Clicks to Customers

StubGroup

Welcome to StubGroup's Clicks to Customers Podcast channel! Subscribe for: ✔️ Tutorials about how Google Ads works ✔️ Advanced strategies we're using to make our clients successful ✔️ Hot takes about the latest and greatest in industry news ✔️ Tactics to fix Google Ads suspensions and remain compliant with Google's policies ✔️ Conversations with industry experts on all aspects of marketing ✔️ And much more! 💪 Dominate Google Ads and grow your business: https://stubgroup.com/

  1. 4D AGO · VIDEO

    Your MCC (Google Ads Manager Account) Was Hacked. Do This Immediately

    Was your Google Ads Manager Account (also known as an MCC) hacked and possibly suspended by Google?  This video walks you through EXACTLY what to do next. MCC hacks are becoming increasingly common and can completely shut down your ability to run ads for clients or your own business.  In this video, StubGroup CEO John Horn walks explains the critical first steps you MUST take to fix the hack, document what happened, work with Google’s compromised account process, and reduce the risk of this happening again in the future. You will learn: • What to do immediately after your MCC is hacked • How to fix and contain the security breach • What documentation Google expects when reviewing compromised accounts • How to report a hacked MCC to Google correctly • Common phishing attacks targeting agencies and advertisers • How fake Google Ads login pages steal credentials • Best practices for user access, 2FA, and account hygiene • How to significantly reduce the risk of future hacks If your MCC or Google Ads account has been compromised, time matters. Fixing the issue correctly is critical to getting reinstated and avoiding repeat suspensions. Get our free guides to fixing Google Ads suspensions → https://stubgroup.com/stubgroup-google-policy-center/ Hire the experts to fix your Google suspension → https://stubgroup.com/how-to-reverse-a-google-ads-account-suspension/ Chapters 0:00 What To Do If Your MCC Is Hacked 0:31 First Step Fix the Hack Immediately 1:14 Common Ways MCC Accounts Get Compromised 2:10 Why Documentation Matters 2:40 Reporting a Compromised Account to Google 3:03 Working With Google Reps After a Hack 4:05 Preventing Future MCC Hacks 4:23 Common Phishing Attacks Targeting Agencies 5:21 Fake Google Ads Login Pages Explained 6:20 Limiting User Access and Account Hygiene 6:52 Two Factor Authentication Best Practices 7:42 Shared Logins and Why They Are Dangerous 8:06 Final Security Recommendations Connect with StubGroup on Social Media: -------------------------------------------------- 🐦 Follow us on X: https://x.com/stubgroup 📱 Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StubGroup/ 👥 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stub-group/ 📷 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stubgroupadvertising/

    8 min
  2. 5D AGO · VIDEO

    Fix “Sale of Service” Google Merchant Center Suspensions 2026

    If your Google Merchant Center account is suspended for “sale of service,” or you want to avoid this suspension altogether, this video walks you through exactly what Google is flagging and how to fix it. Google has very different rules for what can be advertised through Google Shopping and Merchant Center compared to regular Google Ads. One of the most common issues we are seeing is merchants unknowingly bundling services with physical products, which violates Google’s unsupported shopping content policies. In this video, we cover: • What Google means by “sale of service” • Why services cannot be sold through Google Shopping • Common examples that trigger this suspension • How bundled services cause Merchant Center suspensions • Safe ways to structure your business and websites • How to fix incorrect or automated Google flags • Best practices to avoid future Merchant Center suspensions If you're dealing with a Google Merchant Center suspension or want expert help making sure your account complies with Google’s policies, our team at StubGroup is here to help. Fix Your Google Merchant Center Misrepresentation Suspension → https://stubgroup.com/how-to-reverse-a-google-merchant-center-misrepresentation-suspension/ Get our free guides to fixing Google suspensions → https://stubgroup.com/stubgroup-google-policy-center/ Chapters 0:00 Sale of Service Merchant Center Suspension Overview 0:56 What Google Means by Sale of Service 1:29 Common Examples That Trigger This Suspension 2:25 Selling Services vs Physical Products 2:52 How Bundled Services Cause Issues 3:35 Gray Areas and Why Google Still Flags Accounts 3:56 Using Separate Websites for Compliance 4:32 What To Do If You Are Incorrectly Flagged 5:01 Using Clear Disclaimers on Product Pages 5:06 Keywords That Can Trigger Service Flags 5:46 Google Product Categories and Shipping Settings 6:44 When Google Gets It Wrong 7:04 Final Recommendations and Next Steps Connect with StubGroup on Social Media: -------------------------------------------------- 🐦 Follow us on X: https://x.com/stubgroup 📱 Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StubGroup/ 👥 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stub-group/ 📷 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stubgroupadvertising/

