The Paid Search Podcast | A Weekly Podcast About Google Ads and Online Marketing
The Paid Search Podcast is a weekly show about Google Ads and online marketing. Hosted by Google Ads expert and Premier Google Partner Chris Schaeffer, it covers pay per click advertising, Google Ads strategies, and effective online marketing for businesses. The podcast aims to help business owners, digital marketing agency employees, and PPC freelancers optimize their Google AdWords budgets. New episodes are released every Monday.
Episodes
Did You Just Break Your Google Ads? 4 Most Dangerous Google Ads Changes (Episode 519)
This week Chris Schaeffer answers questions from listeners and discusses 4 ways to break your Google Ads account. Don't make these key mistakes that can result in an unrecoverable campaign.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com
Google AI Max & AI Mode (Episode 518)
Chris Schaeffer and Joey Bidner discuss Google AI Mode and Google Ads AI Max in this week's episode of The Paid Search Podcast. AI is a growing aspect of the Google universe and advertisers have an opportunity to expand their marketing efforts in ways that were not possible just a few years before. But is it always the right choice for everyone? Let's talk about that!Try Opteo for free f
This is the Best Way to Manage Keywords! (Episode 516)
Let's talk about how to manage your keywords using this keyword risk process. Using low, moderate, and high risk keywords allow you to control the spend of your Google Ads search campaigns. Be sure and download the free PDF resource linked below!Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspKeyword Risk PDF: https://files.chrisschaeffer.com/xGNjxsAZChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrissc
Responding To A Listener’s Google Ads Challenge (Episode 516)
In today's episode Chris Schaeffer answers a question from a listener that disagrees with him! Let's talk about manual bidding verses automated bidding.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com
3 Big Announcements from Google This Year (Episode 515)
Today Chris Schaeffer is talking about three big announcements that Google has made about Google Ads and why they should matter to you. We're talking about the upcoming "upgrade" from DSA to AI Max. Also the big push to get ads in the AI mode of Google. And using AI Max for Shopping campaigns. All of this and more in today's podcast show!Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https:/
Answering 5 Questions from Listeners (Episode 514)
Answering questions from listeners this week!Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com
AI Audits, Free Audits, and Paid Audits (Episode 513)
Getting an expert opinion about your Google Ads campaigns is always a good thing, right? Well let's talk about that. In today's episode Chris Schaeffer and Joey Bidner discuss the three types of audits you can get. Free, Paid, and AI. What should you expect from an audit and what should you avoid? All of that plus more in this week's Paid Search Podcast!Try Opteo for free for 28 day
Should You Exclude by Age & Income Demographics? (Episode 512)
Do you know how Google determines the age, gender, and income of your paid traffic? Well that's an important question to ask! In today's podcast we discuss why you should not exclude traffic based on obscure demographics that have no real analytical weight in the performance of your account. Don't settle for the chicken nuggets of PPC, pull up a chair and enjoy the real meat being s
The State of Google Ads in 2026 (Episode 511)
This week Chris Schaeffer a Google Ads expert manager and consultant discusses the state of Google Ads in 2026. There are a lot of things that have changed and these topics are weighing heavy on today's advertisers. Let's talk about the wide diversity in today's google ppc ads.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit
The Hidden Lies Of Google Ads Agencies (Episode 510)
It's sad but true. People lie. Companies lie. And there are real victims. Google Ads expert Chris Schaeffer discusses 9 ways that Google Ads experts lie to their clients and how you can spot those scams to avoid being a victim.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com
How I Would Launch a New Campaign From Scratch In 2026 (Episode 509)
If you had to build a business that would be more likely to succeed in Google Ads what would it look like? Well that's the topic of this week's show. Chris Schaeffer discusses 3 ways to make a brand new campaign succeed in Google Ads using unique strategies and tactics that could make a huge difference in the performance of your account.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/
10 Hidden Settings In Google Ads (Episode 508)
