The Google Ads Podcast with Fexingo: Search Ads, Display, and PPC Campaign Strategy

Episodet

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  How Google Ads Auction-Time Bidding Works in 2026 19.08.2026 7min

  In Episode 163 of The Google Ads Podcast, Lucas and Luna dive into Google Ads auction-time bidding — the mechanism that decides which ad wins each search auction and what you actually pay. They explain how advertiser bid, Quality Score, and expected impact of ad formats combine at the moment of auction, and why it matters for your PPC strategy in 2026. The episode centers on a real-world example: a mid-sized home services company that saw a 22 percent drop in cost per lead after switching from enhanced cost-per-click to target CPA with auction-time bidding. Lucas breaks down the difference between bid adjustments and bid strategies, while Luna challenges the notion that auction-time bidding always wins, pointing out when a simpler manual approach might serve smaller budgets better. They also touch on how AI and machine learning influence bid predictions, and how privacy changes like the loss of third-party cookies shape the data Google uses. By the end, you'll have a clear mental model of how the auction works and one actionable takeaway to test in your own campaigns. #GoogleAds #AuctionTimeBidding #PPC #PayPerClick #SearchAds #BidStrategy #TargetCPA #QualityScore #AdRank #SmartBidding #MachineLearning #DigitalMarketing #MarketingPodcast #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #PPCTips #GoogleAdsPodcast #SearchAdvertising Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
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  How Google Ads Quality Score Actually Works in 2026 18.08.2026 12min

  In episode 162, Lucas and Luna dig into Google Ads Quality Score in 2026. They unpack what it is, how it's calculated, and why it still matters for your cost per click and ad rank. With privacy changes and AI-driven bidding, they explain why Quality Score remains a cornerstone of PPC strategy. They break down the three components — expected click-through rate, ad relevance, and landing page experience — and share a real example of a small business that improved Quality Score from 4 to 8, cutting costs by half. They also discuss the myth that Quality Score is just about CTR and how account structure and historical performance factor in. If you've ever wondered whether Quality Score is worth obsessing over, or how to improve it without gaming the system, this episode gives you a clear, actionable framework. #GoogleAds #QualityScore #PPC #PaidSearch #DigitalMarketing #AdRank #ClickThroughRate #LandingPage #AdRelevance #Marketing #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #GoogleAdsTips #PPCCampaigns #SearchAds #AdsStrategy #CostPerClick Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
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  How Google Ads Callout Extensions Drive Clicks 17.08.2026 8min

  Callout extensions are the most underused ad extension in Google Ads. In episode 161 of The Google Ads Podcast, Lucas and Luna show how a small home-services company lifted click-through rate by 27 percent just by adding three callout lines. They break down what callouts do, how they differ from sitelinks, where to place them in the ad rank, and why quality callouts can actually lower cost per click. They also cover the Google Ads character limit for callouts in 2026, how to write callouts that pass the 'so what' test, and how to use customizers to make callouts dynamic — without triggering disapprovals. If you run search, display, or Performance Max campaigns, this episode gives you a specific, tactical win you can test this week. Support the show at buy me a coffee dot com slash fexingo. #GoogleAds #CalloutExtensions #PPC #AdExtensions #SearchAds #PPCStrategy #Marketing #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #GoogleAdsTips #CTR #ClickThroughRate #AdCopy #PPCManagement #DigitalMarketing #GoogleAds2026 #LucasAndLuna #Fexingo Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
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  How Google Ads Brand Search CPCs Rewrite Bidding Strategy 16.08.2026 7min

  Brand search campaigns are quietly eating PPC budgets in 2026. Lucas and Luna dig into why average cost-per-click on branded terms has climbed nearly 40 percent since 2023, how competitor conquesting and Performance Max blurred the line between brand and non-brand, and what that means for your auction strategy. They walk through a concrete example: a mid-sized e-commerce brand that stopped bidding on its own name, saw impressions drop, and discovered two competitors in the top slots. You'll learn when defending your brand terms actually pays off, how to separate brand and non-brand campaigns cleanly, and why broad match plus Smart Bidding makes the old rules obsolete. If you're managing search campaigns, this episode gives you a clear framework for deciding whether to bid on your own brand -- and how to do it without burning budget. Fresh insights, real numbers, and a practical checklist you can apply to your own account by the end of the episode. #GoogleAds #BrandSearch #PPC #SearchAds #BiddingStrategy #CPC #Marketing #DigitalMarketing #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
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  How Google Ads Responsive Search Ads Handle Character Limits 15.08.2026 7min

