My Journey of Google Digital Guru Green Belt Certification 2020
I joined upGrowth in my quest to become a Google digital guru as a PPC Executive, starting my journey managing Google Ads accounts before I transitioning to an SEO profile and now working on optimizing and improving page ranks for our clients.
As a platform, I found Google Ads to be a very utilitarian & customer-oriented advertising tool. From better user experience to higher close and conversion rates, from building brand credibility to optimizing cost management, Google Analytics stands out from all the other tools in terms of features and performance.
Watch: Google Digital Guru Green Belt Certification 2026 Explained
Take a closer look at our experience with the Google Digital Guru Green Belt 2026 program. In this video, we share insights, key learnings, and strategies that helped us grow as a team and sharpen our expertise in the digital marketing landscape.
Working At UpGrowth
upGrowth is a growth hacking-marketing agency whose goal is to bring about effective growth of your company.
UpGrowth uses unique strategies and state-of-the-art technologies to enhance the digital presence of your company leading to significant and sustainable growth. The strategies are built on data-driven experiments. Effective digital campaigns are made based on this, which eventually leads to rapid growth. This works for both start-ups and well-established companies.
Recently, we at upGrowth were given the opportunity to train and acquire the Google Digital Guru Green Belt certification.
Google Digital Guru Green Belt Certification Verified By Google : 1st Step Towards Becoming A “Google Digital Guru”!
So here’s how it works: the Google Ads official team trains you to be a full-time digital marketer and enables new career possibilities. The program aims to empower the most dedicated and talented individuals in digital marketing to become experts in Google Ads tools. It combines business overview and in-depth product implementation of the 5 As of Performance Excellence including:
Ad formats,
Audiences,
Always on,
Automation and
Attribution.
The Google Digital Guru Green Belt Certification is a first step towards achieving a bigger milestone in digital marketing. The program is divided into 3 levels:
Green (Foundation),
Blue (Advanced),
Black Belt (Pitch Stimulation),
each of which is a prerequisite to the next. the individual is labeled as a ‘Digital Guru’At the end of this training program.
The Green Belt track focuses on Google Ads practitioners and search specialists to help agencies create, optimize, measure and report search campaigns for their clients.
It’s an exclusive, niche program meant only for the most valuable agency partners. (There are hardly 150+ Google Digital Guru Green Belt holders in India.) It also serves as an individual’s first milestone in the path of becoming a digital marketing expert. It was an opportunity for selected members from agencies, brands and other corners of the country to advance their Google performance advertising expertise. This is used as a benchmark for their position in the industry.
We at upGrowth were lucky to get premium access to such a program, and this Google Digital Guru Green Belt Certification program was my first such experience at the company. One thing to note here – due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s course was conducted entirely online.
Learnings And Experience
Experience:
It began with a link that Google sent. We had to register ourselves by accessing the link. Upon successful completion of registration, we received another link the next day.This led to a test that we had to give and qualify in order to attend the webinar.The test consisted of multiple choice questions that tested your digital marketing skills. After qualifying in the test, we received a verification code that we used to access the course material and webinar.
Our mentor for this webinar was Meenakshi from Google. The entire webinar was informative, interesting and my favourite parts were the live quizzes that were conducte for all participants upon completion of a topic. It worked like this: once the mentor finished explaining a topic, a set of questions would appear on our screen that would test what we grasped from the topic that was explained.
Following were the key learnings from the webinar:
Learnings:
Tools for driving performance across Google properties
Search
Display
YouTube
Programmatic
SEARCH ADS
The opportunities to drive performance:
Account excellence using Optimization Score.
Planning with Google Trends and forecasting with Performance Planner.
Boosting ROI with Smart Bidding.
Driving leads further.
Dynamic Search Ads:
Dynamic Search Ads setup:
Boosting ROI With Smart Bidding
Smart Bidding
This solution combines an exclusive set of signals to set precise bids for every auction. Fully automated and designed to help you achieve your marketing goals.
Why?
Smart Bidding bids auction-time & query-level.
It uses a combination of thousands of signals to set the best bid.
