Google Ads Strategy Hub

Sarah Stemen
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MARKETING

Welcome to The Google Ads Strategy Hub, the podcast for every business owner who wants to take control of their Google Ads. You don't need another generic tutorial. What you need is a plan for your paid search account. Host Sarah Stemen is a Google Ads coach & consultant who specializes in empowering small business owners, entrepreneurs, and marketers to build and manage their own successful Google Ads campaigns. Each episode dives into the core strategies behind effective Google Ads—the "why" behind the "how." Sarah will tackle the most common questions, uncover proven techniques, and help you think like a pro. From setting up your first campaign to understanding what's really working, this podcast is designed to give you the confidence to run your own ads and achieve real results.

  1. 27 JAN

    Why Google Ads Keeps Finding Bargain Hunters (And How to Fix It in 2026)

    Sarah Stemen discusses the death of the discount and the importance of a value-first approach in paid search strategy. She emphasizes the shift from a sales and discount flywheel to a trust economy, highlighting the significance of consumer preferences, ad creative as targeting, and the role of generational behavior in PPC strategy. Sarah also provides insights on PPC budget allocation, value-first experimentation, and applying a value-first PPC strategy, along with a value-first ad creative checklist. Takeaways Value-first approachCreative as targeting Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Authority Declaration07:27 The Role of Creative Signals in PPC13:21 Applying Value-First PPC Strategy The Death of the Discount: Why "Value-First" is the Only Way to Scale PPC in 2026

    14 min

  2. 23 JAN

    Why Are Negative Keywords Being Ignored 2026

    The conversation explores the shift from keyword precision to a predictive model in Google Ads. It discusses the failure of traditional strategies, evidence of the predictive model, impact on bidding, and the need for advertisers to adapt to this new model. Takeaways Search is now matching predictions, not intentGoogle Ads has shifted to a predictive model Full Blog Post: https://www.thesarahstemen.com/blog/google-ads-predictive-era-minimum-effective-dose Chapters 00:00 The Predictive Era of Google Ads05:33 Shift to Predicted Outcomes10:41 Value-Based Bidding and Opacity16:00 Creative and Value-Based Bidding21:21 Adapting to the Predictive Model

    23 min

  3. 10 JAN

    Co‑Pilot Checkout and Brand Agents: What They Really Signal

    The conversation delves into the impact of AI on marketing, highlighting the collapse of the traditional marketing funnel and the need for brands to be clear, differentiated, and diagnosable in the AI world. It also explores the role of AI in brand recommendations and the importance of intentionally designing signals for AI. Takeaways AI is collapsing the traditional marketing funnelBrands need to be clear, differentiated, and diagnosable in the AI world Chapters 00:00 The Impact of AI on Marketing08:36 AI and Brand Recommendations16:07 Designing Signals for AI https://www.thesarahstemen.com/blog/copilot-checkout-brand-agents

    13 min

  4. 9 JAN

    What Are Audience Signals in Google Ads?

    The video explores the concept of audience signals, emphasizing their role as directional clues for the algorithm and their significance for small businesses. It delves into the types of audience signals, the loss of tactical control, and the impact of signals on value-based bidding. The speaker highlights the softness of audience signals and addresses frequently asked questions about their control and impact. Takeaways Audience signals are not the same as targetingSignals are directional and provide a starting point for the algorithm Chapters 00:00 Understanding Audience Signals08:10 The Softness of Audience Signals13:28 Types of Audience Signals18:31 Frequently Asked Questions https://www.thesarahstemen.com/blog/audience-signals-google-ads

    16 min

  5. 8 JAN

    How Much Should You Spend On Google Ads

    This podcast episode provides a math-driven approach to budgeting for Google Ads, addressing the challenge of determining the right budget and understanding the minimum viable budget required for Google Ads success. The conversation covers topics such as finding the break-even CPA, calculating actual CPAs, Google's minimum data needs, and understanding scaling in Google Ads. Takeaways Budgeting for Google Ads is math-drivenUnderstanding the minimum viable budget for Google Ads https://www.thesarahstemen.com/blog/how-much-to-spend-on-google-ads

    10 min

  6. 08/12/2025

    Google Ads 2025: The 6 Pillars of Google's NEW AI Plan

    Summary In this conversation, Sarah Stemen discusses the significant changes in Google Ads and PPC strategies for 2025, emphasizing the role of AI and new features that enhance transparency and performance measurement. She highlights key updates, including the evolution of Performance Max campaigns, the integration of AI tools, and the impact of shoppable CTV on consumer behavior. Stemen also addresses the importance of cross-platform attribution and the future of smart bidding in discovering new audiences, ultimately encouraging marketers to embrace these changes for better strategic outcomes. Takeaways The only constant in Google Ads is change. AI is becoming a central partner in marketing strategies. Performance Max campaigns have gained more transparency. Shoppable CTV is collapsing the traditional marketing funnel. Google is positioning itself as a creative partner for advertisers. Cross-platform attribution is essential for understanding marketing effectiveness. Smart Bidding is evolving to discover untapped audiences. Marketers must adapt to AI tools to stay competitive. The strategy is where significant value is created in marketing. Embracing change frees marketers from mundane tasks.

