When working with a marketing agency to meet your digital marketing goals, one of the first steps is granting them access to your Google Ads account. This allows the agency to set up, manage, and optimize your campaigns effectively. In this guide, you’ll learn step by step how to add an agency to your Google Ads account, whether by inviting them as a user or linking your account to their Manager (MCC) account. 

When you partner with Ripple, these steps will give us access to start managing your campaigns right away.

Step 1: Log in and Locate Your Customer ID

1. Go to ads.google.com and log in with your Admin account.
   
2. Look for your 10-digit Customer ID at the top of the Google Ads interface. It usually appears in the top-right corner.
   

Step 2: Decide Which Access Method to Use

There are two ways to give an ad agency access:

• Method A: Add as a User – good if you only have one account.
  
• Method B (Recommended): Link to an ad agency’s Manager Account (MCC) – best for businesses with multiple accounts or for long-term partnerships.

If you’re using Method B, skip to Step 3 under Method B.

Method A: Adding an Ad Agency as a User

This method gives the ad agency access through a specific email address.

Step 3: Open Access Settings

1. In Google Ads, click the Admin (gear icon) in the left column.
   
2. Select Access and Security from the dropdown menu.
   

Step 4: Invite the ad agency as a User

1. In the Users tab, click the blue ‘+’ button.
   
2. Enter agency’s email: example@example.com
   
3. Assign a role:
   
   • Standard: Can manage campaigns, reports, keywords (recommended).
     
   • Admin: Full access, including user management.
     

Step 5: Send & Confirm

• Click Send Invitation.
  
• The agency will accept, and their status will change from Pending to Active.
  

That’s it for Method A!
Next is Method B.

Method B: Linking to a Marketing or Ad Agency’s Manager (MCC) Account

This is the most efficient way to provide access, especially if you have multiple accounts.

Start by completing Step 1: Log in and Locate Your Customer ID.

Step 3 (Method B): Share Your Customer ID

Send your 10-digit Customer ID to the marketing or ad agency so they can initiate the link request.

Step 4 (Method B): Approve Marketing or Ad Agency’s Request

1. Once the agency sends the request, log in to Google Ads.
   
2. Go to Admin → Access and Security → Managers tab.
   
3. Look for the Pending request from the agency.
   

Click Approve.

That’s it! Your new marketing partner will now be connected to your account through the MCC.

Step 8: Verify Billing & Conversions

Once access is granted:

• Confirm your billing information is correct: Billing → Settings → Payment Methods.
  
• Ensure conversion tracking is working: Admin → Conversions.

Double-check links to Google Analytics, Merchant Center, or Search Console.

Step 9: Security Best Practices

• Grant the minimum level of access needed (usually Standard).
  
• Keep Admin access limited to your internal team.
  
• Use 2-Step Verification for your Google account.
  
• Review users/managers quarterly and remove anyone who no longer needs access.

Step 10: Removing or Changing Access Later

• To remove a user: Access and Security → Users → Remove access.
  
• To unlink a manager: Access and Security → Managers → Remove manager.
  
• To downgrade permissions: select the user → adjust Role.
  

That’s it for Method B; you’re all set.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Don’t see Access and Security? You may not have Admin privileges.
  
• Manager request missing? Refresh the page, check the Managers tab, and confirm the MCC ID.
  
• Invitation expired? Resend the invitation.
  
• Billing errors? Confirm your payment profile is active and assigned correctly.

FAQ

Q: Will the marketing or ad agency see my payment method?

A: No. They can see spending and invoices, but cannot change your payment method unless you explicitly grant that access.

Q: Does linking transfer account ownership?

A: No, you remain the account owner.

Q: Can an agency create new accounts for us?

A: Yes, but you’ll always retain control of billing and ownership.

Quick Start (For Clients in a Hurry)

1. Log in as Admin at ads.google.com.
   
2. Go to Admin → Access and Security.
   
3. Choose one:
   
   • Users → + Invite → add example@example.com
     
   • Managers → + Link to manager → enter agency’s MCC ID: XXX-XXX-XXXX.
     
4. Let the agency know when done so they can accept.

Your Partner in Digital Advertising Success

If you’re looking for digital marketing support, whether you need help setting up your ad manager or developing a full-service marketing strategy, Ripple Design & Marketing is here to help. 

We go beyond running ads, taking the time to understand your goals, your audience, and your competitive landscape. With that foundation, we develop compelling brand and marketing strategies that position your business for growth. 

Once you’ve partnered with Ripple as your agency, we’ll have everything we need to start building and optimizing campaigns that deliver results from day one.

Ready to grow with a trusted partner by your side? Contact us today and let’s get started.