Clicks to Customers

Welcome to StubGroup's Clicks to Customers Podcast channel! Subscribe for:

✔️ Tutorials about how Google Ads works
✔️ Advanced strategies we're using to make our clients successful
✔️ Hot takes about the latest and greatest in industry news
✔️ Tactics to fix Google Ads suspensions and remain compliant with Google's policies
✔️ Conversations with industry experts on all aspects of marketing
✔️ And much more!

💪 Dominate Google Ads and grow your business: https://stubgroup.com/

Episodes

Mar 13, 2026

2 min

Google Merchant Center suspensions can be frustrating, especially when the account gets reinstated . . . only to be suspended again later.
This cycle happens more often than many advertisers expect.
In this video, StubGroup CEO John Horns explains why Google Merchant Center suspensions can happen repeatedly.
Perhaps more importantly: He explains how to reduce the chances of it happening again.
One key reason is that most Merchant Center suspensions are triggered by automated systems, not manual reviews. Google's automated crawlers may flag something on your website that a human reviewer might interpret differently.
That’s why an account can sometimes be reinstated after appeal, only for the automated system to flag the same issue again later.
While it's impossible to guarantee that a Merchant Center account will never be suspended again, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of repeat suspensions by improving website compliance, policy clarity, and overall credibility signals.
If you're dealing with repeated Merchant Center suspensions, the key is making your website, Merchant Center settings, and overall online presence as clear and compliant as possible.
And if Google flagged your account incorrectly, there may still be a path forward.
Need expert help reversing your suspension?
Get our free guide to fixing Google suspensions →https://stubgroup.com/stubgroup-google-policy-center/
Hire the experts to fix your Google Merchant Center suspension →https://stubgroup.com/google-merchant-center-suspension-3/
Chapters
00:00 Why Merchant Center suspensions keep happening00:27 The repeated suspension cycle explained00:40 Why most suspensions are automated01:02 The problem with Google's automated systems01:18 What you can’t guarantee about suspensions01:28 What you can do to reduce suspensions01:46 Fixing website compliance issues02:00 Free website audit guide02:12 Getting expert help if suspensions continue
Connect with StubGroup on Social Media:--------------------------------------------------🐦 Follow us on X: https://x.com/stubgroup📱 Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StubGroup/👥 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stub-group/📷 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stubgroupadvertising/

Mar 11, 2026

3 min

Google Merchant Center suspensions can happen for many reasons, but one common issue advertisers face is the “Website Needs Improvement” suspension.
This usually means Google has detected problems with your website’s functionality, content, or user experience.
In this video, StubGroup CEO John Horn walks through the most common issues that trigger this suspension and how to fix them.
Common causes include:
-Broken links or non-working buttons-Popups blocking checkout on mobile-Placeholder text like Lorem Ipsum-Missing product images-Missing policy pages (shipping, returns, contact info)-Websites that don’t function properly across devices
If your website doesn’t work smoothly for users, Google may flag your Merchant Center account until the issues are resolved.
The key is to audit your website from the perspective of a customer and identify anything that looks broken, incomplete, or confusing.
And if Google flagged your website incorrectly, there IS a path forward.
Need expert help reversing your suspension?
Get our free guide to fixing Google suspensions →https://stubgroup.com/stubgroup-google-policy-center/
Hire the experts to fix your Google Merchant Center suspension →https://stubgroup.com/google-merchant-center-suspension-3/
Related Suspension Fix Videos
Fix a Misrepresentation Suspensionhttps://youtu.be/HI1t4_-aMVU
Case Study: How We Fixed a Misrepresentation Suspensionhttps://youtu.be/lmq23Y2kIuM
How to Complete Google Video Verificationhttps://youtu.be/3t4kBSuf82Y
Fix a Sale of Service Suspensionhttps://youtu.be/FQd_FublFzk
Fix a Counterfeit Goods Suspensionhttps://youtu.be/WkK3-UnDSbc
Why Google Suspends Luxury Retailershttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoPyEQahY3s&t=9s
Chapters
00:00 Website Needs Improvement suspension explained00:38 The two most common causes00:47 Website functionality issues01:10 Testing your site like a real customer01:26 Common functionality problems01:48 Website content issues02:17 Placeholder text and missing content02:25 Required policy pages02:31 Final checklist for fixing the suspension02:59 How to get expert help
Connect with StubGroup on Social Media:--------------------------------------------------🐦 Follow us on X: https://x.com/stubgroup📱 Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StubGroup/👥 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stub-group/📷 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stubgroupadvertising/

