Google Ads Strategy Hub

Sarah Stemen
  • 5.0 (1)
  • 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. 17h ago

    What Is Google Ads Coaching

    In this conversation, Sarah Stemen discusses the role of a PPC coach, particularly in the context of Google Ads, and highlights the importance of personalized coaching over traditional agency management. She emphasizes the need for business intelligence, data-driven decisions, and the unique benefits of coaching in optimizing Google Ads performance. Takeaways PPC coaching enhances business intelligenceData-driven decisions outperform agency managementhttps://www.thesarahstemen.com/google-ads-coaching Chapters 00:00 Understanding PPC Coaching02:52 The Challenges of Google Ads Management06:06 The Value of Personalized Coaching09:02 Data-Driven Decisions vs. Guesswork11:51 Coaching Formats and Expectations15:14 Creative Uses of Coaching

  2. 19h ago

    How to Handle Unaffordable Google Ads CPCs

    Are skyrocketing Cost Per Clicks (CPCs) from $60 to $250+ making you second-guess your Google Ads strategy? When a single click costs more than the immediate margin on a job, it’s easy to panic or swing too far in the opposite direction and fall for the "low CPC delusion." In this episode, Google Ads expert Sarah Stemen breaks down why measuring campaigns purely on click costs leads to bad business decisions. Inspired by a high-stakes client coaching call and a thought-provoking post on the SparkToro blog, Sarah explores: Asset vs. Distribution: The crucial difference between investing in a durable marketing asset (landing pages, blog posts) vs. buying channel distribution (Google Ads search clicks).The Low CPC Trap: Why cheaper clicks often mean low commercial intent, tire-kickers, and wasted budget.Smart Budget Allocation: How to decide which high-intent keywords deserve premium paid search dollars and which early-stage keywords belong in SEO, retargeting, or alternative channels.Stop treating CPC as the end-all-be-all and start evaluating your ad spend based on lifetime value and intent. 👉 Resources Mentioned: Read the SparkToro blog post referenced in this video: https://sparktoro.com/blog/creating-and-promoting-were-never-the-same-decision/Book a Google Ads coaching call or audit with Sarah: https://www.thesarahstemen.com/google-ads-coaching

  3. 1d ago

    Do We Need The Google Ads Interface Anymore

    In this conversation, Sarah Stemen discusses the implications of moving away from the Google Ads interface towards AI-driven management, referencing an article by Fred from Optimizer. She explores the potential benefits and risks of this shift, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying mechanisms of PPC management. source blog post: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/what-happens-to-ppc-when-you-stop-managing-google-ads-through-google-ads/586580/ www.thesarahstemen.com Takeaways AI can enhance PPC managementUnderstanding the interface is crucial Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Google Ads Management02:53 The Role of AI in PPC Management06:11 Operational Risks of AI in Ads09:03 The Future of Google Ads Interface

  4. 2d ago

    The Dark Side of AI Automation in Google Ads

    In this conversation, Sarah Stemen discusses the impact of AI on Google Ads, arguing that while AI may create an illusion of simplicity, it does not replace the need for human strategy and understanding. She emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and the human element in effectively managing Google Ads campaigns. Takeaways AI doesn't simplify Google AdsHuman strategy remains essentialhttps://www.thesarahstemen.com/ Blog posts you might like: https://www.thesarahstemen.com/blog/how-to-make-better-decisions-in-google-ads https://www.thesarahstemen.com/blog/ai-deep-thinking-google-ads-critical-math https://www.thesarahstemen.com/blog/asking-gemini-who-sarah-stemen-ppc-is Chapters 00:00 The Illusion of AI Simplicity05:11 Understanding Automation's Role09:57 Navigating AI's Complexities15:11 The Future of Google Ads and AI

  5. 5d ago

    How To Optimize Your Search Ads

    In this conversation, Sarah Stemen, a Google Ads expert, discusses the importance of optimizing ads and landing pages based on Google's recommendations while also providing her insights and critiques on their effectiveness. She emphasizes the need for relevance in ad copy, the significance of matching ads with keywords, and the critical role of landing pages in converting clicks into customers. Takeaways Optimize ads for relevanceAlign landing pages with ads Chapters 00:00 Understanding Google Ads Optimization03:06 The Importance of Ad Relevance06:12 Best Practices for Ad Creation10:01 Landing Pages: The Conversion Bridge13:48 Final Thoughts on Google Ads Strategy

