Inside Google Ads with Jyll Saskin Gales

Did you know that there are a dozen different bid strategies to choose from in Google Ads? In Episode 77, Google Ads Coach Jyll Saskin Gales covers the key things you need to know about each one. After breaking them down into four main categories (impression-based, click-based, view-based, and conversion-based), she explains the nuances of each strategy, from the popular Maximize Conversions and Target CPA to the lesser-known Viewable CPM or Maximum CPV and even the newest bid strategy: Target CPC. By the end of this in-depth episode, you'll have the knowledge to confidently select the most effective bid strategy...

Are you struggling to decide between Performance Max and Search campaigns for your Google Ads strategy? In episode 76 of Inside Google Ads, host Jyll Saskin Gales breaks down the key differences, strengths, and weaknesses of these two powerful campaign types, then provides a clear 3-step process to pick the right one for you.

Jyll clarifies what each campaign entails, from the keyword-focused nature of Search campaigns to the comprehensive, AI-driven reach of Performance Max across Google's various properties like Search, Display, YouTube, and Gmail. She explains why Performance Max represents the future of Google Ads with its...

In special episode 75 of the Inside Google Ads podcast, host Jyll Saskin Gales tackles a common question for small business owners: is it still possible to achieve good results with a limited budget in Google Ads? While it's becoming more challenging each year, Jyll maintains that it's absolutely achievable with the right strategies. Drawing from her insights shared during a webinar for Main Street ROI, Jyll outlines five crucial steps to maximize your return on a small Google Ads investment. She also offers a realistic perspective on when Google Ads might not be the best fit for your current...

Are broad match keywords really as troublesome as they say? As if! In Episode 74 of the Inside Google Ads podcast, host Jyll Saskin Gales drops major truth bombs about broad match, which she now champions as "end game" for Google's automation. Jyll addresses common concerns and misconceptions about broad match, sharing insights from real client accounts and providing practical tips for optimizing your campaigns.

Learn when broad match is the right choice, how to interpret your search terms report, and what to do about those "hidden" search terms. Jyll also tackles the use of dynamic keyword insertion...

Do you really need a Google Shopping feed to be successful with Google Ads? While it's not an absolute requirement, it is highly recommended for ecommerce businesses. In Episode 73 of the Inside Google Ads podcast, host and Google Ads Coach Jyll Saskin Gales dives into the nuances of using shopping feeds for B2C and B2B ecommerce businesses.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

What happens when your perfectly planned Google Ads audience targeting strategy doesn't work? As any seasoned practitioner knows, encountering obstacles is a normal part of the process. The most valuable skill you can develop is the ability to pivot and find a creative solution when things don't go according to plan.

In Episode 72, host Jyll Saskin Gales tackles common audience targeting failures and provides actionable workarounds. Drawing from recent experiences and listener questions, Jyll explains why certain audience types are no longer compatible with specific campaigns and what you can use instead. She also dives deep into...

You've got questions about Target CPA bidding, and in episode 71 of the Inside Google Ads podcast, host Jyll Saskin Gales has answers! She clarifies the differences between Maximize Conversions and Target CPA bid strategies, offering insights into when and why you might consider switching. Jyll also advises whether to start new campaigns with Target CPA or not, and if it's necessary to change to Target CPA if Maximize Conversions is already performing well. She also debunks myths about bid strategy statuses, and whether or not you need to worry about the "learning period."

Plus, stay tuned 'til...

Can Google Ads Demand Gen campaigns actually generate demand, or are they a waste of money? In episode 70, host Jyll Saskin Gales dives into Google's newest campaign type, Demand Gen, to find out how you can yield impressive results and generate quality leads. To do so, she interviews three seasoned Google Ads practitioners – Heather Broussell, Austin Lindquist, and Jack Hepp – who share their real-world success stories using Demand Gen for diverse lead generation clients, from educational institutions to home services and cybersecurity firms. Their experiences will inspire you with practical examples of how to make Demand Gen work for your...

It's the day after #GML2025, and Inside Google Ads host Jyll Saskin Gales was in the room where it happened in Mountain View, California. In this special episode, Jyll shares the big announcements from Google Marketing Live, and her perspective on what it all means for your Google Ads account.

Learn more about Google Marketing Live with Jyll: https://jyll.ca/gml?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode69

AI Max for Search campaigns
Video: https://youtu.be/wKp8lEICwZQ 
Article: https://learn.jyll.ca/blog/ai-max-for-search-campaigns-what-you-need-to-know-about-search-max?utm_source=podcast&utm_m...

What's the easiest way to spy on your competitor's keywords? In episode 68, Google Ads Coach Jyll Saskin Gales dives deep into effective (and ethical) ways to gain valuable insights into your competitors' Google Ads strategies. Forget misleading paid tools; Jyll shares her top three go-to methods that will actually help you understand what's working for others and where you might be missing out. And they're all free! Plus, Jyll breaks down the four ways to increase your search impression share, with the caveat that more isn't always better. Finally, Jyll addresses a frustrating Google Ads tool error, offering a...

