: Add an extra layer of security to every user with access.
- Review access regularly: Remove former employees and agencies you no longer work with.
- Monitor change history: Use the change history report to see what adjustments have been made.
Connect Google Ads With Other Tools
For the best results, link Google Ads with Google Analytics and Google Search Console. This lets your SEO company compare paid and organic search queries, identify keywords where you may be overspending on ads despite strong organic rankings, and discover new content opportunities. These connections support a more efficient, data-driven digital marketing strategy.
What to Discuss With Your SEO Company
Before granting access, clarify expectations. Agree on which campaigns the agency will manage, how budgets will be approved, how often you will receive reports, and which key performance indicators matter most. A clear agreement prevents misunderstandings and ensures your paid and organic strategies stay aligned with business goals.
Final Thoughts
Adding an SEO company to your Google Ads account is quick and secure when you use the built-in access tools. Invite your agency by email or link to their manager account, choose the lowest access level they need, and keep ownership of your account at all times. With proper access and a clear strategy, your agency can combine paid and organic insights to grow your visibility and return on investment.
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