PPC Town Hall

Watch the video version: https://youtu.be/oO0962bWLZwGet the inside scoop on Google Ads directly from Ginny Marvin, the Google Ads Product Liaison.In this exclusive interview hosted by Navah Hopkins, Ginny shares what’s changing in the world of paid search — from Performance Max updates and ad rank mechanics to landing page experience, creative optimization, and the future of AI ads.🔍 Topics we cover:- The truth about ad rank and CPCs- New landing page quality rules (and how they affect scores)- Why most marketers misuse Performance Max- What to expect from AI ads and visual search- Google's evolving stance on keyword targeting- Must-do audits for better campaign performanceFollow Ginny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginnymarvin/Follow Navah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/navahhopkins► Get actionable PPC tips, strategies, and tactics from industry experts twice a month: https://www.optmyzr.com/ppctownhall/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=townhall ► Make your PPC management less complex with Optmyzr's tools. Start a 14-day free trial today: https://tools.optmyzr.com/info/signup?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=townhall

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/x_jQeZP04CkThe 2025 trade war is here, and advertisers are feeling the heat. In this special PPC Town Hall, Frederick Vallaeys speaks with economics-savvy marketer Sam Tomlinson to explain how the escalating U.S.-China tariff war is shaking up the ad world. Follow Sam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/digitalsamiam/Follow Fred: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederickvallaeys/► Get actionable PPC tips, strategies, and tactics from industry experts twice a month: https://www.optmyzr.com/ppctownhall/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=townhall ► Make your PPC management less complex with Optmyzr's tools. Start a 14-day free trial today: https://tools.optmyzr.com/info/signup?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=townhall00:00 Intro 01:02 📰 What's the latest with tariffs?03:41📦 What do these tariffs mean for advertisers and ecommerce?06:01🌎 What global supply chain changes can we expect?08:51 🧠 Monitoring and value chain understanding12:01 💸 Cutting costs and finding margin-saving opportunities14:51 📈 Messaging in a shifting market17:31 🌳 Creative value vs discounts20:31🛍️ Shift in consumer psychology24:01 🧮 Marketing math & supply chain logistics27:01 🧰 What marketers can control30:01 💬 Closing thoughts

Video version: https://youtu.be/ggbpS5rLIzEThe 2025 trade war is here, and advertisers are feeling the heat. In this special PPC Town Hall, Navah Hopkins speaks with Duane Brown (Take Some Risk) and Casey Gill (Web Savvy) about the ripple effects of tariffs on Google Ads, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon.From shrinking margins to campaign testing strategies and cross-border messaging, this episode is packed with tactical advice you can apply right now. Whether you're managing a $10K or $100K ad budget, these insights will help you survive and thrive during uncertain times.Follow Casey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseywebbgill/Follow Duane: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duanebrown/Follow Navah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/navahhopkins► Get actionable PPC tips, strategies, and tactics from industry experts twice a month: https://www.optmyzr.com/ppctownhall/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=townhall ► Make your PPC management less complex with Optmyzr's tools. Start a 14-day free trial today: https://tools.optmyzr.com/info/signup?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=townhall00:00 – Introduction and Overview02:25 – Global PPC realities: agency check-in06:45 – Spend shifts across channels08:05 – Client expectations vs economic reality12:40 – Conversations with clients about changing margins and shifting strategies17:35 – Tools marketers should focus on right now24:25 – Advice to U.S. marketers doing international business34:20 – AI's influence on how marketing dollars are spent or how innovation happens post-tariffs37:55 – “go-do” recommendations for marketers right now43:35 – Final advice and closing