Smart Bidding can optimize based on conversion history from all of your.
Google Display campaigns
Smart Display
Setting up smart campaign
Set your budget
Set your bid
Maximize your creatives
Wait before acting
Optimize your campaign
Discovery Campaigns
85% of online consumers will take a product-related action within 24 hours of discovering a product that meets their needs. Discovery ads can reach up to 2.9B people.
YouTube
YT India’s journey to the 400 millionth user.
The 1st 100 Million Entertainment.
The Next 150 Million Entertainment + Information.
The Current 150 Million Entertainment + Information + Education.
Case Studies And Exam:
This was a very productive session. The participants were split into groups and were given a common case study to solve. Everyone contributed and we came up with some really good insights and suggestions.
There were two case studies:
Lead Generation-based case study
Brand Awareness-based case study
Each case study consisted of a set of question. We had to answer these questions by discussing them with our team mates. In the end all this was put to test through an online exam. In order to receive the Green Belt Certificate, it was mandatory to clear this exam.
I am proud to have cleared this exam and am now Green Belt Certified.
Proud to complete my Google Green Belt Certification and here it is –
In conclusion, I’d like to say that the entire program was highly informative and insightful. There were a few understandable network glitches. Apart from this, the session really helped me gain a deeper understanding of the field of digital marketing – and I’m looking forward to the next level in the course!
1.How do I get Google certified?
Google offers many certifications like Google Green Belt and Google ads certification. Here’s how it works. According to Google, certifications are granted when a user passes certification assessments and meets the qualifications of the certification.
A certification is a professional accreditation that Google offers to individuals who demonstrate proficiency in basic and advanced aspects of Google products and solutions like Google Ads and Google Marketing Platform. You need to go to Skillshop and choose your learning path first, and then complete your course/assessment.
To print the certification, sign into Skillshop. Then click the icon on the upper right hand side, followed by clicking My Profile. Scroll down to Achievements/Certifications. This is where you will see the certifications you have earned. Click your name, then print or download your certification.
2.What are discovery ads?
Discovery ads are the format from Google that allows advertisers to deliver rich, personalized ad experiences to people who are ready to discover and engage with their brands via a single Google Ads campaign.
These are immersive, interactive ads with the option to showcase a single image of a product or service, or multiple images in carousel format. Discovery ads appear in the Google Discover feed (iOS, Android Google app and mobile Google.com) on the mobile YouTube feed and in Gmail (under the social and promotions tabs).
Discovery ads are native ads that appear in multiple Google feed environments. The ads displayed are derived from consumers’ past site visitation, app downloads, videos watched and map searches. These are essentially the same signals Google uses for its In-Market audience targeting.
3.What are youtube display ads?
There are many kinds of ads available on YouTube, like skippable in-stream ads, non-skippable in-stream ads, discovery ads and non-video ads. YouTube display ads are ads that appear on the right of the video player on the corner of the screen.
They are only available for desktop. There are multiple sizes and formats with image and animation, but none support autoplay sound, which keeps them from interfering with the video player.
These ads generally appear to the right of the feature video player and above the video suggestions list, but for larger players, these ads may appear below the player.
4.How to use google ads for website?
Here’s a quick guide on how to use Google ads for your website.
Set up your site: You need to have an existing website on which to run AdSense.
Make sure your site complies with Google’s requirements: You need to meet all the eligibilty requirements of Google AdSense, like easy to read text, easy to use navigation, etc.
Apply to AdSense: Go to the Google AdSense website and sign up.
Configure your ads: Choose ad types and sizing.
Ad AdSense code: Copy-paste the code on to your website.
Update your privacy policy: Once AdSense is enabled, you must include a privacy policy on your websiteto let visitors know that an ad network is displaying ads on your site.
Verify address: Before you can generate earnings, you will receive a card from Google through mail. This card includes a PIN associated with your AdSense account. Follow the instructions, verify your PIN and begin to encash payments.
5.How to use free google ads?
Did you know there’s a way to use free Google ads? That’s right!
You can do this for free using Google My Business and Google maps. With Google My Business, your ads will show up in searches that are made in close proximity to you business – which means you have the opportunity to generate more traffic, leads and sales.