  In episode 159 of The Google Ads Podcast, Lucas and Luna unpack the technical reality behind responsive search ad character limits in 2026. They explain why Google's stated 30-character headline limit and 90-character description limit are just the beginning — and how the machine learning models that assemble your ads actually treat those limits. Learn how the system scores combinations, why some headlines never show, and how to write copy that works with the algorithm instead of against it. Plus, a real-world example of a travel client whose best-performing headline was one they'd almost deleted. If you're running search ads and want to understand what Google's ad assembly is really doing with your copy, this episode gives you a practical framework for testing and iteration. #GoogleAds #ResponsiveSearchAds #RSACopywriting #PPC #PaidSearch #AdCopy #CharacterLimits #HeadlineOptimization #DescriptionBestPractices #GoogleAdsTutorial #SearchAds2026 #Marketing #DigitalMarketing #SEM #AdTesting #GoogleAdsPodcast #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
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  How Google Ads Location Extensions Drive Store Visits 14.08.2026 9min

  In episode 158 of the Google Ads Podcast with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna dive deep into location extensions — the ad format that turns search ads into store visit drivers. They break down how location extensions work in 2026, why the average brick-and-mortar retailer sees a 1.5 percent lift in store visits when they add them, and how to set them up with Google Business Profile. They also tackle the tricky question of attribution: how does Google know a click led to a physical visit? You'll learn about store visit conversion tracking, the role of mobile search intent, and why pairing location extensions with call extensions can double your lead quality. Whether you run a single local shop or a national chain, this episode gives you the concrete steps to make your paid search work harder for foot traffic. Tune in for practical tips, real examples, and a few warnings about common pitfalls like mismatched locations and missing physical distance signals. #GoogleAds #LocationExtensions #PPC #LocalSearch #StoreVisits #PaidSearch #DigitalMarketing #GoogleBusinessProfile #MobileMarketing #RetailMarketing #AdExtensions #ConversionTracking #SearchAdvertising #SEM #Marketing #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #GoogleAdsPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
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  How Google Ads Audience Segments Work in 2026 12.08.2026 7min

  In this episode of the Google Ads Podcast, Lucas and Luna dive into the evolving world of audience segments in Google Ads, focusing on how first-party data and AI-driven insights are reshaping targeting in 2026. They discuss the shift from third-party cookies to first-party strategies, practical tips for building effective custom segments, and the surprising power of combining audience signals with Smart Bidding. Using a real-world example of a mid-sized e-commerce brand that revamped its audience strategy to cut cost per acquisition by 20 percent, they show how small changes can lead to big wins. Listeners learn about the pitfalls of over-targeting, the role of predictive audiences, and how to leverage Google's AI to find high-intent users without sacrificing scale. Whether you're a seasoned PPC pro or just starting out, this episode offers actionable insights to refine your audience game and stay ahead in a privacy-first world. #GoogleAds #PPC #AudienceSegments #FirstPartyData #SmartBidding #Marketing #DigitalAdvertising #PaidSearch #DataDrivenMarketing #AIAdvertising #PrivacyFirst #CustomerTargeting #Ecommerce #CPA #ROAS #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #MarketingPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
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  How Broad Match Keywords Work in 2026 11.08.2026 9min

  In this episode of The Google Ads Podcast, Lucas and Luna demystify broad match keywords in 2026, walking through how Google's machine learning has transformed them from a budget-drainer into a tool for discovery when used with Smart Bidding. They unpack a concrete example from a fictional outdoor gear retailer to show how broad match can uncover new search terms you'd never think to target, while also covering the risks—like irrelevant clicks—and how to tame them with negative keywords and audience signals. If you've been hesitant to try broad match, this episode gives you a practical framework for testing it safely. #GoogleAds #PPC #BroadMatch #SearchAds #Marketing #DigitalMarketing #SmartBidding #MachineLearning #KeywordStrategy #PPCCampaigns #GoogleAdsPodcast #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #MarketingPodcast #AdWords #SearchEngineMarketing #SEM #PaidSearch Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
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  How Google Ads Ad Strength Scores Affect Your Search Ads 10.08.2026 9min

