The Paid Search Podcast | A Weekly Podcast About Google Ads and Online Marketing
- Episodes
- 438
- Released
- weekly
- Latest episode
- Nov 9, 2026
About the podcast
Google Ads expert and Premier Google Partner Chris Schaeffer talk pay per click, Google Ads, online marketing, and how to advertise your business effectively. This podcast helps business owners, digital marketing agency employees, and pay per click freelancers make the most of their Google AdWords budgets. New episodes come out every Monday, and ask your Google Ads questions at www.paidsearchpodcast.com
Episodes 438
Answering Your Questions! (Episode 537)
This week Chris Schaeffer answers questions from his listeners about Google Ads. Learn about ad strength, how to use AI with Google Ads, and a deep dive into the new AI Overview on the Google search page. Chris …
Show notes
This week Chris Schaeffer answers questions from his listeners about Google Ads. Learn about ad strength, how to use AI with Google Ads, and a deep dive into the new AI Overview on the Google search page. Chris Schaeffer is one of the best Google Ads managers in the world and offers PPC management and coaching services.
Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/psp
Chris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.com
Submit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.comWhy You Can't Speak to a Real Ads Expert Anymore (Episode 536)
Chris Schaeffer, one of the best Google Ads managers in the world, discusses two big Google Ads news items and then digs into a heavy topic answering the question about why finding a real PPC expert is so …
Show notes
Chris Schaeffer, one of the best Google Ads managers in the world, discusses two big Google Ads news items and then digs into a heavy topic answering the question about why finding a real PPC expert is so difficult today. The decline of the Google Ads skill has brought some negative aspects to the advertising space. Learn why this decline has happened and what has caused it.
Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/psp
Chris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.com
Submit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.comBlack Friday Strategies for Google Search & Shopping (Episode 535)
Joey Bidner discusses the upcoming sales season in this week's episode. Learn about the best way to pace your spending not just during the Black Friday season but also the weeks leading up to the big sales …
Show notes
Joey Bidner discusses the upcoming sales season in this week's episode. Learn about the best way to pace your spending not just during the Black Friday season but also the weeks leading up to the big sales event. You will hear about unique methods of tracking and measuring the sales and conversions themselves. Plus a bonus section answering a question from a listener on how to track a complex situation using the best conversion method.
Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/psp
Joey Bidner - https://joeybidner.com/
Chris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.com
Submit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.comThe Google Ads Detective: Solving PPC Mysteries, Part One (Episode 534)
In this episode, Chris Schaeffer, one of the top Google Ads managers in the world, gives three examples of unique PPC mysteries that are from real campaigns that experienced dramatic performance drops. It is …
Show notes
In this episode, Chris Schaeffer, one of the top Google Ads managers in the world, gives three examples of unique PPC mysteries that are from real campaigns that experienced dramatic performance drops. It is our job to figure out the reason for the change! This is a unique way to test your Google Ads problem solving skills and learn how to diagnose problems in PPC campaigns.
Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/psp
Get your free assessment - https://www.silverarbitration.com/PSP
Chris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.com
Submit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.comGoogle Ads Signal vs. Noise: How to Fix Clicks, Spam, and Broken Campaigns (Episode 533)
In this episode, Chris Schaeffer, one of the top Google Ads managers in the world, breaks down how to separate confusing campaign "noise" from actual underlying problems. Chris tackles five of the most common …
Show notes
In this episode, Chris Schaeffer, one of the top Google Ads managers in the world, breaks down how to separate confusing campaign "noise" from actual underlying problems. Chris tackles five of the most common headaches advertisers face—from spam leads and runaway budgets to zero clicks. You'll learn why exact match keywords and tight bid strategies might be stifling your momentum, along with practical copy adjustments to stop unqualified traffic. Stop chasing symptoms and start diagnosing what’s really breaking your Google Ads campaigns.
Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/psp
Chris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.com
Submit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.comThe Truth About RSA Ad Strength: 3 Big Mistakes & My Go-To Copy Framework (Episode 532)
In this episode, Chris Schaeffer (the best Google Ads manager in the world) breaks down how Responsive Search Ads (RSAs) actually work and why a "Poor" Ad Strength rating directly causes higher CPCs, fewer …
Show notes
In this episode, Chris Schaeffer (the best Google Ads manager in the world) breaks down how Responsive Search Ads (RSAs) actually work and why a "Poor" Ad Strength rating directly causes higher CPCs, fewer impressions, and lower search positions. We uncover three massive misconceptions search marketers make, including why RSAs optimize for clicks instead of conversions, why Dynamic Keyword Insertion isn't a magic shortcut for asset diversity, and why writing throwaway headlines backfires when Google only displays two lines. Plus, we explore a real-world audit example where bad ad copy triggered a costly feedback loop targeting job seekers instead of clients.
To wrap up, Chris Schaeffer reveals his exact formula for structuring ad copy: a headline-pinning framework that locks in your core message while letting machine learning test your supporting features, benefits, CTAs, and trust factors. Tune in to stop wasting budget and start driving the right clicks!
Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/psp
Chris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.com
Submit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com"Semantic Intent" Will Change How You Choose Keywords Forever (Episode 531)
Chris Schaeffer, one of the best Google Ads managers in the world, breaks down semantic intent in this episode—exposing how Google attempts to read the minds of both you and the searcher by matching underlying …
Show notes
Chris Schaeffer, one of the best Google Ads managers in the world, breaks down semantic intent in this episode—exposing how Google attempts to read the minds of both you and the searcher by matching underlying goals rather than literal words. If your high-ticket whole-house filter ads are triggering on DIY searches or cheap plastic pitchers, Google's natural language processing is to blame. We unpack how this guessing game wastes ad spend across Broad, Phrase, and Exact match types, revealing the hidden traps of close variants, inflated CPCs, and plummeting Quality Scores.
You'll get actionable strategies to stop Google's assumptions from draining your campaign budgets. We highlight the six primary victims hit hardest by semantic intent, including high-ticket service providers, low-budget accounts, and niche industries that Google fails to comprehend. Tune in to discover where semantic intent is misinterpreting your target audience and learn how to defend your spend using smarter keyword strategies and negative keyword control.
Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/psp
Chris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.com
Submit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.comLet's Build a Competitor Conquest Campaign! (Episode 530)
Thinking about bidding on your rival’s brand name? It sounds like an aggressive, high-reward growth strategy: bid on a competitor’s name or trademarked product, show up at the top of the page, and offer a …
Show notes
Thinking about bidding on your rival’s brand name? It sounds like an aggressive, high-reward growth strategy: bid on a competitor’s name or trademarked product, show up at the top of the page, and offer a compelling alternative to pull high-intent buyers away from the competition. While Google Ads policy permits this strategy at the keyword level, the financial reality behind these campaigns tells a completely different story.
In this episode, Chris Schaeffer tears down the myth of "conquesting" and explains why these efforts are better labeled vanity campaigns or kamikaze bidding—strategies that burn your budget just to feed an ego.
Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/psp
Chris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.com
Submit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.comRebuilding Your Google Ads Based on Revenue (Episode 529)
Learn how value based bidding can be used to improved the quality of your leads. In today's podcast Chris Schaeffer discusses how offline conversion tracking works and how you can get setup for this kind …
Show notes
Learn how value based bidding can be used to improved the quality of your leads. In today's podcast Chris Schaeffer discusses how offline conversion tracking works and how you can get setup for this kind of bidding strategy.
Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/psp
Chris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.com
Submit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.comHUGE Changes to Merchant Center (Episode 528)
Guest host Joey Bidner discusses the huge changes in the Google Ads Merchant Center that have recently been released. If you are an e-commerce advertiser looking to get more out of your shopping and Performance …
Show notes
Guest host Joey Bidner discusses the huge changes in the Google Ads Merchant Center that have recently been released. If you are an e-commerce advertiser looking to get more out of your shopping and Performance Max campaigns this is an important announcement that you need to hear!
Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/psp
Joey Bidner - https://joeybidner.com/
Chris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.com
Submit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.comHow Long Does It Take To Succeed With Google Ads? (Episode 527)
How long does it take to be successful in Google Ads? Today Chris Schaeffer discusses the major number and the one factor that can either slow that process down or speed it up. Reaching success in Google is not …
Show notes
How long does it take to be successful in Google Ads? Today Chris Schaeffer discusses the major number and the one factor that can either slow that process down or speed it up. Reaching success in Google is not guaranteed but with this simple rule you will have a better chance at success!
Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/psp
Chris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.com
Submit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com1,700 Hours of Teaching Google Ads, This is What I Learned (Episode 526)
I've spent nearly 2,000 hours teaching and coaching people all around the world how to build, optimize, and manage their Google Ads accounts. These are the eight things I've learned after speaking to …
Show notes
I've spent nearly 2,000 hours teaching and coaching people all around the world how to build, optimize, and manage their Google Ads accounts. These are the eight things I've learned after speaking to people that need help with their accounts.
Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/psp
Chris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.com
Submit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.comChatGPT Ads vs Google Ads (Episode 525)
I tried ChatGPT Ads! Let's talk about the differences between Google Ads and ads on ChatGPT, where the advantages of each are, and what the future made hold for both marketing networks.Try Opteo for free …
Show notes
I tried ChatGPT Ads! Let's talk about the differences between Google Ads and ads on ChatGPT, where the advantages of each are, and what the future made hold for both marketing networks.
Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/psp
Chris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.com
Submit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.comAnswering Questions About Google Ads (Episode 524)
This week Chris Schaeffer answers questions from listeners about Google Ads. The topics include how to deal with high CPCs, how call reports work in Google Ads, Performance Max vs Search, and Limited by Budget …
Show notes
This week Chris Schaeffer answers questions from listeners about Google Ads. The topics include how to deal with high CPCs, how call reports work in Google Ads, Performance Max vs Search, and Limited by Budget questions.
Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/psp
Chris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.com
Submit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.comDo This Before You Hire a PPC Manager (Episode 523)
In this episode of the Paid Search Podcast, Chris Schaeffer shares the framework he uses to help businesses get the most from their Google Ads campaigns. Learn why ownership of your Google Ads account, website …
Show notes
In this episode of the Paid Search Podcast, Chris Schaeffer shares the framework he uses to help businesses get the most from their Google Ads campaigns. Learn why ownership of your Google Ads account, website, and tracking assets matters, how to set goals that lead to long-term success, and why your budget should follow business value—not search volume.
Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/psp
Chris also covers the four phases of campaign success, what to expect in your first 90 days, and how to become a better partner to your PPC manager by asking the right questions and providing the feedback that matters.
Chris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.com
Submit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.comNew Bidding Change Explained (Episode 522)
Google is changing TCPA bidding and this will affect everyone!Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspJoey Bidner guest hosts this week's podcast and explains what changes are coming with …
Show notes
Google is changing TCPA bidding and this will affect everyone!
Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/psp
Joey Bidner guest hosts this week's podcast and explains what changes are coming with bidding and why it has so many people upset.
Joey Bidner - https://joeybidner.com/
Submit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.comHUGE News! Search Partners Revealed (Episode 521)
Google just made one of the biggest Search Partner Network changes in years… but is it actually useful?Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspFor the first time, Google Ads advertisers can see …
Show notes
Google just made one of the biggest Search Partner Network changes in years… but is it actually useful?
Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/psp
For the first time, Google Ads advertisers can see which Search Partner sites are displaying their ads in Search, Shopping, and App campaigns. After more than 20 years of treating Search Partners as a black box, Google has finally added placement reporting.
So why am I still frustrated?
In this episode, Chris Schaeffer breaks down exactly what Google’s new reporting includes, what it leaves out, and why this update is both a step forward and a major missed opportunity.