Watch the video version: https://youtu.be/BKsG1dvPx_QIs your PPC reporting holding you back? In this episode of PPC Town Hall, we uncover how bad attribution models, GA4 issues, and ignored conversion lag can lead to misleading data and lost profit. Learn how to upgrade your reports to power smarter decisions and better ad performance.Follow Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottd71/Follow Fred: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederickvallaeysCheck out Wicked Reports: https://www.wickedreports.com/► Get actionable PPC tips, strategies, and tactics from industry experts twice a month: https://www.optmyzr.com/ppctownhall/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=townhall ► Make your PPC management less complex with Optmyzr's tools. Start a 14-day free trial today: https://tools.optmyzr.com/info/signup?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=townhall

Watch the video version: https://youtu.be/lQ2DkGGfJTUIn this episode of PPC Town Hall, host Frederick Vallaeys sits down with Josh Baines from Adthena to discuss the seismic shifts happening in the PPC industry. From AI-powered automation to the changing role of manual bidding, this episode dives deep into how advertisers can stay in control while leveraging automation.We also explore first-party data, SERP evolution, and how Performance Max campaigns impact ad visibility. Should you still invest in SEO if you dominate PPC? Can you reduce PPC spend if your organic rankings are strong?Josh shares expert insights on: ✅ The real role of first-party data in PPC ✅ How to use competitive intelligence to outsmart rivals ✅ Why automated bidding isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution ✅ How the shift from keywords to AI-driven search changes PPC strategy ✅ When manual bidding still makes sense (and when it doesn’t)Follow Josh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-baines-16608bb1/Follow Fred: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederickvallaeysCheck out Adthena: https://www.adthena.com/► Get actionable PPC tips, strategies, and tactics from industry experts twice a month: https://www.optmyzr.com/ppctownhall/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=townhall ► Make your PPC management less complex with Optmyzr's tools. Start a 14-day free trial today: https://tools.optmyzr.com/info/signup?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=townhall

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/c_6Wht__TVkIn this episode I sit down with Jacques van der Wilt, the founder of DataFeedWatch, to discuss the massive transformation AI is bringing to product data feeds and ecommerce advertising.🔍 Key Topics Covered:✅ How AI is reshaping data feed optimization✅ The evolution of Google Shopping, Perplexity AI, and emerging platforms✅ Why automated feeds matter for ecommerce success✅ The future of search engines and AI-driven shopping experiences✅ How brands can future-proof their feed strategies with AIJacques shares insider insights from his years in the industry, including how DataFeedWatch evolved from a manual feed management tool to an AI-powered optimization engine. He also explains why brands that fail to adapt to AI-driven ecommerce risk falling behind.Follow Jacques: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanderwilt/Follow Fred: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederickvallaeysCheck out DataFeedWatch: https://www.datafeedwatch.com/► Get actionable PPC tips, strategies, and tactics from industry experts twice a month: https://www.optmyzr.com/ppctownhall/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=townhall ► Make your PPC management less complex with Optmyzr's tools. Start a 14-day free trial today: https://tools.optmyzr.com/info/signup?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=townhall

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/fl_cqCKVI7gIn this must-watch episode, PPC experts Andrew Lolk and Julie Bacchini Friedman talk about what PPC advertisers should STOP doing, START doing, and DOUBLE DOWN on in 2025.🔍 Topics Covered:✅ The biggest PPC mistakes to avoid in 2025✅ Why SKAGs and last-click attribution are outdated✅ Smart bidding strategies that actually work✅ How Performance Max (PMAX) should be used correctly✅ The future of Google Ads, Meta Ads, and search marketing✅ Why you should double down on competitive research & better ad copy✅ How AI is changing PPC and what you need to knowFollow Andrew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewlolkFollow Julie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neptunemoonFollow Fred: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederickvallaeys► Get actionable PPC tips, strategies, and tactics from industry experts twice a month: https://www.optmyzr.com/ppctownhall/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=townhall ► Make your PPC management less complex with Optmyzr's tools. Start a 14-day free trial today: https://tools.optmyzr.com/info/signup?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=townhall