Mar 6, 2026

18 min

Google Merchant Center suspensions are brutal, but most are fixable . . . IF you audit the right things before you appeal.
In this 2026 step-by-step guide, we walk through the 4 areas you need to audit to improve your chances of getting reinstated:
-Merchant Center settings-Product feed and data quality-Your website and policy pages-Your digital footprint (especially reviews)
If you’re dealing with a suspension and want expert help, StubGroup has a dedicated team that focuses on Google Merchant Center and Google Ads suspensions. Reach out through StubGroup.com.
Hire the experts to fix your Google Merchant Center suspension → https://stubgroup.com/google-merchant-center-suspension-3/
Free Website Compliance Audit Guide (inside our Google Policy Center): https://stubgroup.com/stubgroup-google-policy-center/
Related Suspension Fix Videos:
Fix a Misrepresentation Suspension:https://youtu.be/HI1t4_-aMVU
Case Study: How We Fixed a Misrepresentation Suspension:https://youtu.be/lmq23Y2kIuM
How to Complete Google Video Verification:https://youtu.be/3t4kBSuf82Y
Fix a Sale of Service Suspension:https://youtu.be/FQd_FublFzk
Fix a Counterfeit Goods Suspension:https://youtu.be/WkK3-UnDSbc
Why Google Suspends Luxury Retailers:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoPyEQahY3s&t=9s
Chapters
00:00 Fix Merchant Center suspensions (what this covers)00:49 Audit #1: Merchant Center settings (business info, shipping, returns)02:19 Audit #2: Product data quality (feed accuracy, variants, pricing)04:30 Audit #3: Website audit (policies, checkout issues, credibility)06:51 Audit #4: Digital footprint (reviews, reputation signals)08:37 Who gets suspended most in 2026 (dropshippers, new brands, sensitive niches)11:57 Most common suspension types (misrepresentation, counterfeit, website needs improvement, sale of service)15:18 Merchant Center vs Google Ads suspensions (which to fix first)16:39 Verification (including video verification)17:25 “No more reviews” limit and what to do next18:14 Final recap + free resources
Connect with StubGroup on Social Media:--------------------------------------------------🐦 Follow us on X: https://x.com/stubgroup📱 Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StubGroup/👥 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stub-group/📷 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stubgroupadvertising/

Mar 4, 2026

5 min

Has your Google Ads account been suspended for Public Figure Impersonation?
This falls under Google’s Unacceptable Business Practices policy and usually means Google believes you're falsely claiming affiliation with:
• A government official• A celebrity• An influencer• A CEO• A well-known brand
Sometimes the suspension is legitimate. But it's common for advertisers to be wrongly flagged.
In this video, StubGroup CEO John Horn explains:
• What Public Figure Impersonation actually means• How AI-generated celebrity content can trigger suspensions• How to prove legitimate affiliation• What documentation to submit in your appeal• Real-world examples of suspensions we’ve successfully reversed
If you're legitimately affiliated with a public figure or brand, the key is documentation, transparency, and proper positioning on your website.
And if Google flagged you incorrectly, there IS a path forward.
Need expert help reversing your suspension?
Get our free guide to fixing Google suspensions → https://stubgroup.com/stubgroup-google-policy-center/
Hire the experts to fix your Google suspension → https://stubgroup.com/how-to-reverse-a-google-ads-account-suspension/
Chapters
00:00 What is Public Figure Impersonation?00:17 Overview of Google’s policy01:16 AI-generated celebrity content risks01:48 When Google incorrectly flags advertisers02:04 How to prove legitimate affiliation02:54 Documentation to include in your appeal03:36 Case Study: Amazon KDP trademark issue04:35 Case Study: Public figure flagged incorrectly05:18 Final advice and next steps
Connect with StubGroup on Social Media:--------------------------------------------------🐦 Follow us on X: https://x.com/stubgroup📱 Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StubGroup/👥 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stub-group/📷 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stubgroupadvertising/

Feb 27, 2026

7 min

Should you hire an expert to fix your Google Ads suspension?
When Google suspends your ad account, you don’t get clear answers. 
You get vague policy references, automated responses, and VERY little guidance on what actually went wrong.
In this video, StubGroup CEO John Horn breaks down:
• Why Google doesn’t walk you through the fix• What suspension experts actually do• What experts can and can’t do• When it makes sense to hire help• How to evaluate who to trust
StubGroup has worked with thousands of advertisers over the past decade to fix Google Ads suspensions and policy violations. 
In many cases, it’s not just about fixing one issue. It’s about identifying every potential red flag that could prevent reinstatement.
If you’re trying to decide whether to keep appealing on your own or bring in an expert, this video will help you think through that decision clearly.
Need help with your suspension?
Get our free guide to fixing Google suspensions → https://stubgroup.com/stubgroup-google-policy-center/
Hire the experts to fix your Google suspension → https://stubgroup.com/how-to-reverse-a-google-ads-account-suspension/
Chapters
00:00 Should you hire a Google Ads suspension expert?00:17 Why Google doesn’t make reinstatement easy01:03 The reality of vague suspension notices01:49 What suspension experts actually bring to the table02:30 Pattern recognition and policy experience03:07 Comprehensive audits beyond the original violation04:07 How experts craft stronger appeals04:56 Escalation paths and their limitations05:29 How to evaluate suspension experts06:03 Does it cost money to hire help?07:03 Final thoughts on hiring a suspension expert
Connect with StubGroup on Social Media:--------------------------------------------------🐦 Follow us on X: https://x.com/stubgroup📱 Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StubGroup/👥 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stub-group/📷 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stubgroupadvertising/

