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Free Google Ads to BigQuery Connector by OWOX: Take Control of Your Ad Data at Scale

Running Google Ads is one thing. Reporting on them at scale? Reporting on them at scale with a Google Ads to BigQuery solution? That’s a whole different beast. Exporting Google Ads data into BigQuery often means expensive ETL tools, complex scripts, or constant dependency on engineers, barriers that delay insights and increase costs.

Dashboard displaying Facebook Ads data flowing into BigQuery storage and being exported to Google Sheets and Looker Studio.

Analysts deserve direct, transparent control over their own campaign performance data without waiting on a data pipeline. That’s why we built this free, no-code Google Ads to BigQuery connector as part of OWOX Data Marts. It enables you to load, refresh, and manage Google Ads data directly in BigQuery, with full visibility and zero vendor lock-in.

No limits, no hidden layers. Just your Google Ads data in BigQuery, exactly where you need it.

Why We Built the Free Google Ads to BigQuery Connector 

Most Google Ads connectors are either costly, limited in flexibility, or completely opaque about what happens under the hood. We wanted to change that. Analysts and marketers should own their ad data pipelines, not rent them from closed, third-party vendors.

Our goal is to help data and marketing teams take full control of their reporting workflows – without relying on slow, third-party tools. With this connector, you get the transparency, flexibility, and ownership to analyze your Google Ads data directly in BigQuery.

Whether you're monitoring budgets, tracking campaign performance, or fueling advanced reporting pipelines, this connector, built on OWOX Data Marts, gives you unrestricted access to the metrics that matter, with zero compromise.

Join the Open-Source Movement

We’re not just releasing a free connector – we’re inviting you to help shape the future of data and marketing analytics tools.

At OWOX, we believe that data access and transparency should be a right, not a luxury. That’s why this connector is 100% open-source – giving you full control over how it works, what it does, and how far it can go.

If you like what we do, please ⭐ star our GitHub repo to show your support – it helps us reach more analysts and grow the number of available connectors.

Also, feel free to:

  • Explore the code and customize it to fit your needs.
  • Contribute to this data connectivity ecosystem: suggest new connectors, pull new connectors, and/or documentation to support the wider community.
  • Join our community and share your feedback.

We’ve built the core, the foundation – now it’s your turn to take it further.

Why Choose the OWOX Free Connector for Google Ads to BigQuery 

There’s no shortage of tools that send Google Ads data into BigQuery. But most come with trade-offs - restrictive pricing models, rigid pipelines, or zero visibility into what’s actually happening behind the scenes.

The OWOX connector was built to remove those barriers:

  • 100% free and open-source – no usage fees, hidden limits, or tiered pricing. Available on GitHub as part of OWOX Data Marts.
  • Direct Google Ads → BigQuery flow – skips CSVs, staging layers, and third-party intermediaries.
  • Full API coverage – Access to all key metrics, segments, and dimensions available in the Google Ads API.
  • Own your schema – define your target table structure, assign aliases, and tailor fields for your reporting needs.
  • Complete transparency – inspect, modify, or extend every pipeline component using open configurations and SQL directly in your warehouse.

You don’t have to rely on opaque ETL tools or worry about data volume pricing. If you want complete control over how Google Ads data lands in your BigQuery project, with zero vendor lock-in, the OWOX connector is built for you. 

Why Bring Google Ads Data into BigQuery?

When it comes to large-scale marketing analytics, BigQuery is unmatched in power and speed. But getting raw Google Ads data into it? That’s where most teams struggle.

  • Complex ETL pipelines that demand engineering support
  • Limited control over metrics and conversion data
  • Costly third-party tools that restrict schema access

That’s exactly why we built the Google Ads to BigQuery connector – to give analysts a better, simpler, and fully transparent way to own their ad data.

Here’s why it’s a must-have for data teams:
Automatically load Google Ads data to BigQuery – no manual scripts or ETL tools needed
No-code setup using an open-source spreadsheet template
Access to all key metrics – impressions, clicks, cost, conversions, ROAS, and more
Schedule recurring imports and incremental updates seamlessly
Pull granular data across campaigns, ad groups, ads, and keywords

This connector gives you the control, flexibility, and visibility to analyze marketing performance your way, at any scale. And the best part? You don’t need to pay a cent or write a single line of backend code to get started.

Want even more control over your ad data?
If you’re moving Google Ads data into BigQuery, you’ll love what else you can connect – completely free and code-free:
Unify all your ad data, customize your analysis, and scale your reporting exactly how you want, across every platform and channel.

How the Connector Works

We built this connector to work out of the box for data analysts, marketers, and technical teams, as part of OWOX Data Marts, with no middleware, scripts, or ETL platforms required.

