Create a Google Ads Manager Account from the manager account homepage
Visit the Google Ads manager account homepage and click Go to Manager Accounts.
If you’re not signed in already, sign in using the email you’d like to use to manage your new manager account.
Give your manager account a name. This is the name that your clients will find in their client account.
Note: URLs are no longer accepted in account names.
Choose how you plan to use the account. Select manage other people’s accounts.
Select your country and time zone. This time zone will be used for your account reporting and billing and can’t be changed. You might want to choose the time zone you work in.
Note: Time zones cannot be changed.
Select a permanent currency for your account.
You might want to choose the currency in which you do business. Your client accounts will be billed in their individual chosen currencies. Keep in mind that when you’re checking performance or budget information across accounts in your manager account, you’ll have the option to view any cost-related information converted to the currency used by your manager account. Learn more About converting currencies in your manager account.
Click Explore your account to get started.
Create a Service Account & Credentials
Visit your Google Cloud Console and create a Project if you don’t have one. Enter a name and optionally edit the project ID.
Search Products for Google Ads API and Enable.
Click IAM & Admin and select Service Accounts in the left navigation.
Click + Create Service Account and provide a Service Account name & description.
Once your Service Account has been created, select it and navigate to the Keys tab.
Click Add key -> Create new key -> Select JSON for the key format.
Click Create and a private JSON key will download. Save this for later as we’ll need it to connect your Reactiv integration.
Link your Service Account as a User in your Google Ad Manager Account
In your Google Ad Manager Account, navigate to Admin -> Access & Security.
Click + Add and enter in the email address of your Service Account
Under Access Expires chose Never
Select the Standard role for this user
Click Add Account
Create Your Google Ad Account
Visit ads.google.com and sign in using your existing Google account.
If you don't have an account, create a new Google Ads account. This will function as the Ad Account to serve your ads and it will be managed through the Google Ad Manager Account you’ve just created.
Link your Google Ads Account to be managed by your Google Ad Manager Account
In your Google Ad Manager Account, navigate to Accounts -> Sub-Account Settings
Click + Link Existing Account
Enter the Google Ad Account account id and select your Google Manager Account to Assign a direct manager
In the lower left hand corner of the modal, click Send Request
Access the API Center
After signing into your Google Ads manager account, navigate to Admin > API Center.
This is where you'll manage API access and developer tokens.
Apply for a Developer Token (Basic Access)
In the API Center, click "Apply for a developer token".
Choose "Basic Access" as your desired access level.
Ensure you have the following resources ready for your application:
A presentation or slide deck about your business.
A YouTube-hosted video providing a clear explanation of your store.
Fill out the application form thoroughly, including your contact details and a concise description of your intended API usage. Submit the form when ready.
Wait for Approval
Approval typically takes from a few business days up to one week.
Google will notify you via email once your application is reviewed.
If Additional Information Is Requested
Google Ads compliance may request further details. Be prepared to provide:
Information about the legal business entity operating your online store and any other associated domains.
A clear explanation of the types of API requests you plan to perform, such as:
Retrieving Conversion Actions and Custom Variables.
Creating Conversion Actions ("UPLOAD_CLICKS") and Custom Variables.
Uploading conversion events for attribution purposes.
Retrieve Your Developer Token
After receiving approval, revisit the API Center to view your developer token.
Note this 22-character string, as it's required for making API calls.