Feb 25, 2026

4 min

If you resell luxury handbags, watches, designer clothing, or other high-end goods, you’re at a higher risk of getting suspended by Google Ads or Google Merchant Center.
Why? Because this space is FULL of counterfeiters and scammers. 
And Google knows it.
In this video, StubGroup CEO John Horn breaks down:
-Why Google is so aggressive in suspending luxury resellers-The biggest red flags that trigger counterfeit suspensions-How pricing, authentication, reviews, and website quality impact your risk-What to focus on if you’re already suspended
If you sell brands like Chanel, Rolex, Louis Vuitton, or similar luxury products, this is ESSENTIAL viewing before you scale your ads.
Need help fixing a suspension?
Get our free guide to fixing Google suspensions → https://stubgroup.com/stubgroup-google-policy-center/
Hire the experts to fix your Google suspension → https://stubgroup.com/how-to-reverse-a-google-ads-account-suspension/
Chapters
00:00 Why luxury resellers get suspended00:45 Red flag #1: Prices that look too low01:25 Red flag #2: No authentication process02:12 Red flag #3: Unprofessional website design02:49 Red flag #4: No reviews or poor reputation03:35 What to focus on if you’re suspended04:03 How StubGroup can help
Connect with StubGroup on Social Media:--------------------------------------------------🐦 Follow us on X: https://x.com/stubgroup📱 Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StubGroup/👥 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stub-group/📷 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stubgroupadvertising/

Feb 19, 2026

5 min

Google is aggressive when it comes to auto parts sellers. 
If you sell car parts online, your Google Ads or Merchant Center account is at higher risk of suspension than most industries.
In this video, StubGroup CEO John Horn breaks down the biggest red flags Google looks for, including:
• Missing brand relationship disclaimers• Bad reviews and poor reputation management• Outdated or unprofessional websites• No warranty information• Suspiciously low pricing• Confusing brand structures between physical and ecommerce stores
If you’ve already been suspended, or want to avoid getting flagged in the first place, this video walks through practical steps you can take to reduce risk and fix common issues.
Auto parts sellers can absolutely advertise on Google. But you have to be proactive, transparent, and aligned with Google’s policies.
Get our free guide to fixing Google suspensions → https://stubgroup.com/stubgroup-google-policy-center/
Hire the experts to fix your Google suspension → https://stubgroup.com/how-to-reverse-a-google-ads-account-suspension/
Chapters
00:00 Why Google Targets Auto Parts Sellers00:32 Red Flag #1: Brand Name & Manufacturer Disclaimers01:48 Red Flag #2: Bad Reviews & Reputation Issues02:36 Red Flag #3: Unprofessional Website Design03:20 Red Flag #4: Missing Warranty Information03:51 Red Flag #5: Suspiciously Low Pricing04:30 Red Flag #6: Confusing Brand Structures05:27 How to Avoid or Fix Suspension
Connect with StubGroup on Social Media:--------------------------------------------------🐦 Follow us on X: https://x.com/stubgroup📱 Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StubGroup/👥 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stub-group/📷 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stubgroupadvertising/