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/yrOm2_q5E_I 🔑 Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Google's Machine Learning Needs Data: At least 30 conversions per campaign per 30 days for effective smart bidding. If you're not hitting this number, soft conversions (engaged visitors, add-to-cart actions, etc.) can help train the algorithm. 2️⃣ Keywords Are Less Predictable Than Before: Google is moving towards broad match + audience signals instead of relying purely on exact keywords. Signals like user intent, browsing history, and in-market audiences matter more than ever. 3️⃣ Low Search Volume Keywords Are Harder to Target: Google often flags them as "too low volume" and won’t serve ads. Advertisers must adapt by using broader terms combined with smart audience targeting. 4️⃣ Account Structure Matters More Than Ever: Fewer well-structured campaigns outperform many fragmented ones. If possible, consolidate data into a few high-performing campaigns instead of splitting everything into separate campaigns. 5️⃣ For Small Advertisers – Prioritize Soft Conversions: If you're struggling with low conversion volume, track and optimize for higher-funnel interactions like time on-site, page engagement, or content downloads. 6️⃣ Automation Can Be a Friend – If Used Wisely: Google’s automation works best when fed with the right data. Use scripts, rules, and bid adjustments to maintain control over automations.Follow Shawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-walker-35774328/Check out Symphonic Digital: https://www.symphonicdigital.com/ ► Get actionable PPC tips, strategies, and tactics from industry experts twice a month: https://www.optmyzr.com/ppctownhall/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=townhall ► Make your PPC management less complex with Optmyzr's tools. Start a 14-day free trial today: https://tools.optmyzr.com/info/signup?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=townhall

Watch the video version here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScSnLk9XC2M In this episode, Frederick Vallaeys spoke to Greg Finn and Christine "Shep" Zernheld, hosts of Marketing O'Clock, one of the top digital marketing news shows. Together, we discuss the latest trends in PPC, Google's evolving strategies, and the role of generative AI in reshaping the digital advertising landscape. 🚀 Key Topics Covered: - Google’s record-breaking Q4 2024 revenue and its impact on advertisers - Generative AI: Hype vs. reality in PPC automation - The future of Google Ads: From manual controls to PMax and beyond - Diversifying your skills in an AI-driven world - Strategies for safeguarding your career in digital marketing Follow Greg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregfinn/ Follow Shep: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zirnheldchristine/ Follow Fred: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederickvallaeys/ Check out Marketing O'Clock: https://marketingoclock.com/ ► Get actionable PPC tips, strategies, and tactics from industry experts twice a month: https://www.optmyzr.com/ppctownhall/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=townhall ► Make your PPC management less complex with Optmyzr's tools. Start a 14-day free trial today: https://tools.optmyzr.com/info/signup?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=townhall

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/X-1iGyBtS70 Generative AI is transforming PPC, but is it all good? In this episode, Sophie Fell, Director of Paid Media at Two Trees PPC, talks about the seismic shifts AI is causing in paid search. A generative AI skeptic herself, Sophie dives deep into her mixed feelings about tools like ChatGPT, discusses the loss of manual controls, and shares insights into how agencies can prepare for an automated future. Follow Sophie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiefellppc/ Follow Fred on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederickvallaeys/ 📌 Here’s what you’ll learn: - The Generative AI Debate: Why Sophie Fell is skeptical about fully trusting tools like ChatGPT for PPC management and how it impacts forecasting, campaign automation, and decision-making. - Balancing Tradition and Innovation: How PPC professionals can embrace AI-powered tools while retaining fundamental skills like manual CPC bidding, keyword research, and campaign structure design. - The Evolution of SEO and PPC: Insights into how automation and AI are reshaping SEO and PPC collaboration, and what it means for advertisers in the era of less manual control. - Practical AI Use Cases in Agencies: Real-life examples of how agencies are leveraging generative AI for efficiency, including forecasting and audience targeting, and the challenges they face in adopting these technologies. - Future-Proofing PPC Careers: What PPC professionals and agencies need to do to stay relevant in a world increasingly driven by automation, including mastering data-driven strategies and adapting to rapid technological advancements. ► Get actionable PPC tips, strategies, and tactics from industry experts twice a month: https://www.optmyzr.com/ppctownhall/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=townhall ► Make your PPC management less complex with Optmyzr's tools. Start a 14-day free trial today: https://tools.optmyzr.com/info/signup?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=townhall