  6. Oct 2

    Why More Google Ads Optimizations Won't Get You More Clients

    In this conversation, Sarah Stemen discusses effective strategies for converting Google Ads clicks into paying clients, emphasizing the importance of understanding the backend processes of a business and optimizing landing pages. She outlines a four-phase blueprint for service-based businesses to enhance their Google Ads performance and client acquisition. Takeaways Focus on backend optimizationCreate dedicated landing pages Chapters 00:00 Understanding Google Ads Conversion02:22 The Importance of Backend Processes03:19 Financial and Mindset Alignment08:32 Landing Page Engineering and Conversion Science14:08 Building Trust and Authenticity19:47 Leveraging AI in Google Ads23:03 Final Thoughts on Google Ads Strategy

  7. Sep 30

    Is The Aug 17th Bidding Update An Issue? REAL Example

    In this conversation, Sarah Stemen discusses the challenges of conducting a Google Ads audit for a B2B client facing data starvation. She emphasizes the importance of understanding account performance, analyzing change history, and providing strategic recommendations to improve campaign outcomes. Takeaways Data starvation impacts performanceMaximize clicks as a temporary solution Chapters 00:00 Understanding Data Starvation in Google Ads02:00 Analyzing Account Performance and Strategies04:25 Navigating Low Volume Campaigns05:59 The Importance of Change History09:45 Recommendations for Struggling Accounts11:12 Delivering Audit Insights to Clients

  8. Sep 28

    Redefining Google Ads Consulting For Small Businesses

    Is paying a monthly retainer for Google Ads management actually hurting your business? In this video, 17-year Google Ads expert Sarah Stemen pulls back the curtain on traditional agency account management. Learn why high monthly retainers often lead to "surviving, not strategizing" account managers, hidden waste in ad spend, and how taking control of your own account strategy can transform your ROI without taking over your life. Whether you are a business owner tired of passive agency maintenance, overwhelmed by generic courses, or looking for a more sustainable business model, this deep dive breaks down what is really happening behind the scenes in the Google Ads industry. ⏱️ Timestamps00:00 - The Decision That Confused the Industry 01:00 - My 3 Core Google Ads Services 01:48 - Protecting Life, Family, and Client Sanity 03:00 - The Mental Toll of Hyper-Active Account Management 05:15 - The Dirty Secret of Traditional Ad Agencies 07:15 - $17,000 Wasted: A Real-World Audit Example 08:20 - Audits, Live Coaching & "Build and Train" 10:00 - Why Generic Google Ads Courses Fail 11:55 - Critical Questions Every Business Owner Needs to Ask 14:15 - Breaking Free From Permanent Retainers 🛠️ Work With Me / Get Strategic Google Ads SupportIf you're ready to stop paying for maintenance and start getting high-level strategy, let’s connect: 🔎 Google Ads Audit: Uncover wasted ad spend, fix broken targeting, and get a clear roadmap.💡 1-on-1 Strategic Coaching: Optimize your account live on-call and master your strategy.🏗️ Build & Train: A completely customized Google Ads setup built for your business, paired with hands-on team training.🔗 Visit my website to book a session: 📩 Get in touch: https://www.thesarahstemen.com/google-ads-coaching 📌 Key Takeaways for Business Owners:Ditch the "Maintenance" Trap: Stop paying retainers for managers who only check your account for 15 minutes a week.Focus on the 10%: You don't need to master the entire Google Ads platform—only the specific campaign types and strategies that fit your exact business model.Question the Status Quo: Reevaluate software, agency fees, and contractors to ensure you pay for execution and strategy, not babysitting.👋 Connect With MeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahstemen/Website: https://www.thesarahstemen.com#GoogleAds #PPC #GoogleAdsAgency #DigitalMarketing #BusinessStrategy #GoogleAdsOptimization #PPCMangement #SmallBusinessGrowth

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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
    101
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Sarah Stemen

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