Here’s what’s under the hood:

  • Runs on an open-source framework you can host and operate yourself, no need for extra software, paid ETL tools, or manual CSV uploads.
  • Connects directly to the Google Ads API to fetch campaign, ad group, keyword, and performance metrics data.
  • Loads your Google Ads data straight into BigQuery tables, ready for querying, modeling, or dashboarding.
  • And yes, it starts 100% free and open, with no usage limits or hidden restrictions.

You can use it to:

  • Replace costly ETL tools with a fully owned, transparent solution built on OWOX Data Marts
  • Schedule recurring imports to keep your BigQuery tables always up to date
  • Feed Looker Studio dashboards and advanced marketing models using clean, structured ad data

It’s the simplest, fastest way to start running Google Ads analysis in BigQuery, no waiting, no black boxes, and no engineering overhead.

Step-by-Step Guide: Import Google Ads Data to BigQuery with OWOX Data Marts 

Set up a fully self-managed, SaaS-free pipeline to import Google Ads data directly into BigQuery using OWOX Data Marts and a local server.

Step 1: Install Node.js and OWOX CLI ( ~2 min)

To run OWOX Data Mart locally, you’ll need to install Node.js and the OWOX CLI. This setup allows you to start a local server and work with OWOX Data Marts effectively.

To get started, install the LTS version of Node.js from nodejs.org and use a version manager like nvm or nvm-windows to avoid permission issues. Once Node.js is set up, you can install the OWOX CLI globally and run ‘owox serve’ to launch the local server. 

💡 For detailed setup instructions and troubleshooting, check the official documentation.

Step 2: Connect Google BigQuery and Set Up Your Data Mart ( ~3 min)

Set up BigQuery as your destination and link it to a new Google Ads data mart in OWOX.

  1. Open your browser and go to http://localhost:3000.
 Local host being redirected to the home page of OWOX Data Marts. i-shadow
💡 Follow our guide, where you’ll find easy-to-follow instructions on how to configure your storage in OWOX Data Marts.
  1. Create your Service Account JSON Key.
Navigation panel in Google Cloud Console showing the path to access service accounts by going to IAM and then selecting the Service Accounts section. i-shadow
  1. Paste it into the ‘OWOX Service Account JSON Field’
  • Don’t forget to click ‘Save’.
OWOX connector configuration labeled ‘OWOX Service Account JSON Field’ where users paste their service account key for authentication. i-shadow
  1. Create your first Data Mart: Once storage is added, click on the Data Mart Tab, then on ‘New Data Mart’
OWOX Data Marts interface showing the main dashboard with the ‘New Data Mart’ button. i-shadow
  • Now, create the Data Mart, name the title as ‘Google Ads Data Mart’, as the data source
  • Choose the storage named ‘Google Ads Storage’ you just created
  • Click ‘Create Data Mart’.
Create Data Mart screen with title set to "Google Ads Data Mart" and storage selected as "Google Ads Storage". i-shadow

Now we will do the Data Setup

  1. Set up your Data Mart
    • Go to the Data Setup Tab and then select Connector
 Input Setup section in OWOX Data Marts with 'Connector' selected as the definition type for the data source. i-shadow
  • Click on Setup Connector and Choose Google Ads Connector
Setup Connector panel in OWOX Data Marts with Google Ads selected as the connector source. i-shadow

Step 3: Get a Google Ads Access Token ( ~1 min)

To connect to the Google Ads API and start importing data with OWOX Data Marts, follow the steps below.

Prerequisites

  • You must have a Manager (MCC) account in Google Ads.
  • If you don’t have one yet, follow Google’s instructions to create it:
    Create a Manager Account 

Steps to Obtain Credentials

Here are the steps:

  1. Register in the API Center
    • In your Manager (MCC) account, open Admin → API Center.
    • Fill out the registration form with the following details:
      1. API Contact Email
      2. Company Name
      3. Company URL
      4. Company Type
      5. Intended Use – for example:
        “For in-house marketing analytics and retrieving ad data for reporting.”
      6. Principal Place of Business

    • Check the box to accept the Terms and Conditions, then click Create Token.
Google Ads API Center form showing fields for API Contact Email, Company Name, Intended Use, and Create Token button highlighted. i-shadow i-radius
  1.  Request Basic Access for the Developer Token
    • By default, new developer tokens can only access test accounts.
    • To retrieve data from active Google Ads accounts, you must apply for Basic Access.
    • In the Basic Access application form:
Google Ads API Center showing Developer Token status set to “Pending Basic Access.” i-shadow  i-radius
  • In the Basic Access application form:
    1. Fill in your company details.
    2. Describe your company’s business model and how you use Google Ads.
      Example:
      “We leverage Google Ads to execute targeted campaigns that increase customer acquisition and brand awareness.”
    3. Attach a document or PDF with a sample of your planned report design.
    4. For the question “Do you plan to use your Google Ads API token with a tool developed by someone else?”, select Yes and include the OWOX Data Marts URL:
      https://github.com/OWOX/owox-data-marts
    5. For “Do you plan to use your token for App Conversion Tracking and Remarketing API?”, select No.
    6. Under “Which of the following Google Ads capabilities does your tool provide?”, check at least Campaign Management and Reporting.