  In Episode 155 of The Google Ads Podcast, Lucas and Luna break down how Google Ads Ad Strength scores actually work in 2026. They walk through why a high Ad Strength score isn't a guarantee of high click-through rates, using a real-world example of a home-services client whose 'Excellent' rated ads underperformed. They explain the components of Ad Strength, how it ties into Responsive Search Ads, and why you should treat it as a diagnostic rather than a goal. You'll learn practical ways to improve your Ad Strength score without sacrificing relevance, and why a 'Good' score might sometimes be the smartest target. Tune in to understand the nuance behind this often-misunderstood metric and how to balance machine learning with human judgment in your PPC campaigns. #GoogleAds #AdStrength #PPC #ResponsiveSearchAds #Marketing #DigitalMarketing #SearchAds #GoogleAdsPodcast #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Advertising #PPCTips #AdCopy #CTR #QualityScore #AIBidding #CampaignOptimization #MarketingPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
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  How Google Ads Custom Audiences Work in 2026 09.08.2026 10min

  In Episode 154, Lucas and Luna dive deep into Google Ads custom audiences—segments built from your own data, not just Google's pre-made lists. They break down how custom intent and custom affinity audiences differ, why combining them with keyword data can sharpen your targeting, and how a local bakery used custom audiences to double their click-through rate. Along the way, they explore the role of machine learning in audience creation, the importance of updating your segments as your business evolves, and how to avoid the trap of audiences that are too narrow. If you've ever wondered why your PPC results plateau, this episode offers a fresh perspective on reaching the right people at the right time. Tune in for practical tips, real-world examples, and a few honest thoughts on what's actually working in 2026. #CustomAudiences #GoogleAds #PPC #Marketing #PaidSearch #DigitalMarketing #AudienceTargeting #CustomIntent #CustomAffinity #MachineLearning #AdWords #SEM #SmallBusiness #BakeryMarketing #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #MarketingPodcast #GoogleAdsPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
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  How Google Ads Campaign Experiments Cut Wasted Spend 08.08.2026 10min

  In episode 153 of The Google Ads Podcast, Lucas and Luna dig into campaign experiments—Google Ads' built-in A/B testing tool—and how running them properly can cut wasted spend. They walk through the mechanics of an experiment: splitting traffic, setting a custom objective, and letting the system tell you when a new version is statistically better. They use a concrete example: a mid-sized e-commerce account with a $40,000 monthly budget that tested a new bidding strategy against a control campaign. They break down the numbers, including how long to run an experiment, what to do if you get an inconclusive result, and why pausing your control too early is the most common mistake. They also touch on the difference between experiments and drafts, and how the new Recommendations page in 2026 suggests experiments based on your account history. If you're running paid search and you're not using campaign experiments, this episode will make you rethink your testing workflow. #GoogleAds #CampaignExperiments #PPC #PaidSearch #A/BTesting #WastedSpend #BiddingStrategy #DataDriven #Marketing #DigitalAdvertising #PerformanceMax #GoogleAdsTips #PPCManagement #AdTesting #ConversionOptimization #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #MarketingPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
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  How Google Ads Keyword Insertion Backfires and How to Fix It 07.08.2026 11min

  In this episode, Lucas and Luna unpack the hidden risks of Google Ads keyword insertion. While dynamic headlines can boost relevance, they can also produce embarrassing mismatches that hurt quality score and conversions. Lucas shares a concrete example of a plumbing company whose ad read 'Emergency Plumber for 3-Bedroom Fixer-Upper' when it matched a listing query, and explains why Google's automation doesn't always understand context. They discuss when keyword insertion works—like in SKAGs with tightly themed ad groups—and when it's a liability, such as with broad match or competitor keywords. Luna brings data showing that over 40 percent of keyword-inserted headlines in their sample had at least one character issue per month, and they walk through how to use case folders and dynamic keyword insertion for tighter control. They also cover how to test keyword insertion against static copy using drafts and experiments, and how to monitor search terms reports for red flags. Tune in for a practical guide to keeping your ads relevant without the cringe. #GoogleAds #KeywordInsertion #PPC #AdCopy #DynamicSearchAds #PaidSearch #Marketing #DigitalMarketing #SEM #AdExtensions #QualityScore #AdRelevance #SearchAds #GoogleAdsTips #PPCTips #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #MarketingPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
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  Sitelink Extensions That Actually Lift Your CTR 06.08.2026 7min