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/lr-oz0wLWPI Tetsuo Konno, Search & Performance Lead at Google shares how Gemini and predictive AI are changing the way marketers approach Google Ads campaigns. He also teaches how to set up your data properly for Google Ads and why that matters more than ever. 📌 Here’s what you’ll learn: - How to use predictive and generative AI in Google Ads - Why feed optimization is key to better performance - Practical examples of AI in action, like ad copy and data insights - The future of PPC roles and skills Follow Tetsuo on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tetsuo-konno-50872324/ Follow Fred on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederickvallaeys/ ► Get actionable PPC tips, strategies, and tactics from industry experts twice a month: https://www.optmyzr.com/ppctownhall/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=townhall ► Make your PPC management less complex with Optmyzr's tools. Start a 14-day free trial today: https://tools.optmyzr.com/info/signup?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=townhall

Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/cDEVRv8MI2o Learn how Katlyn Edwards from Advanced Auto Parts reveals how they're using generative AI for PPC and SEO. She shared the tools, tactics, and strategies that are helping her team stay ahead in a competitive market. This episode is packed with insights on using AI for scale, building customer-centric campaigns, and preparing for the future of search marketing. 🎯 What You’ll Learn: - How to integrate AI into PPC workflows for scale - Preparing for Google's AI updates for SEO - The role of human oversight in AI-powered content - Future trends shaping paid search and digital marketing

Watch the video version here: https://youtube.com/live/6UepjtkisSc Get your Q4 holiday campaigns ready with Microsoft’s top tips. Join Joe Dries from Microsoft as he dives into key shopping strategies, including early preparation, AI-driven targeting, and leveraging first-party data to connect with holiday shoppers. Discover how to optimize your ad spend and reach high-value audiences for a successful holiday season. Takeaways: - Early Preparation is Key: Consumer shopping habits are shifting earlier, with many starting to shop as soon as September. Brands should have strategies and campaigns ready well before peak shopping days. - Leverage AI for Better Targeting: Microsoft's generative AI capabilities help advertisers refine audience targeting, focusing on users who demonstrate real interest, which improves ad relevance and click-through rates. - Prioritize Profitability: For e-commerce campaigns, advertisers should consider profit-driven metrics like bid-to-profitability rather than solely focusing on ROAS, helping to maximize returns on high-margin items. - Use First-Party Data: Leveraging first-party data, such as customer lists and purchase behaviors, allows advertisers to create targeted, high-value audience segments and extend reach effectively across Microsoft's platform. - Optimize with Microsoft’s Identity Graph: By tapping into Microsoft's unique identity graph, advertisers can reach an unduplicated, high-intent audience across platforms like the Microsoft Audience Network and Connected TV. Follow Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joedries/ Follow Fred on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederickvallaeys/ ► Get actionable PPC tips, strategies, and tactics from industry experts twice a month: https://www.optmyzr.com/ppctownhall/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=townhall ► Make your PPC management less complex with Optmyzr's tools. Start a 14-day free trial today: https://tools.optmyzr.com/info/signup?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=townhall

