Inside Google Ads with Jyll Saskin Gales

Jyll Saskin Gales

Do you want your burning Google Ads questions answered by a trusted Google Ads Expert? The Inside Google Ads podcast is hosted by Jyll Saskin Gales, a seasoned Google Ads coach with over a decade of Google Ads experience, including 6 years working at Google. Each weekly episode contains practical advice based on real-world experience with Google Ads accounts. You'll gain a deeper understanding of bidding strategies, keyword match types, conversion tracking, creative best practices, campaign efficiency and more. Whether you're a novice or an experienced advertiser, tune in for valuable PPC tips that can transform your advertising approach and maximize your campaigns' success.Each episode transcript is also available for free via email, subscribe at jyll.ca/insidegoogleads

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    The Branded Search Playbook: Defend Your Brand Without Killing ROI

    Should you be paying for ads when people are already searching for your business by name? This "brand tax" is one of the most debated topics in the Google Ads community, but the decision should be based on data, not a gut feeling. In episode 113 of the Inside Google Ads podcast, #1 Most Influential PPC Expert Jyll Saskin Gales dives into the branded search debate to help you determine if those clicks are actually incremental or if you are simply paying for traffic you would have received anyway. Key topics discussed: How to use Auction Insights to decide if bidding on your brand is necessaryWhy keeping brand terms in PMax can be the best move for new campaignsWhen to separate branded search and shopping into their own campaigns vs. keeping them in Performance MaxChoosing the right bid strategy for your branded campaignsWhy shifting from Manual CPC to Target ROAS or Target CPA can improve the quality of your branded trafficHow to handle "brand vs. competitor" search queries and the legality of using competitor names in your copyYou can get Inside Google Ads 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=episode113   Google Ads Coaching Need some expert help with your Google Ads strategy or optimizing your campaigns? Book a call with Jyll! Learn more at https://jyll.ca/pages/google-ads-coach?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode113 Inside Google Ads course Join 400+ marketers like you who are mastering Google Ads with Jyll's Inside Google Ads membership course. You'll get exclusive access to JyllBot, and you can meet top industry experts at an exclusive live video call every single month. Learn more at https://learn.jyll.ca/iga?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode113 Read more about this topic on Jyll's Google Ads Blog Do you need a Brand campaign in Google Ads? https://learn.jyll.ca/blog/do-you-need-a-brand-campaign-in-google-ads?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode113Should You Use Manual Bidding for Brand Campaigns in Google Ads? https://learn.jyll.ca/blog/should-you-use-manual-bidding-for-brand-campaigns-in-google-ads?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode113Should You Exclude Your Brand Name from Google Ads Search Campaigns? https://learn.jyll.ca/blog/should-you-exclude-your-brand-name-from-google-ads-search-campaigns?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode113Follow Jyll on social media https://www.linkedin.com/in/jyllsaskingales https://www.youtube.com/@the_google_pro https://www.instagram.com/the_google_pro https://www.threads.net/@the_google_pro

    13 min
  2. 19 MAR

    Google Ads for Restricted Industries: 3 Strategies to Win

    If you work in a so-called "Sensitive Interest Category" like healthcare, finance, legal, or real estate, you’ve likely stared at that "Eligible (Limited)" status in Google Ads with frustration. Operating in a sensitive interest category means that standard Google Ads tactics like retargeting or basic demographics are often off the table. But "limited" doesn't mean "impossible." In episode 112 of the Inside Google Ads podcast, host Jyll Saskin Gales breaks down why being in a restricted category isn't a dead end, but rather a call to get more strategic with the tools you still have at your disposal. Jyll shares three counterintuitive strategies that help her Google Ads coaching clients thrive despite targeting restrictions. From the vital importance of offline conversion tracking to using creative as your primary targeting filter, this episode is a masterclass in navigating policy-heavy industries. Key topics discussed: The "can’ts" vs. the "cans" of sensitive interest categories.Why offline conversion tracking (OCT) is the non-negotiable foundation for success.Challenging the "privacy-first" pushback from in-house counsel.Strategy 1: When going wider with Broad Match and Demand Gen actually works.Strategy 2: Non-linear targeting - finding your customer before they hit the "intent" phase.Strategy 3: Creative-led targeting - using your ads to attract the right leads and repel the wrong ones.You can get Inside Google Ads 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=episode112 Google Ads Coaching Need some expert help with your Google Ads strategy or optimizing your campaigns? Book a call with Jyll! Learn more at https://jyll.ca/pages/google-ads-coach?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode112 Inside Google Ads course Join 400+ marketers like you who are mastering Google Ads with Jyll's Inside Google Ads membership course. You'll get exclusive access to JyllBot, and you can meet top industry experts at an exclusive live video call every single month. Learn more at https://learn.jyll.ca/iga?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode112 Read more about this topic on Jyll's Google Ads Blog What is Non-Linear Targeting in Google Ads? https://learn.jyll.ca/blog/what-is-non-linear-targeting-in-google-ads?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode1125 Must-Have Tools for Accurate Google Ads Conversion Tracking https://learn.jyll.ca/blog/5-must-have-tools-for-accurate-google-ads-conversion-tracking-in-2024?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode112Navigating Google Ads' Sensitive Interest Categories: A Guide for Advertisers https://learn.jyll.ca/blog/navigating-google-ads-sensitive-interest-categories-a-guide-for-advertisers?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode112Follow Jyll on social media https://www.linkedin.com/in/jyllsaskingales https://www.youtube.com/@the_google_pro https://www.instagram.com/the_google_pro https://www.threads.net/@the_google_pro