    7 min
  3. FEB 6 · VIDEO

    Google Call Ads Are Ending. Here's the Timeline

    Google has officially announced the timeline for sunsetting Google Call Ads, previously known as Call Only Ads.  StubGroup CEO John Horn breaks down what's changing, when those changes take effect, and what it actually means for advertisers who rely on phone calls for lead generation. You will learn: -What Google Call Ads are and how they work -When you can no longer create new Call Ads -When existing Call Ads will fully stop serving -What alternatives Google is keeping in place -Whether you should turn off Call Ads right now If you currently run call focused campaigns or rely heavily on inbound phone leads, this update is important for planning ahead and avoiding surprises. If you have questions about Google Ads strategy, call tracking, or preparing for upcoming Google changes, our team at StubGroup is here to help. Get a free Google Ads consultation from StubGroup: https://stubgroup.com/free-google-ads-evaluation/ Get our free guide to fixing Google suspensions → https://stubgroup.com/stubgroup-google-policy-center/ Chapters 0:00 Google Call Ads Are Going Away 0:14 What Are Google Call Ads 0:31 Call Ads vs Call Assets 0:49 February 2026 Creation Deadline 1:05 February 2027 Final Sunset Date 1:28 What Will Happen to Existing Call Ads 1:49 Should You Keep Running Call Ads 2:09 What Advertisers Should Do Next Connect with StubGroup on Social Media: -------------------------------------------------- 🐦 Follow us on X: https://x.com/stubgroup 📱 Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StubGroup/ 👥 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stub-group/ 📷 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stubgroupadvertising/

    2 min
  4. FEB 4 · VIDEO

    Are Google Suspensions Permanent?

    Are Google Ads suspensions permanent?  The short answer: Sometimes yes, sometimes no. StubGroup CEO John Horn explains when Google Ads suspensions truly are permanent. And when they can still be overturned, even if Google explicitly says they’re permanent.  He breaks down what Google reps can (and can’t) tell you, why “permanent suspension” emails aren’t always the final word, and how some advertisers are still able to get reinstated with the right strategy. If your Google Ads account has been suspended and you’ve been told there’s no path forward, this video will help you understand what options may still exist . . . and what mistakes to avoid when submitting appeals. Get our free guide to fixing Google suspensions → https://stubgroup.com/stubgroup-google-policy-center/ Hire the experts to fix your Google suspension → https://stubgroup.com/how-to-reverse-a-google-ads-account-suspension/ Chapters 00:00 Are Google Ads suspensions permanent 00:08 Sometimes yes sometimes no 00:28 When Google truly means permanent 00:45 Cases where permanent suspensions were reversed 01:10 Why Google reps are not the final authority 01:59 Permanent suspension emails explained 02:19 Why there may still be a path forward 02:35 Why strategy matters when appealing 02:52 Mistakes to avoid with repeated appeals 03:08 When to get expert help   Connect with StubGroup on Social Media: -------------------------------------------------- 🐦 Follow us on X: https://x.com/stubgroup 📱 Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StubGroup/ 👥 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stub-group/ 📷 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stubgroupadvertising/

    3 min
  5. JAN 29 · VIDEO

    Should You Use AI to Answer Phone Calls?