Chris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.com
Submit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.comGoogle is Hiding 60% of Search Terms, What Is The Solution? (Episode 520)
Google Ads is hiding more and more search term data, and it’s becoming a serious problem for advertisers.Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspIn this episode, Chris Schaeffer explains why …
Show notes
Google Ads is hiding more and more search term data, and it’s becoming a serious problem for advertisers.
Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/psp
In this episode, Chris Schaeffer explains why search terms—not keywords—are the foundation of successful Google Ads management, why Google’s increasing lack of transparency matters, and what you can do to protect your campaigns.
You’ll learn:
* The critical difference between keywords and search terms
* Why search terms are the first step in measuring paid search quality
* How hidden search terms make optimization more difficult
* Why less visibility leads to more wasted ad spend
* How this shift especially impacts small advertisers
* Why transparency has always been one of Google Search’s biggest advantages
* How broad match negative keywords can help reduce unwanted traffic
Google Ads wasn’t built on showing ads to people who might be interested. It became the world’s most powerful advertising platform because it reached people at the exact moment they were searching for a product or service.
That’s why understanding what people actually searched is so important.
Your keywords are only what you tell Google to target. Your search terms reveal where your advertising dollars are really going.
If Google continues hiding that information, advertisers lose one of the most valuable tools they have for improving performance and holding the platform accountable.Chris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.com
Submit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.comDid You Just Break Your Google Ads? 4 Most Dangerous Google Ads Changes (Episode 519)
This week Chris Schaeffer answers questions from listeners and discusses 4 ways to break your Google Ads account. Don't make these key mistakes that can result in an unrecoverable campaign.Try Opteo for …
Show notes
This week Chris Schaeffer answers questions from listeners and discusses 4 ways to break your Google Ads account. Don't make these key mistakes that can result in an unrecoverable campaign.
Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/psp
Chris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.com
Submit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.comGoogle AI Max & AI Mode (Episode 518)
Chris Schaeffer and Joey Bidner discuss Google AI Mode and Google Ads AI Max in this week's episode of The Paid Search Podcast. AI is a growing aspect of the Google universe and advertisers have an …
Show notes
Chris Schaeffer and Joey Bidner discuss Google AI Mode and Google Ads AI Max in this week's episode of The Paid Search Podcast. AI is a growing aspect of the Google universe and advertisers have an opportunity to expand their marketing efforts in ways that were not possible just a few years before. But is it always the right choice for everyone? Let's talk about that!
Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/psp
Chris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.com
Joey Bidner - https://joeybidner.com
Submit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.comThis is the Best Way to Manage Keywords! (Episode 516)
Let's talk about how to manage your keywords using this keyword risk process. Using low, moderate, and high risk keywords allow you to control the spend of your Google Ads search campaigns. Be sure and …
Show notes
Let's talk about how to manage your keywords using this keyword risk process. Using low, moderate, and high risk keywords allow you to control the spend of your Google Ads search campaigns. Be sure and download the free PDF resource linked below!
Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/psp
Keyword Risk PDF: https://files.chrisschaeffer.com/xGNjxsAZ
Chris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.com
Submit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com
Responding To A Listener’s Google Ads Challenge (Episode 516)
In today's episode Chris Schaeffer answers a question from a listener that disagrees with him! Let's talk about manual bidding verses automated bidding.Try Opteo for free for 28 days …
Show notes
In today's episode Chris Schaeffer answers a question from a listener that disagrees with him! Let's talk about manual bidding verses automated bidding.
Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/psp
Chris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.com
Submit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com3 Big Announcements from Google This Year (Episode 515)
Today Chris Schaeffer is talking about three big announcements that Google has made about Google Ads and why they should matter to you. We're talking about the upcoming "upgrade" from DSA to AI Max. Also …
Show notes
Today Chris Schaeffer is talking about three big announcements that Google has made about Google Ads and why they should matter to you. We're talking about the upcoming "upgrade" from DSA to AI Max. Also the big push to get ads in the AI mode of Google. And using AI Max for Shopping campaigns. All of this and more in today's podcast show!
Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/psp
Chris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.com
Submit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.comAnswering 5 Questions from Listeners (Episode 514)
Answering questions from listeners this week!Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/pspChris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.comSubmit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.comSubmit a …
Show notes
Answering questions from listeners this week!
Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/psp
Chris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.com
Submit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.comAI Audits, Free Audits, and Paid Audits (Episode 513)
Getting an expert opinion about your Google Ads campaigns is always a good thing, right? Well let's talk about that. In today's episode Chris Schaeffer and Joey Bidner discuss the three types of …
Show notes
Getting an expert opinion about your Google Ads campaigns is always a good thing, right? Well let's talk about that. In today's episode Chris Schaeffer and Joey Bidner discuss the three types of audits you can get. Free, Paid, and AI. What should you expect from an audit and what should you avoid? All of that plus more in this week's Paid Search Podcast!
Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/psp
Chris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.com
Submit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.comShould You Exclude by Age & Income Demographics? (Episode 512)
Do you know how Google determines the age, gender, and income of your paid traffic? Well that's an important question to ask! In today's podcast we discuss why you should not exclude traffic based on …
Show notes
Do you know how Google determines the age, gender, and income of your paid traffic? Well that's an important question to ask! In today's podcast we discuss why you should not exclude traffic based on obscure demographics that have no real analytical weight in the performance of your account. Don't settle for the chicken nuggets of PPC, pull up a chair and enjoy the real meat being served. Let's talk about that!
Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/psp
Chris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.com
Submit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.comThe State of Google Ads in 2026 (Episode 511)
This week Chris Schaeffer a Google Ads expert manager and consultant discusses the state of Google Ads in 2026. There are a lot of things that have changed and these topics are weighing heavy on today's …
Show notes
This week Chris Schaeffer a Google Ads expert manager and consultant discusses the state of Google Ads in 2026. There are a lot of things that have changed and these topics are weighing heavy on today's advertisers. Let's talk about the wide diversity in today's google ppc ads.
Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/psp
Chris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.com
Submit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.comThe Hidden Lies Of Google Ads Agencies (Episode 510)
It's sad but true. People lie. Companies lie. And there are real victims. Google Ads expert Chris Schaeffer discusses 9 ways that Google Ads experts lie to their clients and how you can spot those scams to …
Show notes
It's sad but true. People lie. Companies lie. And there are real victims. Google Ads expert Chris Schaeffer discusses 9 ways that Google Ads experts lie to their clients and how you can spot those scams to avoid being a victim.
Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/psp
Chris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.com
Submit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.comHow I Would Launch a New Campaign From Scratch In 2026 (Episode 509)
If you had to build a business that would be more likely to succeed in Google Ads what would it look like? Well that's the topic of this week's show. Chris Schaeffer discusses 3 ways to make a brand …
Show notes
If you had to build a business that would be more likely to succeed in Google Ads what would it look like? Well that's the topic of this week's show. Chris Schaeffer discusses 3 ways to make a brand new campaign succeed in Google Ads using unique strategies and tactics that could make a huge difference in the performance of your account.
Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/psp
Chris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.com
Submit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com10 Hidden Settings In Google Ads (Episode 508)
There really are settings and features in Google Ads that are hidden. And some of these settings can make a big difference in the performance of your search campaigns. In today's podcast Chris Schaeffer …
Show notes
There really are settings and features in Google Ads that are hidden. And some of these settings can make a big difference in the performance of your search campaigns. In today's podcast Chris Schaeffer, an expert of Google Ads with 23 years of experience, discusses 10 settings and where to find them.
Try Opteo for free for 28 days - https://opteo.com/psp
Chris Schaeffer - http://www.chrisschaeffer.com
Submit a Question - https://www.paidsearchpodcast.com
These are the latest 40 of 438 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.
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