    15 min
  3. 12 MAR

    Why Your Google Ads Campaign Has Zero Conversions

    It's frustrating to watch those Google Ads bills roll in while your campaigns have zero conversions! Whether you're an experienced agency pro or a business owner managing your own account, this is one of the most common Google Ads challenges you'll experience. In episode 111 of the Inside Google Ads podcast, host Jyll Saskin Gales walks you through the exact process she uses with her Google Ads coaching clients to diagnose and solve conversion issues. In this real life example, Jyll figures out why a client's search campaign hadn't seen a single conversion in six weeks. Then, Jyll uncovers the truth behind a suspiciously high view rate in a YouTube campaign. This episode is all about understanding the "why" behind your Google Ads metrics, and learning how to distinguish between green flags and red flags in your account. Key Topics Discussed: The three root causes of zero conversions, and the order in which you should audit and solve themHow to identify if the Search Partner Network is inflating your metrics with low-quality trafficThe danger of using click-focused bid strategies like Manual CPCEstablishing benchmarks for YouTube View-Through Rates (VTR) across In-stream, In-feed, and Shorts.What your campaign demographics can reveal about performance fluctuations This episode is adapted from a popular issue of Jyll's free bi-weekly Google Ads newsletter, The Insider. Read the original issue here: https://learn.jyll.ca/newsletters/the-insider/posts/google-ads-metric-traps ?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode111 You can get Inside Google Ads 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=episode111   Google Ads Coaching Need some expert help with your Google Ads strategy or optimizing your campaigns? Book a call with Jyll! Learn more at https://jyll.ca/pages/google-ads-coach?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode111 Inside Google Ads course Join 400+ marketers like you who are mastering Google Ads with Jyll's Inside Google Ads membership course. You'll get exclusive access to JyllBot, and you can meet top industry experts at an exclusive live video call every single month. Learn more at https://learn.jyll.ca/iga?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode111 Read more about this topic on Jyll's Google Ads Blog - "I'm getting impressions and clicks, but no conversions in Google Ads." https://learn.jyll.ca/blog/i-m-getting-impressions-and-clicks-but-no-conversions-in-google-ads?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode111 - Google Ads isn't recording my leads as conversions. Why? https://learn.jyll.ca/blog/google-ads-isn-t-recording-my-leads-as-conversions-why?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode111 - Should you use Maximize Conversions or Manual CPC bidding in Google Ads? https://learn.jyll.ca/blog/should-you-use-maximize-conversions-or-manual-cpc-bidding-in-google-ads?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode111 Follow Jyll on social media https://www.linkedin.com/in/jyllsaskingales https://www.youtube.com/@the_google_pro https://www.instagram.com/the_google_pro https://www.threads.net/@the_google_pro