  • Click Submit.

Google Ads API Basic Access request form with Campaign Management and Reporting capabilities selected. i-shadow  i-radius
  • Within approximately three business days, the Google Ads team will respond to your registered email address.
  •  If approved, you’ll see your access level updated in the API Center.
Google Ads API Center showing approved Developer Token status with Basic Access granted. i-shadow  i-radius

Service Account Authentication

  1. Create a Service Account in Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
  • Open your GCP project and navigate to
    IAM & Admin → Service Accounts → Create Service Account.
  • Enter a name and description, then click Create and Continue.
  • Assign the following roles:
    • BigQuery User
    • BigQuery Data Editor
  • Click Continue, then Done.
  • Locate the newly created service account, click the three dots (⋮), and select Manage Keys.
  • In the Keys tab, click Add Key → Create New Key → JSON.
    The JSON key file will be downloaded automatically – store it securely.
Google Cloud Console showing IAM & Admin section with “Create Service Account” and “Create New Key” options highlighted. i-shadow

2. Set Up Access in Google Ads

  • Open your Google Ads account, go to Admin → Access and Security.
  • Click the + (plus) icon to add a new user.
  • Paste your service account email address.
  • Assign Read-only permissions.
  • Click Add Account.
  • Repeat the same steps for your Manager (MCC) account.

Google Ads Access and Security page showing “Add User” window with service account email and Read-only access selected. i-shadow  i-radius

3. Save Your Developer Token and Customer ID

After completing setup, collect and securely store the following:

  • Developer Token – copy it from the API Center in your MCC account.
  • Customer ID – copy it from the top-right corner of your ad account (the one you want to pull data from).
  • Login Customer ID – copy the Manager (MCC) account ID.

Google Ads dashboard highlighting Developer Token in API Center and Customer ID in the account header. i-shadow  i-radius

At this point, you should have the following credentials:

  • Service Account Key (JSON): Used for authentication from your GCP project.
  • Developer Token: Authorizes access to the Google Ads API.
  • Customer ID: Identifies the ad account you’re retrieving data from.
  • Login Customer ID: Identifies your Manager (MCC) account used for authentication.

Security Notes

  • Keep your Service Account Key (JSON), Developer Token, and other credentials secure and private.
  • Never share your Google Ads API credentials publicly or include them in shared documents.
  • Store the JSON key file and Developer Token in a safe location with restricted access.
  • If credentials are ever exposed, revoke and regenerate them immediately through the Google Cloud Console or Google Ads API Center.
  • Follow your organization’s security policies for managing API keys and service account access.

Note: OAuth2 authentication is currently under development. It will enable users to connect using individual account consent instead of relying on a service account.

Step 4: Configure Google Ads Connector and Run Your First Import ( ~2 min)

Now that you’ve retrieved your Google Ads credentials, it’s time to configure the connector in OWOX Data Marts.

  1. Enter your Customer ID and Tokens
    • Input your Google Ads Customer ID in the format 12345678 (without dashes).

Note: Use the ad account Customer ID, not the MCC (manager)  account ID. This is the ID of the specific account from which you want to retrieve campaign and performance data.

  1. Fill in the required fields, depending on your chosen authentication type:
    • For OAuth2 Authentication (without service account):
  • Refresh Token: Paste the refresh token you obtained in the CREDENTIALS guide.
  • Client ID: Enter the Client ID from your Google Ads app.
  • Client Secret: Enter the corresponding Client Secret.
  • Developer Token: Paste the Developer Token from the CREDENTIALS guide.
  • For Service Account Authentication:
    1. Service Account Key: Paste the contents of the JSON key you generated in the CREDENTIALS guide.
    2. Developer Token: Paste the Developer Token from the CREDENTIALS guide.
    3. Login Customer ID: Enter your MCC (manager) account ID in the format 12345678 (without dashes).
OWOX connector configuration panel with the Google Ads access token field filled in for authentication. i-shadow
  1. Start Date:
    • Set the reporting start date (e.g., 2025-10-01). This determines how far back data will be fetched
Connector configuration form with the Start Date field set to 2025-09-01 for fetching data from Google Ads.  i-shadow
  1. When you scroll down, you’ll see some more fields with parameters. For your first run, they are optional, and you can always come back and adjust them later.

