PPC Live The Podcast - The F*ck ups that led to Triumphs

Anu Adegbola

On PPC Live The Podcast (formerly the PPCChat Roundup podcast), we shall be talking to guest who will share their f*ck ups that led to triumphs. From client selection fails to adding the wrong bids to setting Auto Apply Recommendations and everything in between. We shall share what the failure was and how we fully recovered, and set ourselves up for future success. 

  1. EP356 - From Costly Mistake to Competitive Advantage ft Heidi Sturrock

    4 DAYS AGO

    EP356 - From Costly Mistake to Competitive Advantage ft Heidi Sturrock

    summary Join Anu and Heidi Sturrock, a seasoned paid search expert with 24 years of experience, as she shares invaluable lessons from her career, including a major mistake with broad match campaigns, the evolution of search engines, and the role of AI in PPC. This episode offers practical insights for marketers looking to master performance marketing and navigate industry changes. Key topics The evolution of search engines from Yahoo to GoogleA major mistake with broad match campaigns and its silver liningThe role of quality and trust in search engine successHow to handle and learn from campaign mistakesThe impact of AI and automation in PPC strategies Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Credibility 03:35 Heidi's Fun Fact: From 1999 to Google Dominance 08:11 The Mistake: Broad Match Campaign Gone Wrong 10:11 The Silver Lining: Turning Mistakes into Opportunities 12:27 Diligence in Campaign Setup and Negative Keywords 17:06 Controlling Spend and Managing Disgruntled Customers 19:08 Lessons from Campaign Launch on a Friday 24:27 Ownership and Transparency in Mistakes 27:46 Adapting to Industry Changes and Embracing AI 30:12 Common Mistakes in Account Audits 36:11 The Biggest Mistake in AI Adoption 38:21 Mastering AI Max for Search and Campaign Setup 41:28 Closing Remarks and Future Events 49:02 Outro.mp3 Resources: Heidi Sturrock on LinkedIn - HeidiSturrock.com - SMX Advanced 2026 PPC Live The Podcast features weekly conversations with paid search experts sharing their experiences, challenges, and triumphs in the ever-changing digital marketing landscape. Go to PPC Live for ⁠early bird ticket sale⁠ Join us on ⁠⁠Slack⁠⁠ Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠

    49 min
  2. EP354 - The Leads Were There… So What Went Wrong? ft Danny Gavin

    4 MAR

    EP354 - The Leads Were There… So What Went Wrong? ft Danny Gavin

    In this engaging interview, digital marketing expert Danny Gavin shares valuable insights on PPC, lead generation, handling mistakes, and the evolving role of AI in marketing. Discover practical lessons from real-world experiences, including how honesty, communication, and technology checks can save campaigns and client relationships. Takeaways Honesty and transparency are crucial when addressing mistakes.Regular communication and reporting can prevent misunderstandings.Implementing backup systems like lead data spreadsheets enhances visibility.AI can assist in analyzing phone call quality and lead qualification.Always double-check inputs and outputs when using AI tools. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Danny Gavin and His Background 06:32 The Importance of Communication in Client Relationships 11:34 Learning from Mistakes: A Case Study in PPC 16:14 Implementing Solutions and Preventing Future Issues 19:40 The Importance of Communication in Client Relationships 21:12 Navigating Client Relationships After Challenges 25:33 Key Mistakes in Lead Generation Strategies 29:32 Leveraging AI in Lead Generation 32:01 Cautions and Best Practices for Using AI 35:56 Final Thoughts and Reflections on the Journey 41:27 Outro.mp3 Danny Gavin on LinkedIn PPC Live The Podcast features weekly conversations with paid search experts sharing their experiences, challenges, and triumphs in the ever-changing digital marketing landscape. Join us for PPC Live Online on Feb 18th Join us on Slack Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠