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/j3PuOdWUDpc In this episode, Frederick Vallaeys sat down with Sharon Park, founder of Sage Digi, to discuss her journey from Google to starting her own digital agency. They talked about the transformation of Google Ads PPC, the impact of generative AI on marketing, and the future of Google in a rapidly evolving PPC landscape. Sharon also shared insights on how agencies can stay competitive, creative, and profitable while leveraging technology like connected TV, YouTube, and AI. Key Takeaways: - The Future of Agencies: Sharon shares her experience transitioning from consulting to running her own agency. She emphasizes the importance of building a senior team to challenge assumptions and drive real business outcomes. - Generative AI in Marketing: Generative AI is changing the game by enabling more personalized customer engagement and efficient campaign management. While it's still early, its potential to revolutionize digital advertising is significant. - Connected TV and Video Ads: Short-form video ads (5-15 seconds) on connected TV and YouTube are becoming the norm, offering high reach at low costs. - The Importance of Measurement: Even though measurement has advanced, there are still many gaps, particularly in connecting offline and upper-funnel activities to digital results. Companies must be cautious not to rely solely on PPC metrics like ROAS without considering overall profitability. - Career Longevity in PPC: New marketers must continuously adapt to change, learning to integrate tools, data, and technology to stay competitive in the evolving landscape of PPC. The Future of Google: Sharon and Fred discuss the challenges Google may face in the future, especially with the rise of AI-driven search and the potential for the company to lose dominance. Check out Sage Digi: https://sagedigi.com/ Follow Sharon on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/presidentsharon/ Follow Fred on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederickvallaeys/ ► Get actionable PPC tips, strategies, and tactics from industry experts twice a month: https://www.optmyzr.com/ppctownhall/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=townhall ► Make your PPC management less complex with Optmyzr's tools. Start a 14-day free trial today: https://tools.optmyzr.com/info/signup?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=townhall

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/DGSCAPCsqiQ In this episode of PPC Town Hall, the discussion centered around Google's recent decision to no longer deprecate third-party cookies in Google Chrome, despite previous announcements suggesting otherwise. Ben Vigneron from Blackbird PPC discussed what this means for advertisers and the broader digital marketing landscape. Key Takeaways: Google's Decision and Its Implications: - Google has decided to delay the deprecation of third-party cookies in Chrome, which was initially driven by privacy concerns and regulatory pressures (e.g., GDPR, CCPA). - This delay means that advertisers will continue to use third-party cookies for a while longer, but it doesn't change the industry's overall direction toward increased privacy and first-party data reliance. Consumer Privacy and Choice: - Despite the delay, Chrome will introduce a choice screen, similar to Apple's, allowing users to opt out of tracking, which could lead to a significant reduction in available data for advertisers. Shift to First-Party Data: - Advertisers should focus on leveraging first-party data by integrating it back into ad platforms (e.g., Google Offline Conversion Tracking). - UTM-based tracking remains relevant and should be utilized to measure performance across different platforms. Advanced Measurement Techniques: - Media Mix Modeling (MMM): A powerful method that correlates historical spend across channels with backend data (e.g., sales or subscriptions) to determine the true impact of various marketing initiatives. - GeoLift Testing: Useful for isolating the impact of specific campaigns in certain geographic areas by comparing them to control groups. - Both techniques help address the limitations of third-party cookies and provide a more holistic view of marketing performance. Analytics Tools: - Google Analytics (GA) remains useful but has limitations, especially with channels that don't drive website sessions (e.g., LinkedIn lead forms, YouTube views). - MMM can fill gaps left by traditional analytics by providing a broader picture of channel performance. Future of Digital Marketing: - As the industry moves towards more privacy-focused practices, advertisers must adapt by becoming more technical, particularly in data science and first-party data integration. - Tools like R, Python, and open-source libraries (e.g., Meta's Robin, Google's Meridian) can help marketers implement advanced measurement techniques without needing to be data scientists. Survival in the Age of AI: - With the rise of Generative AI (GenAI), digital marketers should focus on leveraging these tools to augment their skills rather than replace them. - Learning to integrate and use these tools effectively will be key to staying relevant in the industry. Follow Ben on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminvigneron/ Follow Fred on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederickvallaeys/ ► Get actionable PPC tips, strategies, and tactics from industry experts twice a month: https://www.optmyzr.com/ppctownhall/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=townhall ► Make your PPC management less complex with Optmyzr's tools. Start a 14-day free trial today: https://tools.optmyzr.com/info/signup?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=townhall