    10 min
  4. 5 MAR

    The ONLY B2B Google Ads Strategy You Need in 2026

    Running Google Ads for B2B is notoriously more complex than any other vertical. With longer sales cycles and higher stakes, the usual "best practices" and "ALWAYS do this" don't apply. In episode 110 of the Inside Google Ads podcast, Google Ads Coach Jyll Saskin Gales maps out the essential frameworks she's developed specifically for B2B advertisers to attract high-value business customers while repelling low-value consumer leads. She starts with the non-negotiable foundation: full-funnel conversion tracking. Jyll explains why optimizing for simple form fills is a recipe for failure and why you must connect your CRM to feed Google data on marketing qualified leads (MQLs) instead. From there, we dive into the "Day in the Life" exercise to move beyond basic job-title targeting, the strategic use of Demand Gen campaigns to create a halo effect over your search efforts, and why high CPCs in the B2B world can actually be a sign of success. Finally, learn how to use intentional friction in your ad copy and landing pages to filter out the "hay" and find your "needles" in the haystack. This episode is a must watch/listen for anyone running Google Ads with a business-to-business objective. Key Topics Discussed: Why your B2B strategy must move beyond tracking simple form fills.Connecting your CRM (HubSpot, Salesforce, etc.) to optimize for MQLs and SQLs.The "Day in the Life" exercise for better audience targeting.Allocating budget to Demand Gen and Video for a 30% reduction in search CPL.The "Magnet, Needle and Haystack" analogy for using broad match and smart bidding.Using intentional friction in creative and landing pages to disqualify poor leads. Plus, stay tuned until the end of the episode for a new Insider Challenge to solve! You can get Inside Google Ads 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=episode110   Google Ads Coaching Need some expert help with your Google Ads strategy or optimizing your campaigns? Book a call with Jyll! Learn more at https://jyll.ca/pages/google-ads-coach?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode110 Inside Google Ads course Join 400+ marketers like you who are mastering Google Ads with Jyll's Inside Google Ads membership course. You'll get exclusive access to JyllBot, and you can meet top industry experts at an exclusive live video call every single month. Learn more at https://learn.jyll.ca/iga?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode110 Read more about this topic on Jyll's Google Ads Blog Should B2B advertisers use broad match or exact match keywords? https://learn.jyll.ca/blog/should-b2b-advertisers-use-broad-match-or-exact-match-keywords?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode110PMax vs. Demand Gen: Which is Right for Your B2B Google Ads Strategy? https://learn.jyll.ca/blog/pmax-vs-demand-gen-which-is-right-for-your-b2b-google-ads-strategy?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode110Performance Max vs. Search: Which is Best for B2B Lead Generation? https://learn.jyll.ca/blog/performance-max-vs-search-which-is-best-for-b2b-lead-generation?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode110Follow Jyll on social media https://www.linkedin.com/in/jyllsaskingales https://www.youtube.com/@the_google_pro https://www.instagram.com/the_google_pro https://www.threads.net/@the_google_pro

    26 min
  5. 26 FEB

    Beyond the Black Box: How to Optimize Performance Max Campaigns NOW

    Performance Max is no longer the "black box" it used to be; it's now a "clear box" offering full transparency. So how do you USE that transparency to optimize your Performance Max campaign? In special episode 109, Inside Google Ads host Jyll Saskin Gales shares an exclusive excerpt from her SMX Master Class, "Google Ads Beyond Search." You'll learn how to interpret the latest reporting features - including search term reports, channel performance, and asset-level data - to understand exactly where your budget is going and how to steer it. Key Topics Discussed: The "Clear Box" Evolution: Understanding the shift in how PMax works today vs 2022New Transparency Reports: How to use Search Term, Channel Performance, and Asset-level reportsLead Gen vs. E-commerce: Nuances for optimizing by business type Creative as Targeting: Using images, video, and copy to guide the algorithm to your ideal customerBidding Foundations: The functional differences between Maximize Conversions and Target CPAIt's not too late to join Jyll's SMX Master Class! Use code JyllVIP for 15% off at https://events.searchengineland.com/smx-master-classes-april-2026/?ref=jyll You can get Inside Google Ads 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=episode109 Google Ads Coaching Need some expert help with your Google Ads strategy or optimizing your campaigns? Book a call with Jyll! Learn more at https://jyll.ca/pages/google-ads-coach?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode109 Inside Google Ads course Join 400+ marketers like you who are mastering Google Ads with Jyll's Inside Google Ads membership course. You'll get exclusive access to JyllBot, and you can meet top industry experts at an exclusive live video call every single month. Learn more at https://learn.jyll.ca/iga?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode109 Check out more Inside Google Ads episodes about Performance Max The PMax Lie: Why Audience Signals & Search Themes Feel Like Control (But Aren't) https://jyll.ca/insidegoogleads/105?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode109Is PMax the best or the worst campaign type in Google Ads? https://jyll.ca/insidegoogleads/87?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode109PMax vs. Shopping vs. Search: Which is best for ecommerce? https://jyll.ca/insidegoogleads/99?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode109What's the best structure for Performance Max campaigns? https://jyll.ca/insidegoogleads/90?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode109 Follow Jyll on social media https://www.linkedin.com/in/jyllsaskingales https://www.youtube.com/@the_google_pro https://www.instagram.com/the_google_pro https://www.threads.net/@the_google_pro