Are rising Google Ads CPCs making you sweat? It's not a good enough excuse to stick with manual bidding. In fact, that's counterproductive! In episode 67 of the Inside Google Ads podcast, host Jyll Saskin Gales explains why higher costs with Smart Bidding strategies like Maximize Conversions are actually a good thing, and contribute to better performance. She also addresses concerns about using Maximize Conversions in new accounts with no prior data and clarifies whether duplicate ad groups inflate your CPCs.

Plus, be sure to stay tuned until the end of the episode for a new Insider Challenge...

PMax channel reporting is here! Time to celebrate? In a very candid episode of Inside Google Ads, host Jyll Saskin Gales dives into the latest buzz from Google: the upcoming channel reporting feature for Performance Max campaigns. While the promise of transparency—finally seeing how your PMax spend is distributed across Google's various channels like Search, Display, Maps, and Gmail—might sound exciting, Jyll offers a more nuanced perspective. She explains why this visibility without the ability to directly control channel allocation could lead to more frustration than success. Jyll also discusses recent PMax updates (like the introduction of a fu...

Are bid adjustments in Google Ads still a "thing"? In Episode 65 of Inside Google Ads, host Jyll Saskin Gales tackles your questions about bid strategy adjustments. First, Jyll provides alternatives to manual CPC with location bid adjustments. She emphasizes the importance of addressing the root cause to guide automation effectively. Next, Jyll explains Google's customer lifecycle goals features in detail, which you may know as "bid for new customers only" mode. She proposes a practical rule of thumb for when these features might be beneficial. Finally, Jyll answers a philosophical question about the impact of your bidding strategy on...

Guess what?! Jyll's book, "Inside Google Ads: Everything You Need to Know About Audience Targeting," is officially out now - and it's a BESTSELLER! You can buy it on Amazon, in paperback or ebook, and on Google Play Books or Kobo, in ebook.

To celebrate, host Jyll Saskin Gales shares a little taste of what you'll find inside with a special podcast episode. In this short but sweet installment (episode 64 of Inside Google Ads), she reads an excerpt about Your data segments aka remarketing. Jyll shares the four main types of remarketing, and dives into the first...

Struggling to understand Google Ads custom segments? Are you not seeing them anymore in your audience targeting settings? You're not alone! In Episode 63 of the Inside Google Ads podcast, host Jyll Saskin Gales breaks down the complexities of custom segments in Google Ads.

Just in time for the launch of her new book, "Inside Google Ads: Everything You Need to Know About Audience Targeting" (available on Amazon April 16th, 2025), Jyll gives listeners an exclusive sneak peek into her chapter about Custom Segments. She clarifies what custom segments are, how they work, and the four key inputs you...

Are you wondering whether those super specific exact match keywords in Google Ads are actually worth the higher cost? Google Ads Coach Jyll Saskin Gales tackles this question and more in Episode 62 of Inside Google Ads. We're diving into the world of keyword match types, looking at whether exact match consistently delivers a better return on investment compared to broad match, and discussing why the old "phrase match is the middle ground" advice might not hold up anymore. Plus, we're exploring why trying to micromanage exact match through scripts or SKAGs isn't the most effective strategy anymore.

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In this tech-heavy episode of Inside Google Ads, host Jyll Saskin Gales answers three of your burning Google Ads questions. First, get a sneak peek at Jyll’s exclusive account audit template and discover the five key areas she focuses on to maximize Google Ads Account Audits. Next, demystify the world of UTM tracking and learn how to use them to gain valuable insights into your website traffic. Finally, Jyll clarifies the differences between her two popular Google Ads courses, Inside Google Ads and Google Ads for Beginners, to help you choose the best training for your needs. And as...

Let's put this question to bed once and for all: PMax for Lead Gen, yay or nay? In Episode 60 of Inside Google Ads, host Jyll Saskin Gales tackles your questions about Performance Max for lead generation. Is it a good fit for B2B clients? How does it compare to Demand Gen campaigns? And can it be effectively used for affiliate marketing?

Key topics discussed:

This is the episode you've been waiting for! For special episode 59, Google Ads Coach Jyll Saskin Gales shares her "Advanced Audience Targeting Strategies" talk from the Paid Search Association Conference 2025. She explores the differences between audience and content targeting, discusses the shift in Google Ads' audience targeting capabilities, and looks at some exciting new features. Jyll also reveals her top 3 audience targeting strategies: non-linear targeting, creative-led targeting, and indirect competitor targeting. Tune in to discover how to adapt your Google Ads strategy and achieve better results with these advanced techniques.

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What makes a good Responsive Search Ad? In Episode 58 of Inside Google Ads, host Jyll Saskin Gales explains the nuances of crafting effective RSAs. We tackle a user's question about whether you need to include keywords in your ad copy, and explore the murky world of asset performance ratings. Plus, Google Ads specialist Boris Beceric shares practical tips for writing effective responsive search ad copy. If you're looking to improve your CTR and expand your PPC skill set, tune in for tons of tips on creating effective Responsive Search Ads.