    42 min
  3. EP353 - When Automation Took Over: How Opteo Rethought PPC

    25 FEB

    EP353 - When Automation Took Over: How Opteo Rethought PPC

    In this episode of PPC Live The Podcast , Anu Adegbola hosts Adam Dale and Shaquira Jeyasingh from Opteo, discussing the evolution of digital marketing tools, the impact of AI on Google Ads management, and the importance of customer engagement. They share insights on the challenges faced during the rebuilding of the Opteo platform, common mistakes in PPC management, and the future of AI in marketing. The conversation emphasizes the need for transparency, adaptability, and understanding customer needs in a rapidly changing landscape. Takeaways AI has fundamentally changed the role of Google Ads managers.Opteo has undergone a significant rebuild to adapt to market changes.Customer transparency is crucial during periods of change.Knee-jerk reactions to new tools can hinder effective marketing strategies.Engaging with customers directly can provide valuable insights.The importance of maintaining fundamental knowledge in PPC management.Automation tools should complement, not replace, human oversight.Understanding the evolving landscape of digital marketing is essential.The future of AI in marketing presents both opportunities and challenges.Building a multi-channel approach is key for modern marketing tools. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to PPC Live and Opteo 06:35 Fun Facts and Personal Insights 11:25 The Impact of AI on Google Ads Management 16:04 Navigating Changes in Automation and User Trust 21:10 Rebuilding the Platform: Challenges and Solutions 24:37 The Importance of a Holistic Business View 26:24 Customer Retention and Transparency During Change 28:48 Understanding Customer Sentiment and Communication 30:34 Key Takeaways from the Journey of Change 34:41 Common Mistakes in PPC Management 37:28 The Future of AI in PPC Advertising 41:06 Fun Reflections on PPC Careers 48:40 Outro.mp3 Find Opteo on LinkedIn Early Access to revamped Opteo platform PPC Live The Podcast features weekly conversations with paid search experts sharing their experiences, challenges, and triumphs in the ever-changing digital marketing landscape. Join us for PPC Live Online on Apr 29th Join our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Whatsapp group⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠⁠

    49 min
  4. EP352 - When Losing Big Is Winning Bigger ft. Emina Demiri

    18 FEB

    EP352 - When Losing Big Is Winning Bigger ft. Emina Demiri

    In this episode of PPC Live, Anu Adegbola interviews Emina Demiri Watson, who shares her journey in digital marketing, including the challenges of firing a major client and the lessons learned from that experience. They discuss the importance of maintaining a balanced client portfolio, recognizing red flags in client relationships, and the impact of market conditions on agency performance. Emina emphasizes the need for a proactive approach in digital marketing and the strategic use of AI tools. The conversation concludes with insights on common mistakes in the industry and the value of staying true to company values. Takeaways Firing a major client can be a difficult but necessary decision.Maintaining a balanced client portfolio is crucial to avoid concentration risks.Recognizing red flags in client relationships is essential for agency health.Prioritizing company culture and employee happiness can lead to better outcomes.Tracking client performance and market conditions is vital for success.Proactive communication with clients can prevent misunderstandings.AI tools should be used strategically, not blindly.Common mistakes in digital marketing include poor targeting and lack of negative keywords.Understanding market dynamics is key to adapting strategies.Values should guide decision-making in challenging situations. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Fun Facts 05:36 The Decision to Fire a Client 10:09 Recognizing Mistakes in Client Relationships 13:02 Identifying Red Flags in Client Relationships 17:05 Turning Around After a Major Client Loss 20:46 Navigating Market Challenges 26:11 Final Takeaways and Advice 27:07 Common Mistakes in Digital Marketing 31:48 AI in Digital Marketing: Mistakes and Misconceptions 37:13 Conclusion and Future Engagements 46:36 Outro.mp3 Find Emina on LinkedIn PPC Live The Podcast features weekly conversations with paid search experts sharing their experiences, challenges, and triumphs in the ever-changing digital marketing landscape. Join us for PPC Live Online on Apr 29th Join our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Whatsapp group⁠⁠ Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠

    47 min
  5. EP351 - When ‘I Don’t Know’ Isn’t Enough ft Andrea Cruz

    11 FEB

    EP351 - When ‘I Don’t Know’ Isn’t Enough ft Andrea Cruz

    In this episode of PPC Live, Anu Adegbola speaks with Andrea Cruz, an award-winning B2B digital marketer, about the importance of navigating mistakes in client communication, the dynamics of team collaboration, and the role of AI in marketing. They discuss common pitfalls in agency practices, the significance of a solutions-oriented mindset, and how to leverage AI effectively in marketing strategies. Andrea shares her insights on the importance of learning from mistakes and fostering an environment where team members feel comfortable discussing challenges. The conversation concludes with a light-hearted exchange about Andrea's passion for her work and her unique experiences in the industry. Takeaways Mistakes are opportunities for growth and learning.Communication with clients is crucial, especially when mistakes happen.A solutions-oriented mindset fosters better team dynamics.Recognizing your own mistakes as a leader builds trust with your team.Budget constraints should dictate campaign strategies in B2B marketing.AI can enhance marketing efforts beyond basic summarization.Understanding client needs is essential for effective communication.Regular check-ins with clients can help identify roadblocks early.Fostering an open environment encourages team members to share challenges.Passion for the work can lead to greater job satisfaction and success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Connection 09:38 Navigating Mistakes in Client Communication 18:28 The Importance of Team Dynamics and Solutions 25:21 Learning from Mistakes: A Manager's Perspective 29:03 Common Agency Mistakes in B2B Marketing 31:08 Leveraging AI in Marketing 37:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 41:53 Outro.mp3 Find Andrea on on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠ PPC Live The Podcast features weekly conversations with paid search experts sharing their experiences, challenges, and triumphs in the ever-changing digital marketing landscape. Join us for PPC Live Online on Feb 18th Join our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Whatsapp group⁠ Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter⁠

