The Paid Search Podcast | A Weekly Podcast About Google Ads and Online Marketing

This week we audit an account with a 29% optimization score in Google Ads. Does a low optimization score mean the account is failing? What do all of these recommendations in Google Ads really mean? Let's talk about the reality of the optimization score system and how it affects the performance of your search campaigns on Google.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com

12/8/25 • 31:30

Have you tried and failed at Google Ads? This week Chris Schaeffer discusses a simple way to ensure you are getting the right traffic from your Google Ads campaigns. Using this simple bidding method and traffic management strategy you can be sure you are paying the right price for the right traffic. It's called Pay Per Value bidding. Let's talk about that!Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com

12/1/25 • 32:14

Chris answers 5 burning questions about Google Ads from listeners this week. We discuss how to deal with a campaign that has crashed and burned, manual bidding, finding traffic when it appears to not exist, and a question about how freelancers can better sell their google ads services.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com

11/24/25 • 34:07

This is the best way to pick the right keywords to use in your Google Ads campaign. Chris Schaeffer discusses an effective method that will ensure anyone can get the best qualified traffic for their business from Google in these simple steps!Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com

11/17/25 • 32:13

This week Chris Schaeffer gives simple steps for building a Google Ads campaign that will deliver reliable traffic with minimal effort. This method is great for those that are trying Google Ads for the first time and want to minimize wasting money in the PPC marketing.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com

11/10/25 • 32:25

This week Chris Schaeffer answers a question about how to structure your Google Ads campaigns. And Joey Bidner jumps in to discuss the role of Microsoft Ads for advertisers looking to diversify their PPC traffic.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comJoey Bidner - https://joeybidner.comSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com

11/3/25 • 28:33

This week Chris Schaeffer discusses how to get phone calls from Google Ads search campaigns. There are three methods that are the most direct way to get calls, but each method comes with some major advantages and drawbacks. Learn the truth about how to get phone calls in this focused, dedicated episode.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com

10/27/25 • 29:13

This week Chris Schaeffer answers questions about google ads from podcast subscribers. The questions cover important topics like how to improve Google shopping campaigns, how to keep track of your changes in google ads, and why Max AI is not as great as people think it is.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com

10/20/25 • 48:00

This week Chris Schaeffer discusses how to improve quality score in Google Ads search campaigns. Plus 9 things that do not improve quality score but many people still think makes a difference. Also Chris answers a question from a listener about display campaigns and demand gen campaigns. Let's talk about that!Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com

10/13/25 • 34:52

Learn the best advice I can give to someone managing a Google Ads campaign. Management is all about setting a goal based on the Phase that you are in. And then managing for that goal! It is really that simple. Check out this week's episode to learn about some example goals you can set to help you manage your account.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com

10/6/25 • 30:08

This week Chris Schaeffer discusses how to avoid those wasteful clicks from job seekers. Also a deeper discussion and warning to accounts that are over 10 years old because there are specific areas that can cause your account to suffer if you don't pay close attention.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com

9/29/25 • 35:48

This week Chris answers four questions from listeners about Google certifications, how to see audience data, and a big question that many people are asking... Does Google Ads even work any more? If you are having trouble with your account this might be a critical episode for you to hear!Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com

9/21/25 • 40:01

This week Chris Schaeffer discusses 5 specific tips to take a campaign from stale to stellar! Learn how most campaigns stay in "phase 2" and never make it to "phase 3". Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com

9/15/25 • 32:43

In this episode, we break down how to spot and stop spam traffic and leads before they drain your budget. We cover the risks of leaving Search Partners and Display Network wide open, including mobile apps, ad farm sites, and suspiciously high CTRs. You’ll learn why location targeting should be set to “people in or regularly in your targeted area” and why “interested in” leads to bad traffic, especially with Search Partners. We also dive into shady search terms like competitor names, phone numbers, and support queries that often signal spam. We explain why chasing cheap clicks under $1 CPC can be dangerous, especially with broad match keywords. You’ll hear why click fraud tools are not a real solution, and how data exclusion can help when spam waves or tracking issues pop up. Finally, we put all the red flags together to show how Google’s recommendations often push you toward clicks, while the smarter move is optimizing for real conversions.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_kJty78-DhgSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com

9/1/25 • 31:09

Let's talk about brand keywords and why they are the most dangerous and most abused traffic in Google Ads. We're answering emails from listeners today and we've got some good ones! From bid strategies to search campaigns to performance max we cover it all in this week's episode about Google Ads.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PkihXZ5FulYSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com

8/25/25 • 35:32

What will Google look like 5 years from now? This week Chris Schaeffer discusses how AI will change the way people search and gather information and what that means for PPC managers. Also Chris discusses the right way to use audiences in Google Ads. If you aren't using audiences in your search campaigns this episode is critically important for you to hear!Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/n1Bt9LHwSs0Submit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com