There really are settings and features in Google Ads that are hidden. And some of these settings can make a big difference in the performance of your search campaigns. In today's podcast Chris Schaeffer, an expert of Google Ads with 23 years of experience, discusses 10 settings and where to find them.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschae
Stealing Clicks From Your Competitors (Episode 507)
Let's talk about competitor campaigns on Google Search. Should you run ads against competitors? Is it worth it? In today's episode Chris Schaeffer discusses the best way to proceed if you plan to spend money on competitor bids.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com
Tips for Shopping, Search, and Display Campaigns (Episode 506)
This week Chris Schaeffer answers questions from listeners. He covers topics around conversion actions in your campaigns, hidden search terms, image assets and display campaigns. And Joey Bidner shares a great tip for optimizing your product title in your product feed!Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a Question - https://ww
How To Train Google Ads With Conversions (Episode 505)
Feed the algorithm! That's the secret we are talking about in today's podcast. Learn how to create a campaign that can be trained to generate better traffic than other traditional methods. This strategy focuses on using a website that drives a large number of conversions which then drives positive signals for the Google Ads bidding algorithm. Let's talk about that!Try Opteo for free
Your Paid Search Questions Answered (Episode 504)
How do you start over in Google Ads? Is manual bidding a practical option for busy managers? Have you tried Portfolio Bidding Strategies? All of this and more in this week's Paid Search Podcast with Chris Schaeffer. Answering questions from listeners around the world who have questions about Google Ads search campaigns!Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - ht
#1 Secret to Improving Broad Match Keywords (Episode 503)
If you are not using ad groups to break up your broad match keywords then you are missing a big part of Google's methodology of keywords matching. In today's podcast Chris Schaeffer discusses the best way to get more out of your broad match keywords.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsea
How Exact Match Keywords Actually Function (Episode 502)
This week Chris Schaeffer discusses the truth behind how exact match keywords work in 2026. Let's talk about what Google says an exact match keyword is allowed to do and what really happens when you run an exact match keyword. Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com
Demystifying Performance Max (Episode 501)
This week Joey Bidner discusses Performance Max campaigns. Let's try and demystify this often confusing PPC campaign type. Also Chris Schaeffer discusses the often forgotten tool, Google Ads Editor.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comJoey Bidner - https://joeybidner.comSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com
6 REALLY GOOD Questions from Listeners (Episode 500)
This week Chris Schaeffer answers 6 questions from listeners. Great questions covering a wide variety of topics like the dying industry of home services on google ads, AI, the future of PPC on Google, how to recover from a crashing campaign, and if sitelinks are good or bad for performance.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a
3 Reasons Your Google Ads is Wasting Money (Episode 499)
Let's get to the point, your Google Ads is wasting money! This week Chris Schaeffer talks about the three most common reasons your account is wasting money. Keywords do not represent the real traffic you are getting, some bid strategies do not allow cost per click management, and the goals you set in Google Ads do not reflect the results you are getting! Let's talk about that.Try Opteo f
Big Changes Coming to Shopping Campaigns in February (Episode 498)
Have you heard about the new mandatory changes coming to Google Shopping campaigns? This week Joey Bidner joins Chris Schaeffer to talk about the upcoming changes and how you need to respond. Also, Chris discusses three ways you can stand out in a PPC interview when you are trying to get a job with an agency or as an in-house marketing manager.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/psp
Q&A: Answering Questions from Listeners (Episode 497)
Let's talk about your biggest questions in Google Ads. These questions come directly from listeners and Chris Schaeffer provides answers to the big issues that haunt PPC managers today. This week we are talking about how to deal with a sudden drop in performance, the recommendation system, the many different campaign types, and the "bid for new customers" option in search campaigns.
PPC for Home Services is Dying (Episode 496)
This week Chris Schaeffer discusses issues around the home service industry in Google Ads. The market has changed and many businesses are lowering their budgets and changing their strategies for ppc in the home services industry. Let's talk about why the ppc home service industry is dying.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubm
Ranking Bid Strategies From Worst to Best (Episode 495)
This week Chris Schaeffer ranking the best and worst Google Ads bid strategies. There are a lot of options on Google for search campaigns and there is only 1 bidding strategy that is considered the BEST one. And that means there are a lot of others that are basically trash.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a Question - https
PPC Basics - Simple Ad Strategy That Works (Episode 494)
This week Chris Schaeffer and Joey Bidner discuss ad copy strategy in Google Ads. These methods are new because we have new data points in Google Ads for headline CTR and we can use this data to make critical decisions about the best headlines to use in campaigns.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a Question - https://www.pai
My 3 Favorite Google Ads POWER TOOLS (Episode 493)
Want to get things done faster in Google Ads? Check out these three power tools that can help you become more effective in Google Ads. Also, MERRY CHRISTMAS! I'll be back in 2026 with more Google Ads podcasts.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com
5 Things You Need to Know About a CLICK in Google Ads (Episode 492)
What is a click in Google Ads? Today we talk about what you need to know about how Google defines a click in paid search. Five important facts you need to know about a click on google ads search campaigns!Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com
Let's Audit an Account with 29.6% Optimization Score (Episode 491)
This week we audit an account with a 29% optimization score in Google Ads. Does a low optimization score mean the account is failing? What do all of these recommendations in Google Ads really mean? Let's talk about the reality of the optimization score system and how it affects the performance of your search campaigns on Google.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schae
How to Build a Successful Search Campaign + Easy to Follow Instructions (Episode 490)
Have you tried and failed at Google Ads? This week Chris Schaeffer discusses a simple way to ensure you are getting the right traffic from your Google Ads campaigns. Using this simple bidding method and traffic management strategy you can be sure you are paying the right price for the right traffic. It's called Pay Per Value bidding. Let's talk about that!Try Opteo for free for 28 days -
Answering PPC Questions from Subscribers (Episode 489)
Chris answers 5 burning questions about Google Ads from listeners this week. We discuss how to deal with a campaign that has crashed and burned, manual bidding, finding traffic when it appears to not exist, and a question about how freelancers can better sell their google ads services.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a Ques
PPC Basics - How to Pick The Best Keywords (Episode 488)
This is the best way to pick the right keywords to use in your Google Ads campaign. Chris Schaeffer discusses an effective method that will ensure anyone can get the best qualified traffic for their business from Google in these simple steps!Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com
PPC Basics - Building Your First Campaign (Episode 487)
This week Chris Schaeffer gives simple steps for building a Google Ads campaign that will deliver reliable traffic with minimal effort. This method is great for those that are trying Google Ads for the first time and want to minimize wasting money in the PPC marketing.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a Question - https://ww
Should You Try Microsoft Ads? (Episode 486)
This week Chris Schaeffer answers a question about how to structure your Google Ads campaigns. And Joey Bidner jumps in to discuss the role of Microsoft Ads for advertisers looking to diversify their PPC traffic.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comJoey Bidner - https://joeybidner.comSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.c
PPC Basics: How to Get Phone Calls (Episode 485)
This week Chris Schaeffer discusses how to get phone calls from Google Ads search campaigns. There are three methods that are the most direct way to get calls, but each method comes with some major advantages and drawbacks. Learn the truth about how to get phone calls in this focused, dedicated episode.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffe
Huge Q&A: 5 Questions + SPECIAL BONUS! (Episode 484)
This week Chris Schaeffer answers questions about google ads from podcast subscribers. The questions cover important topics like how to improve Google shopping campaigns, how to keep track of your changes in google ads, and why Max AI is not as great as people think it is.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a Question - https:
PPC Basics: How to Improve Quality Score (Episode 483)
This week Chris Schaeffer discusses how to improve quality score in Google Ads search campaigns. Plus 9 things that do not improve quality score but many people still think makes a difference. Also Chris answers a question from a listener about display campaigns and demand gen campaigns. Let's talk about that!Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.c
PPC Basics: How To Manage a Search Campaign (Episode 482)
Learn the best advice I can give to someone managing a Google Ads campaign. Management is all about setting a goal based on the Phase that you are in. And then managing for that goal! It is really that simple. Check out this week's episode to learn about some example goals you can set to help you manage your account.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http:
A Warning to 10+ Year Old Accounts (Episode 481)
This week Chris Schaeffer discusses how to avoid those wasteful clicks from job seekers. Also a deeper discussion and warning to accounts that are over 10 years old because there are specific areas that can cause your account to suffer if you don't pay close attention.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a Question - https
Huge Q&A About Google Ads (Episode 480)
This week Chris answers four questions from listeners about Google certifications, how to see audience data, and a big question that many people are asking... Does Google Ads even work any more? If you are having trouble with your account this might be a critical episode for you to hear!Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a Qu
How to Revive a Stale Campaign (Episode 479)
This week Chris Schaeffer discusses 5 specific tips to take a campaign from stale to stellar! Learn how most campaigns stay in "phase 2" and never make it to "phase 3". Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com
How to Stop Spam and Bot Traffic & Leads (Episode 478)
In this episode, we break down how to spot and stop spam traffic and leads before they drain your budget. We cover the risks of leaving Search Partners and Display Network wide open, including mobile apps, ad farm sites, and suspiciously high CTRs. You’ll learn why location targeting should be set to “people in or regularly in your targeted area” and why “interested in” leads to bad traffic, espec
Answering Your Questions About Google Ads (Episode 477)
Let's talk about brand keywords and why they are the most dangerous and most abused traffic in Google Ads. We're answering emails from listeners today and we've got some good ones! From bid strategies to search campaigns to performance max we cover it all in this week's episode about Google Ads.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.c
The Right Way to Use Audiences (Episode 476)
What will Google look like 5 years from now? This week Chris Schaeffer discusses how AI will change the way people search and gather information and what that means for PPC managers. Also Chris discusses the right way to use audiences in Google Ads. If you aren't using audiences in your search campaigns this episode is critically important for you to hear!Try Opteo for free for 28 days - http
When Automation Fails: Broad Match vs Manual Control in Google Ads (Episode 475)
There is a scam going around to Google Ads managers that could cause some major destruction for anyone that is caught by the scammers. In this episode of the Paid Search Podcast Chris Schaeffer talks about how to avoid scammers and a very important issue around Google Ads automation and how to build a successful campaign when that automation fails.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com
Competitor Campaigns: When, Why, and How (Episode 474)
Let's talk about quality score, bidding, and competitor campaigns! This week we dive into a discussion on some of the more complicated factors in Google Ads that throw many advertisers for a loop. And especially the always complex decision of whether or not to target your competitors in PPC. Let's talk about that!Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - htt
How to Audit a Failing Google Ads Account (Episode 473)
If you are having issues with a campaign on Google Ads that continues to offer no results, no conversions, and no sales today's episode can help solve that problem. Chris Schaeffer discusses the 4 levels of failure in Google Ads that most advertisers experience at some point. Learn how to audit your own campaign and find the solution to your broken campaigns!Try Opteo for free for 28 days - h
Answering Questions from Listeners! (Episode 472)
This week Chris Schaeffer answers questions about Google Ads from listeners. He discusses how to manage accounts that use automated bidding, a question about the Display network, and how to properly structure your Google Ads account for success.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iout4J
Deep Dive: Successful E-Commerce Campaign Strategy (Episode 471)
This week Joey Bidner does a deep dive into a Google Ads account that focuses on e-commerce and local "foot traffic" searches to drive sales. Learn all about strategies to manage different types of searches to drive a wide variety of traffic for a winning set of campaigns!Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspJoey Bidner - https://joeybidner.com/ Watch this episode on You
Cookie Consent Explained from a Google Ads Perspective (Episode 470)
Joey Bidner discusses what Google Ads advertisers need to know about consent mode. You’ll learn why it is important for any website utilizing paid ads on Google!Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspConcent Mode Partner Support: https://cmppartnerprogram.withgoogle.com/Joey Bidner - https://joeybidner.com/ Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/C1_3tOwwHTQSubmit a Question
The Budget Bulls-Eye Principle (Episode 469)
Do you know the right time to increase your budget? Is your budget causing your campaign to fail? In this week's episode Chris Schaeffer discusses a new principle that new Google Ads advertisers must understand about choosing the right budget in Google Ads. If you budget is too small it can actually keep you from getting conversions! Let's talk about it!Try Opteo for free for 28 days - h
Most Advertisers Get Audience Bid Adjustments Wrong (Episode 468)
This week Chris Schaeffer & Joey Bidner discuss some important factors to consider when using audiences in Google Ads. Also answers questions from listeners and this week it is about how to create a successful B2B search campaign when you can't find the right traffic.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comJoey Bidner - https://
My Favorite Google Ads Script (Episode 467)