    AI phone answering tools are becoming more popular, but they're not a one-size-fits-all solution. StubGroup CEO John Horn breaks down the real-world pros and cons of using AI to answer inbound phone calls.  Based on firsthand experience working with businesses of all sizes, from small local companies to large enterprises, he explains when AI phone answering works well, when it causes problems, and what you should consider before rolling it out. You’ll learn: -Why businesses are adopting AI for inbound calls -Where AI performs well and where it fails -How data, training, and call volume affect success -The impact on customer experience and reputation -Why generational differences matter -A framework to decide if AI is right for your business AI can unlock massive scalability and cost savings, but it can also frustrate callers and cost you leads if implemented too early or without proper training. Get your free marketing consultation from StubGroup: https://stubgroup.com/ Chapters 00:00 Should You Use AI to Answer Phone Calls? 00:28 Why Businesses Are Turning to AI Call Answering 01:21 Answering Every Call 24/7 01:38 Cost Savings and Scalability 01:53 AI for Call Routing vs Traditional Phone Menus 02:41 Is AI Actually Good at Answering Calls Today? 03:09 Why Small Businesses Often Struggle with AI 03:39 Where AI Works Well for Larger Businesses 04:35 Training, Mistakes, and Lost Opportunities 05:00 Generational Differences in AI Call Experience 05:53 How to Decide If AI Is Right for Your Business 06:25 Reputation and Industry Sensitivity Considerations 07:00 Final Thoughts on AI Phone Answering Connect with StubGroup on Social Media: -------------------------------------------------- 🐦 Follow us on X: https://x.com/stubgroup 📱 Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StubGroup/ 👥 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stub-group/ 📷 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stubgroupadvertising/

    7 min
  6. JAN 21 · VIDEO

    How to Fix Google Ads Phishing Unacceptable Business Practices Suspensions

    If your Google Ads account has been suspended for phishing under Google’s Unacceptable Business Practices policy, this video will help you understand why it happens and how to fix it. StubGroup CEO John Horn explains what Google actually means by phishing, why legitimate businesses are often flagged incorrectly, and the most common scenarios StubGroup sees when helping advertisers recover from these suspensions. You will learn: -What Google defines as phishing in Google Ads -Why phishing suspensions have increased recently -How hacked ad accounts trigger phishing flags -How compromised websites can cause phishing suspensions -How accidental third party links lead to account suspensions -Why franchise and branding overlap can look like impersonation -How StubGroup audits and fixes phishing related suspensions Phishing suspensions are serious, but they are often fixable when approached correctly with proper audits, documentation, and appeals. Get our free guide to fixing Google suspensions → https://stubgroup.com/stubgroup-google-policy-center/ Hire the experts to fix your Google suspension → https://stubgroup.com/how-to-reverse-a-google-ads-account-unacceptable-business-practices-suspension/ Chapters 0:00 What a Google Ads phishing suspension means 0:09 StubGroup introduction 0:16 Why phishing suspensions are increasing 0:28 What phishing actually means in Google Ads 0:42 Common phishing attack example explained 1:14 Daisy chain phishing attacks 1:33 Why legitimate businesses get flagged 2:00 Scenario 1 Compromised ad accounts 2:25 How to fix a hacked Google Ads account 3:04 Scenario 2 Compromised websites 3:19 Finding hidden malicious links 3:43 Scenario 3 Accidental third party links 4:10 Why Google applies phishing suspensions aggressively 4:33 Scenario 4 False positives from scanners 4:54 Removing flagged content or code 5:27 Scenario 5 Franchise and impersonation issues 6:08 Fixing branding and authorization problems 6:51 How StubGroup audits phishing suspensions 7:16 Final recommendations and next steps Connect with StubGroup on Social Media: -------------------------------------------------- 🐦 Follow us on X: https://x.com/stubgroup 📱 Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StubGroup/ 👥 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stub-group/ 📷 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stubgroupadvertising/