All you need is a Google account, an address and phone number for your business, and (preferably) a logo or image. Go to Google Business and click start now. Search for your business. If it is not already listed, enter your info. Follow the steps provided by Google, you will get a verification code in your inbox.
Verfiy your business within 30 days of getting this code. And that’s it!
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The Google Digital Guru Green Belt certification is built around the 5 As of Performance Excellence, a framework designed to master modern search campaigns. This model is critical because it provides a structured approach to campaign management, moving beyond basic setup to strategic optimization for maximum client impact. For professionals at an agency like upGrowth, mastering these elements is non-negotiable for delivering data-driven growth. The framework systematically covers the essential pillars of high-performing advertising:
Ad formats: Creating compelling and responsive ads that capture attention across devices.
Audiences: Reaching the right users with precise targeting and segmentation.
Always on: Maintaining a consistent presence to capture intent whenever it arises.
Automation: Using Google's machine learning for bidding, targeting, and ad creation.
Attribution: Accurately measuring the value of each touchpoint in the customer journey.
Embracing this holistic campaign strategy ensures you can build, measure, and refine campaigns that achieve significant and sustainable results. Understanding how these five components interact is the first step toward true expertise, explored further in the full certification journey.
The Google Digital Guru Green Belt is an exclusive, invite-only certification designed for practitioners at Google's most valued partner agencies. It serves as a powerful benchmark because it validates a marketer's deep, practical expertise in Google Ads, going far beyond standard qualifications and signaling a commitment to excellence. This credential, held by a select group of approximately 150+ individuals in India, acts as a significant career milestone. It is the first of three levels in the Digital Guru program, establishing the groundwork for more advanced skills:
Green Belt (Foundation): Focuses on the core principles for creating, optimizing, and reporting on high-performance search campaigns.
Blue Belt (Advanced): Builds upon the foundation with more complex strategies and tools.
Black Belt (Pitch Stimulation): Culminates in demonstrating mastery through simulated client pitches.
For a marketer at an agency like upGrowth, earning the Green Belt is not just a validation of current skills, but a clear signal of their potential to lead complex digital strategies. Discover how this foundational step opens doors to new professional opportunities in the full story.
While self-study provides flexibility, the Google Digital Guru program offers a structured, three-level curriculum that is far more valuable for agency professionals. The key differentiator is its focus on practical application and strategic depth, which is curated by Google's official team for its top partners. This provides a clear advantage over independent learning, which can lack direction and real-world validation. When deciding, consider these factors:
Credibility and Exclusivity: The Digital Guru certification is an elite credential, held by only 150+ professionals in India, which immediately sets you apart. Standard certifications are widely available and hold less weight.
Structured Learning Path: The program's progression from Green (Foundation) to Blue (Advanced) and Black (Pitch Stimulation) ensures a comprehensive skill build-up that self-study often misses.
Agency Recognition: The program is designed for and recognized by top agencies like upGrowth, making it a direct investment in a career within the high-performance agency ecosystem.
Choosing the Digital Guru path is a strategic decision to align your skills with the industry's highest standards. Read on to see how this structured approach translates into tangible career growth.
An agency's decision to participate in the Google Digital Guru program signals a deep commitment to technical excellence and client success. For a data-driven growth hacking agency like upGrowth, this investment goes beyond a simple credential; it is a strategic move to ensure its team operates at the highest level of proficiency with Google's advertising tools. This approach directly translates into superior outcomes for clients. Advanced certifications empower agencies in several key ways:
Mastery of Advanced Tools: Certified experts can better apply complex features like advanced automation and attribution modeling, which are critical for maximizing ROI.
Enhanced Strategic Insight: The training focuses on a holistic performance framework, enabling team members to build more effective, data-backed campaign strategies.
Increased Credibility: Having certified 'Digital Gurus' on staff, a distinction held by fewer than 150+ people in India, builds immense trust with clients, assuring them their campaigns are managed by elite specialists.
