We at WebLynx Media assist businesses in reaching the right people, increasing conversions, and getting the most out of ad spend with smart digital marketing. Black Flag Jiu-Jitsu, a leading martial arts school in Rockford, Illinois, is one such success story. We helped them attract more students, increase lead generation, and increase brand visibility through an expertly created Google Ads campaign.
This is what we did with Black Flag Jiu-Jitsu to create a cost-effective Google Ads campaign that worked and delivered actual results.
The Challenge: Reaching the Right Audience with Paid Search
Black Flag Jiu-Jitsu had a strong word-of-mouth reputation, but they needed to expand their reach and get in front of potential students actively searching for martial arts training. They wanted to:
- Increase new student inquiries and sign-ups for trial classes.
- Improve local brand awareness in Rockford and surrounding areas.
- Reduce wasted ad spend by targeting only high-intent potential students.
Their previous efforts with paid advertising lacked precision targeting and conversion tracking, making it difficult to measure ROI.
Our Google Ads Strategy for Black Flag Jiu-Jitsu
1. In-Depth Keyword Research & Audience Targeting
We conducted extensive keyword research to identify the most relevant and high-converting search terms. Instead of broad, expensive terms like “jiu-jitsu” or “martial arts,” we targeted:
- “Jiu-Jitsu classes near me”
- “Self-defense training in Rockford”
- “Best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym Rockford IL”
By using geo-targeting, we ensured that ads were only shown to people searching for BJJ classes within a reasonable driving distance, reducing unnecessary ad spend.
2. Optimized Ad Copy & Landing Pages
Writing effective ad copy is crucial for driving clicks and conversions. We crafted ads that:
- Highlighted Black Flag’s unique selling points (experienced instructors, competition training, community-driven atmosphere).
- Used strong calls-to-action (CTAs) like “Book Your Free Trial Today” and “Try Your First Class for $XX.”
- Matched ad copy with dedicated landing pages optimized for lead capture.
The new landing pages featured quick sign-up forms, testimonials, and a strong incentive for new students to take action immediately.
3. Smart Budget Allocation & Bid Strategy
Instead of spreading the budget across multiple campaigns, we focused spending on high-converting keywords and ad placements. We used:
- Maximized conversions bidding to focus on getting more sign-ups at the best possible cost.
- Ad schedule optimization to show ads when people were most likely to search for martial arts classes (evenings and weekends).
- Negative keyword filtering to eliminate irrelevant clicks (e.g., “free BJJ classes,” “Jiu-Jitsu equipment”).
This approach ensured every dollar spent was working toward getting real, high-quality leads.
4. Retargeting for Higher Conversions
Many people visit a website but don’t sign up on their first visit. To stay in front of these potential students, we launched retargeting display ads that reminded visitors about Black Flag Jiu-Jitsu’s free trial and training programs.
These ads followed users across websites, YouTube, and social media, increasing the likelihood of return visits and sign-ups.
Final Thoughts: Google Ads Can Transform Your Business
For service-based businesses like Black Flag Jiu-Jitsu, Google Ads is a high-impact marketing tool when executed properly. With the right keywords, audience targeting, and conversion-focused strategy, businesses can attract more qualified leads while staying within budget.
At WebLynx Media, we help businesses like gyms, fitness studios, and local service providers maximize their digital marketing ROI. Whether you’re new to Google Ads or looking to improve your existing campaigns, we can create a strategy tailored to your needs.
Looking to grow your business with Google Ads? Contact WebLynx Media today and let’s build a campaign that drives real results.