    7 min
  7. JAN 16 · VIDEO

    Case Study: We Fixed A Google Merchant Center Misrepresentation Suspension

    Misrepresentation is the number one reason Google Merchant Center accounts get suspended.  And fixing it is rarely simple. Let StubGroup CEO John Horn walk you through how his team fixed a Google Merchant Center suspension caused by misrepresentation and 'website needs improvement' flags.  Based on StubGroup’s 2025 suspension research, nearly 90% of Merchant Center suspensions involve misrepresentation, making this one of the most critical policies to understand. In this video, you'll learn: -Why Google flags Merchant Center accounts for misrepresentation -Why legitimate drop shipping businesses often get caught by this policy -How StubGroup audits Merchant Center settings for inconsistencies -Common website issues that trigger misrepresentation suspensions -How navigation, policies, and mobile experience affect compliance -The step by step process used to get this Merchant Center reinstated If your Merchant Center has been suspended and you are not sure what Google is flagging, this walkthrough will help you understand where to look and what to fix. Fix Your Google Merchant Center Misrepresentation Suspension → https://stubgroup.com/how-to-reverse-a-google-merchant-center-misrepresentation-suspension/ Access our FREE guides here → https://stubgroup.com/stubgroup-google-policy-center/ Get our free guides to fixing Google suspensions → https://stubgroup.com/stubgroup-google-policy-center/ Chapters 0:00 Intro 0:08 What is video verification? 0:21 When Google started testing it 0:47 Where to find the verification notice 1:10 How to answer the three business-type questions 2:02 Why accuracy matters in your answers 2:16 What to include in your video (requirements by type) 2:54 Continuous video rule explained 3:13 Pros and cons of this new system 3:47 Why some videos may still fail 4:06 What to expect as Google expands this beta 4:15 How StubGroup can help Connect with StubGroup on Social Media: -------------------------------------------------- 🐦 Follow us on X: https://x.com/stubgroup 📱 Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StubGroup/ 👥 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stub-group/ 📷 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stubgroupadvertising/

    4 min
  8. JAN 14 · VIDEO

    Fix "No physical stores found in countries of sale" Google Merchant Center Suspension

    If you're seeing the “No physical stores found in countries of sale” flag in Google Merchant Center, this video will help you understand why it appears and how to fix it. StubGroup CEO John Horn explains what triggers this flag, why some Merchant Center accounts are even suspended because of it, and the EXACT steps StubGroup has used to resolve this issue for clients. You will learn: -What the “No physical stores found in countries of sale” flag means -Why it is usually tied to specific Merchant Center add-ons -When free local listings or local inventory ads cause this issue -How to fix it if you are not running local inventory campaigns -What to check if you are running local inventory ads legitimately -When the flag is actually incorrect and how to get it removed This issue is uncommon, confusing, and easy to miss, but it can block or suspend your Merchant Center if left unresolved. Get our free guides to fixing Google suspensions → https://stubgroup.com/stubgroup-google-policy-center/ Fix Your Google Merchant Center Misrepresentation Suspension → https://stubgroup.com/google-merchant-center-suspension-3/ Chapters: 0:00 What the no physical stores found flag means 0:16 StubGroup introduction 0:28 Why this flag has been appearing more often 0:41 When this issue can cause a suspension 0:45 Merchant Center add-ons that trigger this flag 0:56 Free local listings and local inventory ads explained 1:11 When you should turn these add-ons off 1:35 How local inventory ads are supposed to work 1:43 When everything is set up correctly but still flagged 2:03 Working with Google to remove an incorrect flag 2:18 When the issue is actually a setup problem 2:33 Checking your Google Business Profile connection 2:49 Final recommendations and next steps Connect with StubGroup on Social Media: -------------------------------------------------- 🐦 Follow us on X: https://x.com/stubgroup 📱 Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StubGroup/ 👥 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stub-group/ 📷 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stubgroupadvertising/

    3 min

About

Welcome to StubGroup's Clicks to Customers Podcast channel! Subscribe for: ✔️ Tutorials about how Google Ads works ✔️ Advanced strategies we're using to make our clients successful ✔️ Hot takes about the latest and greatest in industry news ✔️ Tactics to fix Google Ads suspensions and remain compliant with Google's policies ✔️ Conversations with industry experts on all aspects of marketing ✔️ And much more! 💪 Dominate Google Ads and grow your business: https://stubgroup.com/