Ultimately, these certifications are a mechanism for institutionalizing expertise and ensuring that every campaign is built on a foundation of proven, cutting-edge knowledge. Explore the full article to see the direct impact of this expertise.
The 'most valuable agency partner' designation implies a strategic, symbiotic relationship between Google and a select group of agencies. This partnership extends beyond simple tool usage to a deeper collaboration where the agency, like upGrowth, is recognized for its high standards, client success, and commitment to mastering the Google Ads platform. This close alignment provides significant advantages for the agency's clients. The benefits of this elevated partnership status include:
Access to Elite Training: Clients are served by teams trained directly by Google on the latest tools and strategies, ensuring their campaigns are managed with cutting-edge expertise.
Early Access to Betas: Premier partners often get early access to new features, giving their clients a competitive edge in the market.
Dedicated Support: These agencies typically have access to higher levels of support from Google, enabling faster problem resolution and strategic guidance.
For clients, this means their campaigns are not just being managed, but are being guided by a strategically-aligned and officially recognized expert team. This relationship is a core asset, which you can learn more about by reading the full account.
Earning the Google Digital Guru Green Belt is a multi-step process reserved for individuals at Google's partner agencies, like upGrowth. Unlike public certifications, you cannot simply sign up; participation begins with an official invitation from Google. Once your agency is selected, the process is designed to filter for dedicated and proficient practitioners. Here is the typical sequence you would follow to qualify for the training:
Receive the Invitation Link: Google sends an exclusive registration link to the selected agency. Your first action is to register your details through this portal.
Complete Registration: After submitting your information, you must wait for a confirmation and a subsequent link for the next stage.
Pass the Qualification Test: The second link leads to a qualifying test. This exam assesses your existing knowledge of Google Ads to ensure you meet the baseline requirements for the intensive webinar training.
Qualify for the Webinar: Upon successfully passing the test, you gain access to the Green Belt training webinar, which forms the core of the certification program.
This rigorous qualification process ensures that only committed specialists participate, making the certification a true mark of distinction. Find out more about the experience inside the program by reading the full post.
To prepare a team for the Google Digital Guru certification, a marketing agency should structure its internal training around the 5 As of Performance Excellence. This framework provides a clear roadmap for developing the comprehensive skills needed to manage elite campaigns. A successful development plan would involve focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical application for each pillar. Here is a structured approach an agency like upGrowth might take:
Foundational Training: Begin with dedicated workshops on each of the 5 As: Ad formats, Audiences, Always-on strategy, Automation, and Attribution.
Practical Application Labs: Assign specialists to audit existing client accounts specifically through the lens of the 5 As, identifying areas for immediate improvement.
Peer Reviews and Case Studies: Have team members present their campaign strategies to each other, justifying their decisions based on the 5 As framework.
Performance Benchmarking: Set internal KPIs tied to each of the 5 As to measure progress and ensure the team is applying the concepts effectively before the certification test.
By integrating this framework into daily operations, an agency can build a culture of excellence that not only prepares the team for certification but also elevates client outcomes. Learn how this approach was implemented by reading the full experience.
The transition of the 2020 Google Digital Guru certification to an online format marks a significant potential shift in how elite training is delivered. This move could democratize access to high-level programs, removing geographical barriers that previously limited participation to those in major hubs. Aspiring marketers should anticipate a future where hybrid and remote learning become standard for even the most exclusive certifications. However, this shift comes with both opportunities and challenges. Here is what to expect:
Increased Accessibility: More professionals from diverse locations may get opportunities to join programs previously limited by in-person requirements.
New Assessment Methods: Proctored online exams and project-based evaluations may replace in-person tests to maintain the integrity and rigor of the certification.
Emphasis on Digital Collaboration: Future programs will likely incorporate more collaborative online tools and virtual breakout sessions to replicate the networking benefits of in-person events.
While the program remains exclusive, with only 150+ holders in India, its digital delivery model could redefine what it means to be part of an elite group. Read the full post to understand the firsthand experience with this new online format.