Feb 13, 2026

8 min

Was your Google Ads Manager Account (also known as an MCC) hacked and possibly suspended by Google? 
This video walks you through EXACTLY what to do next.
MCC hacks are becoming increasingly common and can completely shut down your ability to run ads for clients or your own business. 
In this video, StubGroup CEO John Horn walks explains the critical first steps you MUST take to fix the hack, document what happened, work with Google’s compromised account process, and reduce the risk of this happening again in the future.
You will learn:• What to do immediately after your MCC is hacked• How to fix and contain the security breach• What documentation Google expects when reviewing compromised accounts• How to report a hacked MCC to Google correctly• Common phishing attacks targeting agencies and advertisers• How fake Google Ads login pages steal credentials• Best practices for user access, 2FA, and account hygiene• How to significantly reduce the risk of future hacks
If your MCC or Google Ads account has been compromised, time matters. Fixing the issue correctly is critical to getting reinstated and avoiding repeat suspensions.
Get our free guides to fixing Google Ads suspensions →https://stubgroup.com/stubgroup-google-policy-center/
Hire the experts to fix your Google suspension → https://stubgroup.com/how-to-reverse-a-google-ads-account-suspension/
Chapters
0:00 What To Do If Your MCC Is Hacked0:31 First Step Fix the Hack Immediately1:14 Common Ways MCC Accounts Get Compromised2:10 Why Documentation Matters2:40 Reporting a Compromised Account to Google3:03 Working With Google Reps After a Hack4:05 Preventing Future MCC Hacks4:23 Common Phishing Attacks Targeting Agencies5:21 Fake Google Ads Login Pages Explained6:20 Limiting User Access and Account Hygiene6:52 Two Factor Authentication Best Practices7:42 Shared Logins and Why They Are Dangerous8:06 Final Security Recommendations
Connect with StubGroup on Social Media:--------------------------------------------------🐦 Follow us on X: https://x.com/stubgroup📱 Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StubGroup/👥 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stub-group/📷 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stubgroupadvertising/

Feb 11, 2026

7 min

If your Google Merchant Center account is suspended for “sale of service,” or you want to avoid this suspension altogether, this video walks you through exactly what Google is flagging and how to fix it.
Google has very different rules for what can be advertised through Google Shopping and Merchant Center compared to regular Google Ads.
One of the most common issues we are seeing is merchants unknowingly bundling services with physical products, which violates Google’s unsupported shopping content policies.
In this video, we cover:• What Google means by “sale of service”• Why services cannot be sold through Google Shopping• Common examples that trigger this suspension• How bundled services cause Merchant Center suspensions• Safe ways to structure your business and websites• How to fix incorrect or automated Google flags• Best practices to avoid future Merchant Center suspensions
If you're dealing with a Google Merchant Center suspension or want expert help making sure your account complies with Google’s policies, our team at StubGroup is here to help.
Fix Your Google Merchant Center Misrepresentation Suspension → https://stubgroup.com/how-to-reverse-a-google-merchant-center-misrepresentation-suspension/
Get our free guides to fixing Google suspensions → https://stubgroup.com/stubgroup-google-policy-center/
Chapters
0:00 Sale of Service Merchant Center Suspension Overview0:56 What Google Means by Sale of Service1:29 Common Examples That Trigger This Suspension2:25 Selling Services vs Physical Products2:52 How Bundled Services Cause Issues3:35 Gray Areas and Why Google Still Flags Accounts3:56 Using Separate Websites for Compliance4:32 What To Do If You Are Incorrectly Flagged5:01 Using Clear Disclaimers on Product Pages5:06 Keywords That Can Trigger Service Flags5:46 Google Product Categories and Shipping Settings6:44 When Google Gets It Wrong7:04 Final Recommendations and Next Steps
Connect with StubGroup on Social Media:--------------------------------------------------🐦 Follow us on X: https://x.com/stubgroup📱 Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StubGroup/👥 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stub-group/📷 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stubgroupadvertising/

Feb 6, 2026

2 min

Google has officially announced the timeline for sunsetting Google Call Ads, previously known as Call Only Ads. 
StubGroup CEO John Horn breaks down what's changing, when those changes take effect, and what it actually means for advertisers who rely on phone calls for lead generation.
You will learn:
-What Google Call Ads are and how they work-When you can no longer create new Call Ads-When existing Call Ads will fully stop serving-What alternatives Google is keeping in place-Whether you should turn off Call Ads right now
If you currently run call focused campaigns or rely heavily on inbound phone leads, this update is important for planning ahead and avoiding surprises.
If you have questions about Google Ads strategy, call tracking, or preparing for upcoming Google changes, our team at StubGroup is here to help.
Get a free Google Ads consultation from StubGroup: https://stubgroup.com/free-google-ads-evaluation/
Get our free guide to fixing Google suspensions → https://stubgroup.com/stubgroup-google-policy-center/
Chapters
0:00 Google Call Ads Are Going Away0:14 What Are Google Call Ads0:31 Call Ads vs Call Assets0:49 February 2026 Creation Deadline1:05 February 2027 Final Sunset Date1:28 What Will Happen to Existing Call Ads1:49 Should You Keep Running Call Ads2:09 What Advertisers Should Do Next
Connect with StubGroup on Social Media:--------------------------------------------------🐦 Follow us on X: https://x.com/stubgroup📱 Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StubGroup/👥 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stub-group/📷 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stubgroupadvertising/

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