# How to Set Up Your Google Ads Context File You now have a file that loads Ryan Baker's Google Ads strategic framework into your AI tool of choice, so that every question you ask gets answered with principle-based reasoning rather than generic platform advice. This document walks you through setup on four platforms: Claude.ai, Claude Code, ChatGPT, and Gemini. --- ## Before You Start: Fill In Your Account Context Open `google-ads-context-file.md` and scroll to **Part 2: Your Account Context**. Fill in as much as you can before uploading the file. The framework in Part 1 is what makes the advice strategic. The account context you add in Part 2 is what makes it specific to you. A few minutes here will make every future conversation significantly more useful. You don't need every field. Fill in what you know. You can come back and update it later. --- ## Platform 1: Claude.ai Projects (Recommended for most people) Claude.ai Projects let you upload files that Claude reads automatically at the start of every conversation, without you having to re-explain anything. **Steps:** 1. Go to claude.ai and sign in. 2. In the left sidebar, click **Projects**, then **Create project**. 3. Name your project something like "Google Ads" or "My Ad Account." 4. Inside the project, look for the **Project Knowledge** section (usually on the right side or in project settings). 5. Click **Add content** and upload `google-ads-context-file.md`. 6. Start a new conversation inside the project. Claude will now read your context file automatically every time you ask a question in this project. No prompts needed. No re-explaining. **Tip:** If you manage multiple accounts, create a separate project for each one and customize Part 2 of the context file for each account before uploading. --- ## Platform 2: Claude Code Claude Code reads files directly from your local filesystem, which means you can edit the context file and Claude sees the changes immediately, without re-uploading. **Steps:** 1. Create a folder on your computer for Google Ads work, for example: `Google Ads / [Account Name]`. 2. Save `google-ads-context-file.md` into that folder. 3. Open Claude Code and start a session in that directory. 4. At the start of any Google Ads conversation, type: "Read google-ads-context-file.md and use it as context for all my Google Ads questions today." 5. Optional: Create a `CLAUDE.md` file in the same folder with this line: "Before answering any Google Ads question, read google-ads-context-file.md in this directory." The CLAUDE.md method means you never have to ask Claude to read the file. It does it automatically at the start of every session in that folder. **If you have a Google Ads MCP server or API connection:** Some Claude Code users have a Google Ads MCP (Model Context Protocol) server or direct API access that gives Claude live access to campaign data, search terms, keyword performance, and conversion metrics. If you have this set up, the context file becomes significantly more powerful when placed alongside it. 1. Save `google-ads-context-file.md` in the same directory as your MCP configuration or API scripts, or in your existing Google Ads context folder if you already have one. Claude Code reads files from the current working directory, so keeping everything in one place means Claude can access both the strategic framework and your live account data in the same session. 2. Save `google-ads-memory.md` in the same directory so your session history stays co-located with your account tools. 3. Update your `CLAUDE.md` to reference both: ``` Before answering any Google Ads question, read google-ads-context-file.md in this directory for strategic framework and account context. When specific performance data is needed (campaign metrics, search terms, keyword performance), use the Google Ads MCP or API connection to pull current data rather than relying solely on the baselines in the context file. ``` The combination of the context file (strategic framework, account goals, history) and live API data means Claude can give advice that is both strategically grounded and based on current performance numbers, without you having to paste data into the chat manually. --- ## Platform 3: ChatGPT You have two options in ChatGPT: a Custom GPT or a Project. Custom GPTs are more powerful because you can name them, give them a persona, and add persistent instructions. Projects work similarly to Claude.ai Projects. **Option A: Custom GPT** 1. Go to chatgpt.com and sign in. 2. Click your profile icon, then **My GPTs**, then **Create a GPT**. 3. In the **Configure** tab, give it a name (e.g., "Google Ads Strategist") and a brief description. 4. In the **Instructions** field, paste this: "You are a Google Ads strategist. Use the uploaded context file as your primary framework for every question. Before giving any recommendation, refer to the account context in Part 2 of the file. Never give generic advice that ignores the specific account details provided." 5. In the **Knowledge** section, click **Upload files** and upload `google-ads-context-file.md`. 6. Click **Save** (top right), then set visibility to **Only me**. 7. Use this GPT for all future Google Ads questions. **Option B: ChatGPT Projects** 1. In ChatGPT, click **Projects** in the left sidebar and create a new project. 2. Upload `google-ads-context-file.md` to the project files. 3. Start conversations inside the project. Custom GPT is the better choice if you want the instructions to be permanent and automatic. --- ## Platform 4: Gemini Gems Gemini's equivalent of Claude Projects is called Gems. Gems are available with Gemini Advanced (requires a Google One AI Premium subscription). **Steps:** 1. Go to gemini.google.com and sign in. 2. In the left sidebar, click **Gems**, then **Create a new Gem**. 3. Give it a name: "Google Ads Strategist." 4. In the **Instructions** field, paste this: "You are a Google Ads strategist trained on the Market Journey Path framework. Use the uploaded context file as your primary source of strategic guidance. Always refer to the account context in Part 2 before making recommendations. Prioritize specific advice over general best practices." 5. Upload `google-ads-context-file.md` in the file upload section. 6. Click **Save**. 7. Use this Gem for all future Google Ads questions. --- ## Getting the Most Out of It **Starter prompts to try:** - "My CPA has gone up 35% over the last three weeks. Walk me through what might be causing it before we make any changes." - "I'm thinking about switching to Target CPA. Based on my account context, is this the right move now?" - "I need to clean up my search terms report. Help me build a negative keyword list for this week." - "My PMax campaign seems to be cannibalizing my search traffic. What should I check?" - "Based on where I am in the market journey, which stage should I focus budget on first?" **Updating your account context:** As your account changes, update Part 2 of the context file and re-upload it. This keeps the advice current. If you are using Claude Code, just edit and save the file. **The memory file:** The context file includes instructions for Claude to maintain a running memory file after each session, so your account history builds up over time. At the end of any substantive conversation, ask your AI: "Can you update the memory file with what we covered today?" It will create or append to a `google-ads-memory.md` file and keep a chronological log. --- *Ryan Baker, Kingly Consulting — kinglyconsulting.com*