    14 min

  7. 26/11/2025

    Can I use Gemini Or ChatGPT For Google Ads?

    Summary In this episode, Sarah Stemen explores the use of AI tools like Gemini in creating Google Ads campaigns, particularly for luxury cookware. She critiques the recommendations provided by Gemini, emphasizing the importance of understanding campaign strategies, keyword selection, and ad copy. Throughout the conversation, she shares her insights on best practices for digital marketing and the potential pitfalls of relying solely on AI-generated suggestions. Takeaways Google Ads strategies must be tailored to the product type. AI tools can provide recommendations, but they require expert oversight. Starting with non-brand keywords can be costly for new businesses. A minimum budget of $10,000 per month is recommended for luxury products. Ad copy must be engaging and legally compliant. User intent is crucial in keyword selection and ad targeting. Conversion tracking is essential for campaign success. Testing different ad strategies can yield better results. Understanding the target audience is key to effective marketing. AI tools should complement, not replace, human expertise in marketing. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI in Google Ads 01:42 Testing Gemini's Recommendations for Luxury Kitchenware 09:32 Evaluating Campaign Strategies and Recommendations 12:51 Final Thoughts on AI Tools in Advertising Ready to take your Google Ads strategy to the next level? Book a paid consulting call with me: https://linktr.ee/sarahstemen For more strategic insights on Google Ads, visit my website at www.thesarahstemen.com

    14 min

  8. 18/11/2025

    Google Ads Failed? Why Your Winning Strategy Quit Working

    Running Google Ads campaigns successfully is not just about technical optimization; it’s about having a fundamentally sound business model. In this crucial episode of the Google Ads Strategy Hub Podcast, we dive deep into a real-world case study proving that past success in Google Ads does not guarantee future results, especially when a business model changes. This is a must-listen for anyone who runs their own Google Ads campaigns and is struggling to convert clicks into sales. Are your Google Ads failing? It might not be the keywords. Expert Google Ads manager, Sarah Stemen, shares a challenging client story: a business that was successfully running their own Google Ads but failed dramatically after launching a new hybrid online/in-person product. They spent over $8,000 without a single conversion. We break down the technical fixes we attempted—including ad copy adjustments, micro conversions, and a major landing page review—and why none of them worked. The core issue wasn't the account structure, the bids, or the ad quality score; it was a fundamental flaw in the market fit and product offering. Learn how to identify when a business problem is masquerading as a performance issue in your PPC account. This case study illustrates a critical lesson for every small business Google Ads user: Google Ads is a powerful amplifier, but it amplifies what's already there. If your product/service is not ready for the market, Google Ads will give you expensive, undeniable evidence of that fact. We also stress the importance of treating every campaign as unique. Just because a campaign works in one location (e.g., Cincinnati vs. Miami) or for one type of service (e.g., a DUI attorney vs. an immigration lawyer) does not mean the strategy can be cloned. Understanding geographic ad differences and niche market PPC is paramount for maximizing your return on ad spend (ROAS). Stop trying to Google your ads out of a non-ad problem. Focus on market validation and proper business fundamentals first. Primary Keyword Focus: Google Ads strategy Secondary Keywords: running Google Ads campaigns, small business Google Ads, Google Ads troubleshooting, landing page review, niche market PPC, Google Ads non-conversion, Google Ads case study, geographic ad differences. Key Takeaways & Actionable Insights: The mindset shift: Google Ads amplifies, it doesn't fix. Why hybrid product models often fail to entice the user. The danger of relying on past campaign success. The importance of market validation before investing in paid traffic. When to recommend a pivot (like switching to SEO). Ready to take your Google Ads strategy to the next level? Book a paid consulting call with me: https://linktr.ee/sarahstemen For more strategic insights on Google Ads, visit my website at www.thesarahstemen.com

    8 min
See All (45)

About

Welcome to The Google Ads Strategy Hub, the podcast for every business owner who wants to take control of their Google Ads. You don't need another generic tutorial. What you need is a plan for your paid search account. Host Sarah Stemen is a Google Ads coach & consultant who specializes in empowering small business owners, entrepreneurs, and marketers to build and manage their own successful Google Ads campaigns. Each episode dives into the core strategies behind effective Google Ads—the "why" behind the "how." Sarah will tackle the most common questions, uncover proven techniques, and help you think like a pro. From setting up your first campaign to understanding what's really working, this podcast is designed to give you the confidence to run your own ads and achieve real results.

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah Stemen
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Sarah Stemen

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