    42 min
  6. EP350 - Broken Pixels, Calm Leaders, and the PPC Comeback ft Amanda Farley

    4 FEB

    EP350 - Broken Pixels, Calm Leaders, and the PPC Comeback ft Amanda Farley

    In this episode of PPC Live, Amanda Friedt (Farley), CMO of Aimclear, shares her journey in marketing, discussing the importance of integrated marketing, lessons learned from mistakes, and the evolving landscape of PPC. She emphasizes the significance of collaboration, data hygiene, and adapting to AI advancements while providing insights on leadership and handling mistakes in a team environment. Amanda encourages marketers to embrace testing and innovation as they navigate the challenges of 2026 and beyond. Takeaways Amanda emphasizes the importance of integrated marketing.She shares her journey of overcoming imposter syndrome.Mistakes are opportunities for learning and growth.Collaboration is key in navigating PPC challenges.Data hygiene is crucial for effective marketing campaigns.AI is changing consumer behavior and marketing strategies.Leaders should create a safe space for discussing mistakes.Testing and innovation are essential for success in marketing.Understanding the consumer journey is vital for PPC success.Community support can significantly impact marketing efforts. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 04:12 Lessons Learned from Mistakes 07:10 Navigating Challenges in PPC Marketing 10:09 The Importance of Data and Collaboration 13:24 Adapting to AI and Changing Consumer Behavior 16:04 Leadership and Handling Mistakes 19:11 Advice for 2026 and Future Trends 22:10 Final Thoughts and Fun Question 38:00 Outro.mp3 Find Amanda on on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ PPC Live The Podcast features weekly conversations with paid search experts sharing their experiences, challenges, and triumphs in the ever-changing digital marketing landscape. Upcoming: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PPC Live event⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, February 5th, 2026 at StrategiQ's London offices (where Dragon's Den was filmed!) featuring Google Ads script master Nils Rooijmans. Join our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Whatsapp group Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter

    38 min
  7. EP349 - Why Client Fit Matters More Than Growth ft Kirk Williams

    28 JAN

    EP349 - Why Client Fit Matters More Than Growth ft Kirk Williams

    In this episode of PPC Live The Podcast, Kirk Williams discusses the importance of identifying client fit in the PPC industry. He shares insights on recognizing red flags in client relationships, the significance of mutual respect, and the role of expectations in performance. Kirk emphasizes the need for a thorough discovery process to ask the right questions and ensure a good fit between agencies and clients. He also highlights the importance of long-term strategies for maintaining healthy client relationships and avoiding common pitfalls in the industry. Takeaways Taking on clients that aren't a good fit can be emotionally taxing.Identifying red flags early can save time and resources.Mutual respect between agency and client is crucial.Expectations around PPC performance must be aligned.The discovery process is key to understanding client needs.Asking the right questions can reveal underlying issues.Long-term strategies are essential for agency success.PPC should work in tandem with other marketing channels.Building trust in the early stages of a client relationship is vital.Avoiding clients who don't respect your value is important. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:00 Identifying Client Fit Issues 06:08 Red Flags in Client Relationships 09:01 The Importance of Mutual Respect 12:01 Expectations and Performance in PPC 14:54 Discovery Process and Client Questions 18:01 Long-term Strategies for Client Relationships 20:58 Final Thoughts and Industry Insights Find Kirk on LinkedIn PPC Live The Podcast features weekly conversations with paid search experts sharing their experiences, challenges, and triumphs in the ever-changing digital marketing landscape. Upcoming: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PPC Live event⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, February 5th, 2026 at StrategiQ's London offices (where Dragon's Den was filmed!) featuring Google Ads script master Nils Rooijmans. Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Whatsapp group - https://bit.ly/pluwhatsapp Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter - https://ppc.live/newsletter-sign-up/

    38 min
4.3
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

On PPC Live The Podcast (formerly the PPCChat Roundup podcast), we shall be talking to guest who will share their f*ck ups that led to triumphs. From client selection fails to adding the wrong bids to setting Auto Apply Recommendations and everything in between. We shall share what the failure was and how we fully recovered, and set ourselves up for future success. 

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