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In Episode 57 of Inside Google Ads, host Jyll Saskin Gales tackles a question that might make some advertisers squirm: are some businesses simply too small to advertise? She explores the nuances of Google Ads for small businesses, low-budget campaigns, and niche industries, and discusses how to determine if your business (or your client's business) falls into this category. Plus, Jyll shares some controversial opinions and insider tips for making the most of your Google Ads campaigns, even if you're working with limited resources.

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Are the Google Ads certifications worth taking to get Google Partner status? In Episode 56 of Inside Google Ads, host Jyll Saskin Gales tackles your burning questions surrounding Google Ads certifications and Google Partner status. Jyll shares her recent experience of having to redo five certifications to maintain her Google Partner status. She explores the value of the Google Partner badge and delves into the program's four key requirements, and discusses whether achieving and maintaining Google Partner status is truly worth the effort for Google Ads practitioners. She also addresses the debate about the usefulness of Google Ads certifications. Finally...

If it ain't broke, don't fix it! In Episode 55 of Inside Google Ads, host Jyll Saskin Gales dives into how to choose the right bidding strategy for your Google Ads campaigns. She discusses the pros and cons of different bid strategies, such as manual CPC, target ROAS, and target impression share. Jyll also shares tips on how to determine which bid strategy is right for your business goals.

Key topics covered in this episode:

How to advertise on YouTube? Let's get into it. In Episode 54 of Inside Google Ads, host Jyll Saskin Gales discusses the ins and outs of YouTube as a powerful tool in Google Ads, addressing common questions about video campaigns, including how to effectively use in-feed ads and leverage your ecommerce product catalog.

Key Takeaways include:

It's the one-year anniversary of the Inside Google Ads podcast! To celebrate, host Jyll Saskin Gales answers all of your most burning questions about Google Ads, in under 30 seconds each. This episode is jam-packed with rapid-fire answers to your biggest Google Ads challenges, covering everything from bidding strategies and targeting options to navigating Performance Max and optimizing keywords.

But that's not all! Jyll is also giving away thousands of dollars worth of stuff to celebrate this anniversary, including courses, a coaching call, and more. Tune in NOW to learn what you can win, and enter at jyll...

In Episode 52 of Inside Google Ads, Google Ads Coach Jyll Saskin Gales tackles the nuances of keyword match types in Google Ads head on. No "it depends" here!

Based on your questions, Jyll focuses on exact match and phrase match keywords, and how their use impacts your campaign performance. She uses real-world examples to illustrate the potential benefits and drawbacks of each. Jyll also explores the often-misunderstood world of negative keyword match types, clarifying how they differ from regular keywords and offering practical advice on when to use them.

The episode wraps up with a...

Audience Targeting in Google Ads can be very challenging to get right. In Episode 51 of Inside Google Ads, host Jyll Saskin Gales tackles three challenging questions about audience targeting in Google Ads. She explains why customer match lists are so valuable and how to use them effectively, including a discussion of Demand Gen campaigns. She also offers advice on how to find your audience when you operate in a sensitive interest category, using non-linear targeting and creative-led targeting strategies. Finally, she answers the question of whether or not you should use audiences with your Search and Shopping campaigns, providing...

In Episode 50 of Inside Google Ads, Jyll Saskin Gales tackles the age-old question: which Google Ads bid strategy reigns supreme? She dives deep into the maximize vs. target bid strategies (spoiler alert: manual bidding doesn't even get a seat at the table). Jyll explains why maximize conversions is often the best starting point, especially for new campaigns, and cautions against the pitfalls of bid limits. Using real-world examples from her coaching practice, she illustrates how high CPCs can actually lead to lower CPAs and increased conversions. Plus, Jyll breaks down how to set an appropriate budget for your maximize...

You don't need to ask ChatGPT to know that AI is changing every single thing around us. (And no, AI didn't write that sentence.)

In Episode 49 of Inside Google Ads, Google Ads Coach Jyll Saskin Gales tackles the burning question on everyone's minds: what is the future of Google Ads with AI? (Ok, AI did write that sentence.)

Jyll addresses the concerns raised by listeners like you on TikTok, Threads, Instagram and LinkedIn, providing a four-part answer that covers what you need to know about the future of Google Ads. She explores the convergence of...

In this special episode of Inside Google Ads, host Jyll Saskin Gales speaks with Aaron Young of Define Digital Academy about Google Ads sales representatives. They cover everything from identifying the expertise of your Google rep to understanding the nuances of optimization score and budget recommendations. Plus, they dive into the evolving world of match types, audience targeting, and the power of smart bidding.

You can get episode transcripts delivered to your inbox each week by signing up for free at https://free.jyll.ca/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode48<...