  2. Click Next

  3. Endpoint: Choose the following valid endpoint nodes:
    • Google Ads Campaigns – Fetches campaign details such as ID, name, status, start and end dates, and serving channel.
    • Google Ads Campaigns Stats – Returns key performance metrics like impressions, clicks, cost, and conversions.
    • Google Ads Ad Groups – Lists ad groups under each campaign with their IDs, names, and statuses.
    • Google Ads Ad Groups Stats – Provides ad group performance metrics, including CTR, CPC, and conversions.
    • Google Ads Ad Group Ads Stats – Shows ad-level stats such as impressions, clicks, and spend.
    • Google Ads Keywords Stats – Retrieves keyword metrics like impressions, clicks, conversions, and cost.
    • Google Ads Criterion – Displays targeting details such as location, audience, and device settings.

👉 Tip for first-time setup: If you’re just getting started, begin with Google Ads Campaigns. It provides essential campaign-level details that serve as the foundation for your reports. Once your setup is working, add Google Ads Campaigns Stats for performance metrics and Google Ads Keywords Stats to expand into keyword-level insights.

Node selection menu for Google Ads with options like Google Ads Campaigns. i-shadow
  1. Select Fields for the chosen endpoint. 
    • Select all available fields or choose specific metrics like campaign_id, campaign_name based on your reporting needs.
List of available fields from Google Ads API to include in the connector. i-shadow
  1. Dataset Name: 
    • Enter the BigQuery dataset name where the imported data should be stored.
Final setup screen showing the target dataset and table path in BigQuery with time triggers hint enabled. i-shadow

Note: If the dataset doesn't exist, OWOX will create it automatically in the storage during the import process.

  1. Click Finish

10. In the Data Setup Tab, click 'Save' at the bottom left and then click on ‘Publish Data Mart’ in the top right corner.

OWOX Data Marts configuration screen showing successful mapping between Google Ads and BigQuery table with a Save and a Publish button. i-shadow  i-radius

11. Click the 'Manual Run' button or use the 3-dot menu.

OWOX Data Marts interface with the ‘Manual Run’ button visible and the 3-dot menu expanded.  i-shadow  i-radius

12. A configuration panel will appear to choose a Run Type. Select Backfill or Incremental Load. Then add the required start and end dates, then click Run to load the data. 

Please Note: If you are setting up this connector for the first time, you need to go with the Backfill Run Type.

Manual Run configuration panel in OWOX Data Marts showing run type options and fields to set start and end dates. i-shadow  i-radius

13. Go to 'Run History' and see the message: 'Success'.

 Run History tab in OWOX Data Marts displaying the status message ‘Import is finished’. i-shadow i-radius

Step 5: Schedule Automated Imports ( ~1 min)

Set up a trigger to pull data on a recurring schedule.

  1. Go to the 'Triggers' tab in the new Data Mart
    • Click 'Add Trigger'.
Triggers tab in OWOX Data Marts showing the option to add a new time trigger, with no scheduled triggers currently listed for the Google Data mart. i-shadow

2. Configure:

  • Trigger Type: Connector Run
  • Schedule Settings: Daily / Weekly / Monthly / Interval
  • Time Settings: hour, minute, second
  • Days of the week
  • Time zone
Scheduled trigger setup screen in OWOX Data Marts showing trigger type and scheduling options for automating data runs. i-shadow

3. Click 'Create Trigger'

OWOX Data Marts time trigger setup showing schedule details and the 'Create trigger' button to automate data refresh based on the selected configuration.  i-shadow

4. The trigger is now active and scheduled to run automatically on the defined days and at the defined time.

OWOX Data Marts trigger summary screen showing active time trigger details, including schedule, status, and upcoming run for Google Ads Data. i-shadow

What’s Next?

The free Google Ads to BigQuery connector from OWOX Data Marts reinforces our goal of making data ownership effortless, transparent, and accessible for every team.

Here are more resources to explore:

🔗 More free connectors – including LinkedIn Ads and Microsoft Ads Connectors for BigQuery.

🎥 Step-by-step video tutorials – so you can follow along and set everything up with ease.

📊 Prebuilt dashboard templates – designed to help you get actionable insights instantly from BigQuery faster than ever.

Check out our GitHub repo, leave us a ⭐ star, and let’s build better tools together.

FAQ

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