Getting OpenClaw to answer questions about Google Ads performance in Slack is useful but involves a more complex setup than most integrations — starting with a Google Ads API developer token that requires an application and review process.
How OpenClaw Integrations Work
OpenClaw is a self-hosted AI assistant that runs on your own server — typically an EC2 instance — and connects to Slack. It uses Claude under the hood to process requests. Out of the box, OpenClaw doesn't ship with pre-built connections to third-party tools. Instead, integrations are built using the skills system: markdown files in ~/.openclaw/skills/ that give Claude instructions for a particular domain, combined with HTTP tool calls to any API you expose to it.
In practice, adding a real integration means: getting API credentials from the third-party service, building or configuring a small proxy/endpoint that OpenClaw can call, and writing a skill file that tells Claude how to use it. For some tools this is an afternoon of work. For others — like Google Ads — it's considerably more involved.
Connecting OpenClaw with Google Ads: Step by Step
Step 1: Apply for a Google Ads API Developer Token
You need a Google Ads Manager Account (MCC) and a developer token to use the Google Ads API. Go to your Manager Account → Tools → API Center and apply. New tokens start at Basic Access (limited to test accounts) and require an application for Standard Access (production data). The standard access application involves answering questions about your use case and may take several weeks.
Step 2: Set Up OAuth 2.0 Credentials
Create a Google Cloud project, enable the Google Ads API, and create OAuth 2.0 credentials (Desktop or Web application type depending on your setup). You'll use these to authenticate API requests on behalf of a Google Ads account. The OAuth flow is standard but the initial setup in Google Cloud Console has many steps.
Step 3: Build the Proxy and Skill File
The Google Ads API uses gRPC/protobuf natively but has a REST interface. Use the Google Ads client libraries (available for Python, Java, Ruby, PHP, .NET) in your proxy for the best experience. Write ~/.openclaw/skills/google-ads.md documenting what performance data is available and at what granularity.
Challenges and Caveats
Basic Access Means Test Accounts Only
Until your standard access application is approved, the API only works with test accounts — not your real campaign data. You cannot prototype with real data until approval comes through.
The Application Process Is Unpredictable
Standard access applications are reviewed by Google and can take anywhere from days to months. There's no SLA. If your use case doesn't fit Google's permitted uses, access may be denied.
GAQL Has Its Own Syntax
The Google Ads Query Language (GAQL) is the query interface for the API. It's not SQL, though it looks similar. Claude can generate GAQL queries for your skill, but expect incorrect syntax on first attempts.
Skip All of This — Use Cody Instead
Cody has Google Ads integration built in — no developer token application, no OAuth setup, no GAQL queries. Ask about campaign performance from Slack and get an answer.
Related Guides
- Connecting OpenClaw with Facebook Ads: A Practical Guide
- Connecting OpenClaw with Google Analytics: A Practical Guide
- Connecting OpenClaw with Hubspot: A Practical Guide
Need the model-flexible version? See: How to Connect Google Ads to OpenClaw: Setup, Models, and Workflow Guide.