In a saturated market of digital professionals, standard certifications have become commonplace and fail to offer a real competitive edge. Pursuing an exclusive, invite-only certification like the Google Digital Guru Green Belt directly solves this problem by acting as a powerful, undeniable signal of advanced expertise. It addresses professional stagnation by pushing marketers beyond foundational knowledge into strategic application. The program achieves this in three distinct ways:
Establishes Elite Status: With only 150+ holders in India, the certification immediately places a marketer in a select group, making their profile stand out to employers and high-value clients.
Validates Practical Skills: The program, run by Google for its top partners like upGrowth, focuses on in-depth product implementation and strategy, not just theoretical knowledge tested in standard exams.
Creates a Path for Growth: The Green Belt is the first step in a multi-level program, providing a clear and prestigious path for continuous professional development from foundation to mastery.
Instead of just another line on a resume, this certification is a verifiable testament to your commitment to excellence in a specialized field. Delve deeper into how this milestone can reshape a career by reading the full account.
Agencies often struggle to prove their expertise in a market where every competitor claims to be a 'Google Ads expert.' The Google Digital Guru Green Belt directly solves this credibility problem by serving as an objective, third-party validation from Google itself. Unlike widely available certifications, its exclusivity makes it a powerful and trustworthy signal of elite proficiency. This credential, held by a very small number of practitioners, addresses the credibility gap by:
Providing Unmistakable Proof: It is a niche program for Google's most valuable partners, like upGrowth, instantly separating the agency from those with only standard qualifications.
Demonstrating Commitment to Mastery: Investing in such a rigorous program shows clients that the agency is dedicated to the highest level of performance and is up-to-date with Google's best practices.
Functioning as a Competitive Differentiator: With only around 150+ holders in India, an agency with certified Digital Gurus possesses a rare and marketable asset that clients can easily recognize and value.
This certification transforms an agency's claims of expertise into a verifiable and prestigious credential, building client trust before a proposal is even sent. Learn more about how this distinction elevates an agency's position in the industry.
The Green Belt track is the foundational stage of the Google Digital Guru program, specifically designed for Google Ads practitioners and search specialists. Its primary focus is to build mastery in the essential skills required to create, optimize, measure, and report on search campaigns with a high degree of proficiency. This stage is a critical prerequisite because it ensures every participant has a solid and consistent understanding of core principles before tackling advanced topics. The Green Belt curriculum centers on the 5 As of Performance Excellence: Ad formats, Audiences, Always on, Automation, and Attribution. Mastering this foundation is crucial because:
It establishes a shared language and strategic framework among all participants.
Advanced topics in the Blue and Black Belt levels, such as complex optimization and pitch simulations, assume complete fluency in these core areas.
It ensures a deep understanding of how to manage campaigns for clients at a highly professional level, which is a baseline expectation for partners like upGrowth.
Without this solid foundation, any advanced knowledge would lack the context needed for effective implementation. Explore the full story to see how this first step paves the way for true expertise.
The author's career path from PPC to SEO highlights a key benefit of mastering Google Ads: the strategic principles learned are highly transferable across the digital marketing ecosystem. A foundational certification like the Google Digital Guru Green Belt provides more than just platform-specific skills; it instills a deep understanding of user intent, data analysis, and performance optimization. This versatility is valuable for any growth-focused agency like upGrowth. The core competencies gained from Google Ads that directly benefit an SEO role include:
Keyword and Audience Insight: PPC campaign data provides invaluable, real-time insights into which keywords and audience segments convert, directly informing SEO content and targeting strategies.
Understanding of SERP Dynamics: Managing ads gives you a practical understanding of the search engine results page, helping you create SEO strategies that complement paid placements.
Data-Driven Mindset: The rigorous measurement and reporting required for PPC campaigns build strong analytical skills essential for tracking SEO performance and proving ROI.
This experience shows that mastering a performance channel like Google Ads is not a narrow specialization, but a powerful foundation for a holistic digital marketing career. Read the full post for more on this professional journey.
Amol has helped catalyse business growth with his strategic & data-driven methodologies. With a decade of experience in the field of marketing, he has donned multiple hats, from channel optimization, data analytics and creative brand positioning to growth engineering and sales.
Growth Strategy and Planning