  On this episode of The Google Ads Podcast, Lucas and Luna drill into sitelink extensions—the most underused ad extension in your PPC toolkit. They break down how sitelinks can boost your click-through rate by up to 30 percent when done right, and why most advertisers get them wrong by just listing generic pages. Using a concrete example from a mid-sized e-commerce brand, they walk through the anatomy of a high-performing sitelink: writing for intent, matching the search query, and balancing promotional versus informational links. They also share a simple three-step audit you can run today to find sitelink opportunities you're missing. If you've ever wondered whether those extra blue links actually matter, this episode gives you the playbook. Tune in for a focused 10-minute masterclass on one of Google Ads' most actionable levers. #GoogleAds #SitelinkExtensions #PPC #ClickThroughRate #AdExtensions #PaidSearch #Marketing #DigitalAdvertising #SearchAds #GoogleAdsTips #PPCCampaign #AdCopy #EcommerceAds #CTR #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #FexingoGoogleAds #GoogleAdsStrategy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
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  How Google Ads Smart Bidding Adapts to Privacy Changes 05.08.2026 8min

  In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore how Google Ads Smart Bidding has evolved to handle privacy-era signals like Consent Mode and the loss of third-party cookies. They break down the shift from user-level to conversion-based optimization, using a hypothetical e-commerce client to illustrate real-world impact. Learn how machine learning models now rely on first-party data and predictive signals, what it means for your ROAS targets, and why advertisers should re-evaluate their bidding strategies for late 2026. Concrete takeaways include how to set up Consent Mode properly and why your conversion window might need adjusting. Whether you're running search, shopping, or Performance Max, this episode gives you a clear playbook for navigating the new normal in Google Ads bidding. #GoogleAds #SmartBidding #ConsentMode #PrivacyChanges #PPC #Marketing #DigitalAdvertising #MachineLearning #FirstPartyData #ROAS #ConversionTracking #GoogleAdsTips #BiddingStrategy #SearchAds #ShoppingAds #PerformanceMax #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
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  How Google Ads Performance Max Reallocates Budget Across Channels 04.08.2026 11min

  In Episode 149 of the Google Ads Podcast, Lucas and Luna dig into Performance Max campaigns and how Google's AI decides where to spend your budget across Search, Display, YouTube, and more. They explore the shift from keyword-level control to portfolio-level optimization, using a mid-sized e-commerce example to illustrate how a single budget can move fluidly between channels as signals change. The episode explains how asset groups feed the algorithm, why some advertisers see dramatic shifts in spend, and what the move means for your reporting and your sanity. If you've ever wondered why your Performance Max campaign suddenly poured money into YouTube or paused Search, this episode gives you the framework to understand it. Lucas and Luna also touch on the practical steps you can take: how to structure campaigns, what metrics to watch, and when to let the algorithm do its thing versus when to intervene. #GoogleAds #PerformanceMax #PPC #PaidSearch #Marketing #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #AIAdvertising #BudgetAllocation #Ecommerce #YouTubeAds #SearchAds #DisplayAds #CampaignStructure #AlgorithmicBidding #DigitalMarketing #AdSpendOptimization Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
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  How Google Ads Automated Rules Manage Your PPC Campaigns 03.08.2026 7min

