Google Ads Agency Red Flags

By: Jyll Saskin Gales, Google Ads Coach

Have you received a pitch from a Google Ads agency claiming to have "proprietary technology"? Yeah, I'm calling BS on that! While there are definitely skilled and trustworthy Google Ads professionals out there, some try to pull the wool over your eyes with fancy jargon and dubious claims.

Why is this important? Because falling for these tricks can cost you money, control over your campaigns, and valuable data.

In this post, I'll expose some major red flags to watch out for when hiring Google Ads help, including:

• The "proprietary technology" myth.
• The dangers of not owning your ad account.
• Why shared pixels are a big no-no.
• Tips for finding a trustworthy Google Ads expert.

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Proprietary Technology": Smoke and Mirrors

Let's be clear: Google's algorithms for bidding and targeting are incredibly complex. That's their proprietary technology. What we do as Google Ads managers is leverage our knowledge and experience to optimize campaigns within Google's system.

Any agency claiming to have secret, exclusive technology that guarantees amazing results is likely trying to dazzle you with smoke and mirrors.

Own Your Account, Always!

You should always own your Google Ads account and pay your own bills. Full stop. If an agency or freelancer insists on creating a new account for you, run for the hills!

If the relationship with the agency sours, you could lose access to your entire account and all its data.

Shared Pixels: A Recipe for Disaster

Another red flag is an agency wanting to install a pixel on your site that's shared with hundreds of other clients in your industry. While they might promise the benefits of a larger data set, the risks far outweigh any potential rewards.

Shared pixels can compromise your data security, make it difficult to track your own website traffic accurately, and create a tangled mess if you ever decide to part ways with the agency. Plus, why would you want your competitors' benefiting from your customers?

Finding the Right Google Ads Expert

Don't let these red flags discourage you from seeking help with your Google Ads. There are plenty of skilled and ethical professionals out there. Here are a few tips for finding the right one:

• Ask about their approach: Do they focus on understanding your business goals and tailoring a strategy to meet your needs? How are their communication skills? What's included and not included?
• Get clear on ownership: Ensure you will own your account and have full access to it.
• Trust your gut: If something feels off, it probably is.

By being aware of these red flags and asking the right questions, you can find a Google Ads expert who will help you achieve your business goals without any shady tactics.