    18 min
  6. 19 FEB

    HACKED - How to Protect Your Google Ads Account

    Imagine waking up to find your entire agency’s Google Ads Manager account has been compromised. In just minutes, hackers can remove your employees, lock out your clients, and rack up hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulent spend. In this urgent episode of Inside Google Ads, host Jyll Saskin Gales pulls back the curtain on the sophisticated phishing tactics currently targeting agencies and high-level practitioners. We move beyond the basic advice of "use a strong password" to break down how hackers are bypassing two-factor authentication and using "shell" login pages to steal access in real-time. Jyll shares harrowing stories from industry veterans and provides a step-by-step safety playbook that Google hasn't provided. You’ll learn the only 100% safe way to log into your account, how to properly grant access to others, and exactly what to do if the worst-case scenario happens to you. This is a must-listen for anyone managing Google Ads at scale. Please note: if your account has been hacked, there is nothing that Jyll can do to help your specific situation. Everything she can offer you right now is in this episode, and she will keep this article updated with new tips, warnings and security suggestions going forward: https://learn.jyll.ca/blog/how-to-protect-your-google-ads-account-and-what-to-do-if-you-get-hacked?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode108 Key Topics Discussed: The "Audit Phishing" scam: How hackers use fake account invitations to steal your MCC in secondsWhy "Allowed Domains" and two-factor authentication aren't enough to stop modern attacks.The "Safe Login" Method: The only way you should ever access your Google Ads account from now on.Critical steps to take if you are hacked, from persistent support contact to billing protection.Why client-owned accounts and regular session logouts are essential for agency security.You can get Inside Google Ads 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=episode108   Google Ads Coaching Need some expert help with your Google Ads strategy or optimizing your campaigns? Book a call with Jyll! Learn more at https://jyll.ca/pages/google-ads-coach?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode108 Inside Google Ads course Join 400+ marketers like you who are mastering Google Ads with Jyll's Inside Google Ads membership course. You'll get exclusive access to JyllBot, and you can meet top industry experts at an exclusive live video call every single month. Learn more at https://learn.jyll.ca/iga?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode108 Read more about this topic on Jyll's Google Ads Blog https://learn.jyll.ca/blog/how-to-protect-your-google-ads-account-and-what-to-do-if-you-get-hacked?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode108 Follow Jyll on social media https://www.linkedin.com/in/jyllsaskingales https://www.youtube.com/@the_google_pro https://www.instagram.com/the_google_pro https://www.threads.net/@the_google_pro