This week Artur MacLellan shares his Google Ads script that can help advertisers manage their search terms. If you are having a lot of problems blocking unwanted searches coming from your keywords this is a great tool to manage your negative keywords.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspStep-by-Step Google Ads Script Installation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xM3YOZDrjt0Chris S
9 Buttons You Should Never Click (Episode 466)
Don't click on these 9 buttons in Google Ads. Search partners, fake conversions, TCPA bidding, competitor keywords, search not shopping, TROAS, exact match keywords, performance max, and broad match keywords. They are all off limits for some advertisers at there. Find out more in this week's episode!Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - https://www.chris
New Changes Coming to Google This Year (Episode 465)
New updates from Google happening now. Learn what is new from campaign types and advertising changes happening in Google Ads this year. Also Chris Schaeffer discusses using "friction" the right way in your Google Ads campaigns to drive the best traffic for your business.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - https://www.chrisschaeffer.comJoey Bidner: http
Optimization Score: 100% Compliant, 0% Profitable (Episode 464)
What is OPTIMIZATION SCORE and what does it mean for the success of your account? Well, very little actually. In fact, in this episode Chris Schaeffer discusses why he believes 100% optimization score is actually a bad thing for the success of your Google Ads account.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - https://www.chrisschaeffer.comWatch this episode on YouTube:
Smart Bidding Fails Against Manual Bidding (Episode 463)
Is "smart bidding" really that smart? This week Chris discusses the results from an experiment where the smart bidding strategy failed in comparison to the manual bidding campaign. Let's talk about why this happened and why it is important to understand that smart bidding is not always the smartest choice.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - https:
Deep Dive: Looking at Metrics of a Successful Account (Episode 462)
This week Chris Schaeffer dives deeper into the metrics of a successful account and answers questions about the reasons behind structural decisions in the campaigns. Also Joey Bidner joins in to answer a question about Google Ads and Amazon that is very important for all managers in the eComm space to hear.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - https://www.chrissch
4 Ways To Manage Bad Traffic (Episode 461)
Learn what to do when your Google Ads search campaign is getting a lot of unqualified, unwanted search terms. These 4 tips will help you wrangle your search terms into traffic that is actually qualified and useful for your business. Also, Chris Schaeffer answers a question from a listener about using value based bidding in their search campaigns. Is that a good idea? Maybe not!Try Opteo for free f
Deep Dive: Looking At One of My Own Successful Campaigns (Episode 460)
An amazing show discussing some very common questions about how to structure and Google Ads search campaign. This week Chris Schaeffer does a deep dive into an account discussing how the account is built out and some of the specific settings that have provided great success to the account over the years it has been running.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - htt
Answering Questions about Google Ads (Episode 459)
This week Chris Schaeffer answers questions from listeners about issues on concerning campaigns that mysteriously stop running, brand campaigns, and the on going debate about landing pages. Plus Joey discusses some huge advantages to using Amazon with your Google Ads search campaigns.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - https://www.chrisschaeffer.comJoey Bidner -
I’m Sick of Scammers in Google Ads (Episode 458)
Someone has to talk about the amount of dishonesty in the PPC world today. This week Chris Schaeffer discusses 4 ways scammers hook you and get you to spend money on worthless traffic. Don't be a victim! Learn how these scams typically go and how to spot it before it happens to you.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - https://www.chrisschaeffer.comWatch this
YouTube Campaigns Are Changing (Episode 457)
Changes coming to YouTube video campaigns, let's talk about that! Also a discussion about how to compete with big budgets. Is it even possible for a small budget to succeed in Google Ads? All that and more in this week's Paid Search Podcast episode with Chris Schaeffer.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - https://www.chrisschaeffer.comJoey Bidner - http
2025 Keyword Research & Imposter Syndrome (Episode 456)
How do you do your keyword research? Let's talk about that! This week Chris Schaeffer discusses his method to keyword research using a 7 step process. And also later in the show Chris discusses the detrimental effect that imposter syndrome has on Google Ads account management.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - https://www.chrisschaeffer.comWatch this episo
Custom Labels in Google Ads Shopping (Episode 455)
This week Chris Schaeffer discusses how to build out a basic Google Ads strategy for vacation rentals. Using this strategy you can control your risk of unqualified traffic and paying for searches that are unlikely to book. Also Joey Bidner discusses ways to use custom labels in your Google Ads shopping campaigns.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - https://www.ch
Google’s Goals Are NOT Your Goals (Episode 454)
Let's talk about Google Ads! This week Chris Schaeffer discusses how your goals differ from Google's goals and why that is very important to understand. Also a guest appearance from Joey Bidner who talks about engaged view conversions. And a few PPC questions answered from listeners.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - https://www.chrisschaeffer.com Joe
Report Finds 80% Do Not Use Negative Keywords (Episode 453)