8/18/25 • 33:02

There is a scam going around to Google Ads managers that could cause some major destruction for anyone that is caught by the scammers. In this episode of the Paid Search Podcast Chris Schaeffer talks about how to avoid scammers and a very important issue around Google Ads automation and how to build a successful campaign when that automation fails.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/O9x9Y6KQbtkSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com

8/11/25 • 34:39

Let's talk about quality score, bidding, and competitor campaigns! This week we dive into a discussion on some of the more complicated factors in Google Ads that throw many advertisers for a loop. And especially the always complex decision of whether or not to target your competitors in PPC. Let's talk about that!Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comJoey Bidner - https://joeybidner.com/Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SFbHl80f9dsSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com

8/4/25 • 34:13

If you are having issues with a campaign on Google Ads that continues to offer no results, no conversions, and no sales today's episode can help solve that problem. Chris Schaeffer discusses the 4 levels of failure in Google Ads that most advertisers experience at some point. Learn how to audit your own campaign and find the solution to your broken campaigns!Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/e8JpIqsrzqsSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com

7/28/25 • 30:47

This week Chris Schaeffer answers questions about Google Ads from listeners. He discusses how to manage accounts that use automated bidding, a question about the Display network, and how to properly structure your Google Ads account for success.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iout4Jkq670Submit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com

7/21/25 • 32:35

This week Joey Bidner does a deep dive into a Google Ads account that focuses on e-commerce and local "foot traffic" searches to drive sales. Learn all about strategies to manage different types of searches to drive a wide variety of traffic for a winning set of campaigns!Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspJoey Bidner - https://joeybidner.com/ Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Hfqpnksrp9oSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com

7/14/25 • 37:34

Joey Bidner discusses what Google Ads advertisers need to know about consent mode. You’ll learn why it is important for any website utilizing paid ads on Google!Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspConcent Mode Partner Support: https://cmppartnerprogram.withgoogle.com/Joey Bidner - https://joeybidner.com/ Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/C1_3tOwwHTQSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com

7/7/25 • 27:54

Do you know the right time to increase your budget? Is your budget causing your campaign to fail? In this week's episode Chris Schaeffer discusses a new principle that new Google Ads advertisers must understand about choosing the right budget in Google Ads. If you budget is too small it can actually keep you from getting conversions! Let's talk about it!Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/guosUGMayEkSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com

6/30/25 • 22:33

This week Chris Schaeffer & Joey Bidner discuss some important factors to consider when using audiences in Google Ads. Also answers questions from listeners and this week it is about how to create a successful B2B search campaign when you can't find the right traffic.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comJoey Bidner - https://joeybidner.com/ Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yj0we6WrfRQSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com

6/23/25 • 35:42

This week Artur MacLellan shares his Google Ads script that can help advertisers manage their search terms. If you are having a lot of problems blocking unwanted searches coming from your keywords this is a great tool to manage your negative keywords.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspStep-by-Step Google Ads Script Installation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xM3YOZDrjt0Chris Schaeffer - https://www.chrisschaeffer.comWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GdmZXKDhwYgSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com

6/16/25 • 40:18

Don't click on these 9 buttons in Google Ads. Search partners, fake conversions, TCPA bidding, competitor keywords, search not shopping, TROAS, exact match keywords, performance max, and broad match keywords. They are all off limits for some advertisers at there. Find out more in this week's episode!Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - https://www.chrisschaeffer.comWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lmkGyfbzZ_MSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com

6/9/25 • 35:19

New updates from Google happening now. Learn what is new from campaign types and advertising changes happening in Google Ads this year. Also Chris Schaeffer discusses using "friction" the right way in your Google Ads campaigns to drive the best traffic for your business.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - https://www.chrisschaeffer.comJoey Bidner: https://joeybidner.com/Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BcXaBsX3-gMSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com

6/2/25 • 36:39

What is OPTIMIZATION SCORE and what does it mean for the success of your account? Well, very little actually. In fact, in this episode Chris Schaeffer discusses why he believes 100% optimization score is actually a bad thing for the success of your Google Ads account.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - https://www.chrisschaeffer.comWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pVJPb9_fX_USubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.comTwitter - https://twitter.com/PaidSearchPod

5/26/25 • 33:55

Is "smart bidding" really that smart? This week Chris discusses the results from an experiment where the smart bidding strategy failed in comparison to the manual bidding campaign. Let's talk about why this happened and why it is important to understand that smart bidding is not always the smartest choice.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - https://www.chrisschaeffer.comJoey Bidner - https://joeybidner.comWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jUP6KeOOmWcSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.comTwitter - https://twitter.com/PaidSearchPod

5/19/25 • 37:35

This week Chris Schaeffer dives deeper into the metrics of a successful account and answers questions about the reasons behind structural decisions in the campaigns. Also Joey Bidner joins in to answer a question about Google Ads and Amazon that is very important for all managers in the eComm space to hear.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - https://www.chrisschaeffer.comJoey Bidner - https://joeybidner.comWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9sn_mx-jkTYSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.comTwitter - https://twitter.com/PaidSearchPod

5/12/25 • 32:24