Setting a start and end date for a campaign is essential for promotions, seasonal sales, or any temporary objective. For most businesses, the campaign should be set to run indefinitely.
The settings for the campaign duration are found in the Settings menu.
Here is the detailed step-by-step guide:
How to Set Start and End Dates for a Campaign
Step 1: Navigate to Campaign Settings
- Select Campaign: In your Google Ads account, click on Campaigns in the left-hand menu.
- Access Settings: Use the fastest method: Click the Edit settings    button next to the campaign name in the main table.
- Find Duration: In the Settings menu that opens, locate and expand the section labeled ‘Start and end dates’.
Step 2: Configure the Start Date
- Default: By default, the start date is set to ‘Today’. The campaign will begin running as soon as your ads are approved by Google.
- Set Future Date: If you are setting up a campaign for an upcoming event (e.g., a Black Friday sale or a Christmas promotion), click the drop-down menu under ‘Start date’ and select a future date from the calendar.
- Note: You can edit the start date any time before that date passes. Once the date has passed, the start date is fixed and cannot be changed.And you can’t edit nor change the start date of an active campaign.
Step 3: Configure the End Date
- Default: The default setting is ‘None’ (runs indefinitely). This is the correct choice for “evergreen” campaigns that advertise your core products or services year-round.
- Set Specific Date: If your campaign is for a specific time period (e.g., a 14-day clearance sale), click the drop-down menu under ‘End date’ and select the final day you want your ads to run.
- The campaign will stop running automatically at 23:59 (11:59 p.m.) in your account’s time zone on the selected end date.
- Save: Click Save at the bottom of the Settings menu to apply the changes.
Tips and Advice for Campaign Scheduling
| Concept | Rationale and Best Practice |
| Evergreen Campaigns | Opinion: Your core, highest-performing Search campaigns (e.g., your branded campaign or primary service campaign) should almost always have No end date. This ensures you maintain constant visibility and data momentum. |
| Seasonal Campaigns | Use End Dates: Always set a clear end date for promotions (e.g., ‘Winter Sale 31-12-2025’). This prevents you from wasting budget when the offer is no longer valid. |
| Ad Scheduling (Different Control) | Do not confuse the Start/End date with Ad Scheduling. Ad Scheduling (found in the left-hand campaign sub-menu) controls which hours and days of the week your ads run (e.g., only Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm). |
| Start Date Planning | Give your campaign setup at least 2 to 3 business days before the scheduled launch date. This allows time for Google to review and approve your ads, ensuring they start on time. |
| Bulk End Date Setting | You can set an end date for multiple campaigns at once. On the main Campaigns table, check the boxes next to the campaigns, click the Edit menu, and select ‘Change end date’. |
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