In a crazy new report we find that very few accounts use negative keywords in Performance Max campaigns. Even more shocking is that we learn those that do use negative keywords only use less than 8 total. Learn more about this shocking new report in this week's episode!Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - https://www.chrisschaeffer.com Watch this episode on
The Best Scripts to Use in Google Ads (Episode 452)
What did you do last week? More about that and how to use scripts in this week's podcast episode! Joey Bidner joins Chris Schaeffer for a discussion about the best scripts to use for Google Ads.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - https://www.chrisschaeffer.com Joey Bidner - https://joeybidner.com/Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uDUqSQ_LuD4Su
Enhanced Conversions, Performance Max, & Micromanaging (Episode 451)
Let's talk about enhanced conversions, performance, micromanagement, and conversion tracking! This week on the Paid Search Podcast we discuss questions from listeners and Joey Bidner joins in for a discussion about the relationship between Search and Performance Max.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - https://www.chrisschaeffer.com Joey Bidner - https://joe
How Google Ads Keyword Matching Works (Episode 450)
Do you really understand how Google Ads works? This week Chris Schaeffer discusses the basics behind the very complex and changing system of how Google Ads keyword matching works. You can read the official Google documentation at the link below.Google Document: https://services.google.com/fh/files/misc/unlock_the_power_of_search_2022.pdfTry Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris S
Why Businesses Don’t Grow from PPC (Episode 449)
This week we hear from Joey Bidner discussing NCAC, which is the measurement of new customer sales in your business. A very important metric that you need to understand to learn why your business is not growing from its Google Ads campaigns. Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - https://www.chrisschaeffer.comWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/H1jbb-Tf
Bidding, ROAS, & AI (Episode 448)
Three questions from listeners are the topic of this week's show. The first question from Aaron is about an issue with bid adjustments causing problems with the CPC. Next we discuss a question from Roman about AI and its affect on pay per click. And last a question from Eric about graduating from TCPA to TROAS.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - https://www
How Successful are Ads on Google? (Episode 447)
This week Chris Schaeffer discusses the best way to approach a new account with a large amount of spend. Then we discuss the issue of the "other" search terms and how to deal with the issue of not knowing your own search terms. And finally the topic of the week is a discussion about how successful Google Ads is from the best to the worst.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com
Search Terms in Performance Max (Episode 446)
This week we open with a question from a listener who is dealing with a crashing account. Chris discusses how to fix a Google Ads search campaign that is failing. Then another email from a listener who reminds us why it is important to focus on the core basics of Google Ads management. And last an update about Performance Max.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer -
Improving The Quality of Leads (Episode 445)
Let's talk about ways to improve the quality of your leads from Google Ads. This week Chris Schaeffer answers questions from listeners including an email from a listener that has suggestions on a better way to run competitor ads on Google. Plus Joey Bidner jumps in for a discussion about Dynamic Search Ads.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - https://www.chr
Let's Talk About Budgets in Google Ads (Episode 444)
Do you know what makes your campaign more likely to spend more? When should you consider increasing your budget? Do you know what makes a campaign infinitely more expensive? Let's talk about budget in Google Ads!Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - https://www.chrisschaeffer.comWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DMaF1o1lqgQSubmit a Question - ht
5 New Tricks to Try in 2025 (Episode 443)
Need to breathe new life in your Google Ads marketing strategy? Try one or all of these unique tricks to drive new traffic to your business.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - https://www.chrisschaeffer.comWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IkZ1bhuRVfwSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.comTwitter - https://x.com/PaidSearchPod
The Worst Account I’ve Ever Seen (Episode 442)
Don't make these same mistakes! This week we take a look at three examples of accounts that made big mistakes and wasted thousands of dollars in Google Ads. As the year comes to an end use these examples to learn how to avoid these deadly account management mistakes.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - https://www.chrisschaeffer.comWatch this episode on YouT
Answering Your Questions (Episode 441)
Answering questions from listeners about Google Ads. Topics include solving an issue with conversion tracking, performance max questions, how to manage search terms effectively, Google Ads policy issues, and a question about Google's sweeping changes to their platform in the past 5 years.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - https://www.chrisschaeffer.comWatc
HVAC & A/C Lead Generation (Episode 440)
HVAC campaigns in Google Ads are very difficult high spending accounts to manage. In today's episode Chris Schaeffer is talking about how you can get better results from these difficult search campaigns focused on A/C repair lead generation. There are a lot of ways to manage lead generation for HVAC and these tips should help you decide how to best approach this tough industry.Try Opteo for f