    15 min
  7. 12 FEB

    Quality Score EXPLAINED: The TRUTH About Ad Rank and Ad Quality

    There are naysayers who claim Google Ads Quality Score is just a diagnostic tool and doesn't matter. They're wrong. In episode 107 of the Inside Google Ads podcast, host Jyll Saskin Gales walks you through exactly how to find your Quality Score, how to interpret the data, and most importantly, how to improve the three core components that define it. Plus, she's briefly joined by a very special guest, Fred Vallaeys, CEO of Optmyzr one of the original Google employees who built AdWords, to settle the debate on whether Quality Score is just a vanity metric or a crucial performance lever. Topics covered include: The difference between Quality Score, Optimization Score, and Ad Strength.Why Ad Rank is a function of both price and quality.How to audit Ad Relevance, Landing Page Experience, and Expected CTR.Specific strategies to fix ""below average"" ratings in your account.Fact check from the Google Ads Help Center and from Fred Vallaeys Plus, stay tuned until the end of the episode for a new Insider Challenge to solve! You can get Inside Google Ads 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=episode107   Google Ads Coaching Need some expert help with your Google Ads strategy or optimizing your campaigns? Book a call with Jyll! Learn more at https://jyll.ca/pages/google-ads-coach?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode107 Inside Google Ads course Join 400+ marketers like you who are mastering Google Ads with Jyll's Inside Google Ads membership course. You'll get exclusive access to JyllBot, and you can meet top industry experts at an exclusive live video call every single month. Learn more at https://learn.jyll.ca/iga?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode107 Read more about this topic on Jyll's Google Ads Blog Google Ads Quality Score & Ad Strength Explained by an Ex-Googler https://learn.jyll.ca/blog/google-ads-quality-score-ad-strength-explained-by-an-ex-googler?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode107The Ultimate Guide to Google Ads Quality Score https://learn.jyll.ca/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-google-ads-quality-score?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode107Does Quality Score matter in Google Ads? https://learn.jyll.ca/blog/does-quality-score-matter-in-google-ads?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode107Follow Jyll on social media https://www.linkedin.com/in/jyllsaskingales https://www.youtube.com/@the_google_pro https://www.instagram.com/the_google_pro https://www.threads.net/@the_google_pro

    19 min
  8. 5 FEB

    The Google Ads Performance Drop Playbook: When to Wait vs. Optimize

    Is your Google Ads performance actually plummeting, or is it just an unlucky Tuesday? We all know that sinking feeling when you log into your account and see red arrows pointing down next to your conversions or ROAS. It is easy to panic, but reacting too quickly can often do more harm than good. In episode 106 of the Inside Google Ads podcast, Google Ads Coach Jyll Saskin Gales helps you distinguish between a genuine campaign crisis and standard performance fluctuations. She answers three listener questions that cover the spectrum of performance anxiety, from how often beginners should check their accounts to managing volatility in Demand Gen, Video and Display campaigns. She also gives some tough love that all seasonal business owners need to hear. Topics covered in this episode include: Why checking your campaign performance daily is a bad habit that hurts resultsThe difference between Reach metrics and Efficiency metrics, and which ones actually matterHow to handle sudden drops in Display, Video and Demand Gen campaigns without ruining your dataStrategies for managing seasonal slumps, like selling BBQ grills in the winter Do you have a question for Jyll? Drop a comment on Spotify, YouTube, or any of her social media posts, and she'll answer it for you in an upcoming episode. You can get Inside Google Ads 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=episode106   Google Ads Coaching Need some expert help with your Google Ads strategy or optimizing your campaigns? Book a call with Jyll! Learn more at https://jyll.ca/pages/google-ads-coach?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode106 Inside Google Ads course Join 400+ marketers like you who are mastering Google Ads with Jyll's Inside Google Ads membership course. You'll get exclusive access to JyllBot, and you can meet top industry experts at an exclusive live video call every single month. Learn more at https://learn.jyll.ca/iga?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode106 Read more about this topic on Jyll's Google Ads Blog How Does the Google Ads Algorithm Actually Work? (And Why You Should Stop Fighting It) https://learn.jyll.ca/blog/how-does-the-google-ads-algorithm-actually-work-and-why-you-should-stop-fighting-it?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode106 Why You're Losing Money on Ads (And How to Fix It) https://learn.jyll.ca/blog/why-your-service-business-is-losing-money-on-ads-and-how-to-fix-it?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode106 Conquering Google Ads with a Low Budget: 12 Tips for Small Businesses https://learn.jyll.ca/blog/conquering-google-ads-with-a-low-budget-12-tips-for-small-businesses?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode106  Follow Jyll on social media https://www.linkedin.com/in/jyllsaskingales https://www.youtube.com/@the_google_pro https://www.instagram.com/the_google_pro https://www.threads.net/@the_google_pro

    16 min

About

Do you want your burning Google Ads questions answered by a trusted Google Ads Expert? The Inside Google Ads podcast is hosted by Jyll Saskin Gales, a seasoned Google Ads coach with over a decade of Google Ads experience, including 6 years working at Google. Each weekly episode contains practical advice based on real-world experience with Google Ads accounts. You'll gain a deeper understanding of bidding strategies, keyword match types, conversion tracking, creative best practices, campaign efficiency and more. Whether you're a novice or an experienced advertiser, tune in for valuable PPC tips that can transform your advertising approach and maximize your campaigns' success.Each episode transcript is also available for free via email, subscribe at jyll.ca/insidegoogleads

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