  In episode 148 of The Google Ads Podcast with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore how Google Ads automated rules can save time and improve campaign performance in 2026. They break down a real-world scenario where a small e-commerce brand used rules to pause poor-performing keywords, adjust budgets, and schedule ad delivery — all without constant manual oversight. The discussion covers the types of rules available, best practices for setting conditions, avoiding common pitfalls like over-automation, and how rules complement smart bidding. They also touch on the importance of monitoring rule frequency to prevent spiking. By the end, you'll understand how to apply automated rules to your own PPC strategy without losing control. This episode is a must-listen for marketers looking to optimize their Google Ads efficiency. #GoogleAds #PPC #AutomatedRules #CampaignManagement #PaidSearch #DigitalMarketing #AdOptimization #MarketingStrategy #BusinessPodcast #FexingoBusiness #Marketing #SmallBusiness #Ecommerce #AdBudget #Keywords #SmartBidding #AdScheduling #ROI Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
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  How Google Ads RSA Character Limits Shape Your Ad Copy 02.08.2026 11min

  In this episode, Lucas and Luna dig into the 2026 responsive search ad character limits and how they quietly shape every headline and description you write. They break down the new 54-character headline limit and the 90-character description rule, then walk through a real furniture-store example to show why stuffing keywords into every line is a mistake. They also compare RSA performance against older expanded text ads, share a simple A/B test to see if longer copy actually helps, and explain how Google's AI mixes and matches your assets. If you've ever felt like your ad copy was a guessing game, this episode gives you a clear framework for writing RSAs that perform. #GoogleAds #ResponsiveSearchAds #RSACopywriting #PPC #AdCopy #CharacterLimits #Marketing #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #GoogleAdsPodcast #PPCTips #AdHeadlines #DescriptionLimits #AIBidding #AdExperiments #DigitalMarketing #SearchAdvertising #PayPerClick Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
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  How Google Ads Negative Keyword Lists Save Your Budget 01.08.2026 11min

  In episode 146 of The Google Ads Podcast with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna dig into the unsung hero of paid search: negative keyword lists. They explore how a well-maintained shared negative list can slash wasted spend, improve quality score, and give your campaigns room to breathe. Using a real-world example from a mid-sized e-commerce client, they show how adding 'free', 'job', and 'diy' as negatives cut irrelevant clicks by 18 percent in under two weeks. They also discuss the difference between campaign-level and account-level negatives, how to mine your search terms report for hidden gems, and why regular list hygiene is the single most underrated habit in PPC. If you're tired of watching your budget disappear on searches that will never convert, this episode gives you a practical checklist you can apply today. #GoogleAds #PPC #NegativeKeywords #PaidSearch #SearchMarketing #DigitalMarketing #AdBudget #QualityScore #MarketingPodcast #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #PPCTips #GoogleAdsTips #SearchTerms #AccountStrategy #EcommerceMarketing #AdWords #CampaignManagement Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
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  How Google Ads Ad Extensions Boost CTR in 2026 30.07.2026 6min

  Learn how Google Ads sitelink extensions, callouts, and structured snippets can increase your click-through rates by up to 15% in 2026. Lucas and Luna dive into best practices, common mistakes, and a real-world case study showing how a home services company improved their PPC performance with proper ad extension optimization. Discover why more extensions aren't always better and how to align them with your landing pages for maximum Quality Score impact. #GoogleAds #PPC #AdExtensions #Sitelinks #Callouts #StructuredSnippets #CTR #QualityScore #DigitalMarketing #SearchAds #PPCStrategy #Marketing2026 #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #PPCTips #AdOptimization #GoogleAds2026 #MarketingPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
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  How Google Ads Demand Gen Campaigns Work in 2026 30.07.2026 8min

  Lucas and Luna dive into Google Ads Demand Gen campaigns — the ad format designed to capture attention on YouTube, Discover, and Gmail. They break down how Demand Gen differs from Performance Max, using audience signals and custom creative assets to drive consideration. Lucas shares a case study of a DTC luggage brand that used Demand Gen to boost product launch awareness by 34% while lowering cost per new user. The hosts also discuss creative best practices, measurement quirks, and when to layer in video vs. static imagery. Practical takeaways for marketers looking to fill the top of funnel without wasting budget. #GoogleAds #DemandGen #PPCStrategy #MarketingPodcast #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #YouTubeAdvertising #DiscoverAds #GmailAds #PerformanceMax #AudienceTargeting #CustomIntent #LookalikeAudiences #VideoAds #DigitalMarketing #AdFormat #LucasAndLuna #PaidSearch Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo