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

Dec 5, 2025

6 min

Google has released new information about how they're handling Google Ads account suspensions and appeals. 
As a team that works on suspensions every day, StubGroup sees firsthand what's changing.
In this video, StubGroup CEO John Horn responds to Google’s recent blog post and walks through what these updates ACTUALLY mean for advertisers. 
You'll learn:-What Google says has improved in the suspension and appeal process-Where Google claims AI is increasing precision-Why many legitimate advertisers are still suspended incorrectly-What metrics Google published on appeal speed and incorrect suspensions-Why transparency and communication are still major problems-What StubGroup sees “in the trenches” with real advertisers
Get our free guides to fixing Google suspensions → https://stubgroup.com/stubgroup-google-policy-center/
Hire the experts to fix your Google suspension → https://www.stubgroup.com/how-to-reverse-a-google-ads-account-suspension
Chapters:0:00 Intro: Google announces changes to suspension processes0:05 Why StubGroup is responding to this update0:33 Google admits legitimate advertisers get suspended incorrectly1:03 What Google claims has improved1:28 Policy updates and added examples2:08 Google’s use of AI in detection2:24 Does AI actually improve accuracy2:50 Google claims the review and appeal process is better3:20 Google claims incorrect suspensions dropped 80 percent3:54 What StubGroup sees in reality3:57 Why online forums still show endless suspension issues4:06 Google claims appeals are processed faster4:29 The real problem: fast but unhelpful rejections4:49 Why lack of transparency hurts advertisers5:23 Why broad policies create confusion5:42 Why advertisers come to StubGroup6:01 How AI and unclear processes delay reinstatements6:33 Final thoughts on Google’s update and what still needs improvement
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/

Nov 30, 2025

3 min

If you're required to complete advertiser verification or business operations verification, this update is CRITICAL.
Google has released new guidance (November 2025) about how incorrect verification submissions are now treated under the Circumventing Systems policy. 
This includes new examples, stricter interpretation, and increased suspension risk for anything Google views as false, edited, or misleading.
StubGroup CEO John Horn explains exactly what Google changed and how to avoid accidental violations during the verification process. 
You will learn:
-Why Google added a new subsection to the Circumventing Systems policy-How photo ID and business document submissions can trigger suspensions-What Google considers “modified,” “redacted,” or “inauthentic”-Why even innocent edits can lead to false positive flags-How automated systems evaluate documents-How to safely prepare and submit everything Google asks for
Get our free step-by-step guide to Google Advertiser verification here: https://stubgroup.com/stubgroup-google-policy-center/
Or, hire the experts to help: https://stubgroup.com/verification-lp/
Chapters:0:00 Intro: Why verification mistakes matter0:09 StubGroup introduction and experience0:29 Google’s new November 2025 update0:43 New examples added to the Circumventing Systems policy1:19 Why false or fraudulent information leads to suspension1:44 Submitting authentic government photo IDs2:22 What not to edit or redact on your ID2:26 Submitting business documents safely2:56 What types of documents Google may request3:08 The gray area around redaction and risk3:13 Why automated review creates false flags3:33 Where to find StubGroup’s verification guide3:51 How to get expert help with verification or 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/

Nov 29, 2025

3 min

Will your Google Ads account get suspended if you have disapproved ads? 
The short answer is no, not automatically. 
But depending on the type of disapproval and how many of them you let accumulate, you could be at risk.
StubGroup CEO John Horn explains the difference between a simple ad disapproval and an account-level suspension. 
You will learn:-When a disapproved ad is harmless and when it is a warning sign-Which policy violations typically lead to suspensions-Why certain industries experience constant disapprovals-How automated systems flag ads inconsistently-How to prevent disapprovals from piling up and causing larger issues
If you have disapproved ads or a suspended account and want expert help, reach out at stubgroup.com.
Need help with a suspension?👉 Get free guides → https://stubgroup.com/stubgroup-google-policy-center/👉 Hire the experts → https://stubgroup.com/how-to-reverse-a-google-ads-account-suspension/
0:00 Intro: Will a disapproved ad suspend your account0:23 StubGroup introduction and context0:48 What a disapproved ad actually means1:14 Benign disapprovals vs serious violations1:48 How Google notifies you about disapprovals2:04 When disapprovals can lead to suspensions2:42 Why you should fix issues quickly3:09 Industries where disapprovals happen constantly3:36 How automated systems flag ads inconsistently4:04 Ongoing appeals and policy communication4:29 Final advice and how to get 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/

Nov 27, 2025

13 min

A great Google Ads consultation should not only review your campaigns. 
It should help you make more money.
StubGroup CEO John Horn explains the nine core areas EVERY consultation must cover to improve results. 
These are the questions and strategy points that separate weak audits from revenue-driving ones.
You will learn:
-Why your goals, numbers, and business model MUST guide your ad strategy-How to choose the right services, audiences, and offers to advertise-Why proper tracking is essential and why most accounts track incorrectly-How bidding strategy, campaign types, keywords, and negative keywords shape performance-Why landing pages often matter more than the ads themselves-How to identify new growth opportunities and scale profitably
Get a free Google Ads consultation from StubGroup: https://stubgroup.com/free-google-ads-evaluation/
0:00 Intro: Why consultations matter0:19 Why every consultant approaches things differently1:00 StubGroup introduction and experience1:16 Number 1: Your goals and business numbers2:38 Number 2: What you should advertise and who you should target4:46 Number 3: Tracking and why it affects performance5:56 Number 4: How bidding strategies impact results7:51 Number 5: Choosing the right campaign types8:55 Number 6: Keywords, search terms, and negative keywords10:21 Number 7: Reviewing your ads and assets11:28 Number 8: Landing pages and conversion experience12:29 Number 9: Growth opportunities and scaling13:07 Final advice and how to get a StubGroup consultation
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/

Nov 19, 2025

6 min

Google’s Three Strike Policy can make or break your ad account. 
StubGroup CEO John Horn walks through EXACTLY how the three-strike process works, what each strike means, and what you can do to recover your account. 
BEFORE it’s too late.
You’ll learn:
-How Google’s warning, first, second, and third strikes work-Real examples (like a retailer mistakenly flagged for selling “weapons”)-How to appeal or acknowledge a strike the right way-What to do if you’ve already reached a third strike-Why it’s critical to act fast after a warning
Need help with a strike or suspension?👉 Get free guides → https://stubgroup.com/stubgroup-google-policy-center/👉 Hire the experts → https://stubgroup.com/how-to-reverse-a-google-ads-account-suspension/
Chapters
0:00 Intro: What is the Google Ads Three-Strike Policy0:09 What counts as a “strike”0:31 Meet John from StubGroup0:57 Policy overview and strike-eligible violations1:25 Why most suspensions don’t get strikes1:47 What happens when you get a warning2:04 Real example: Ceremonial swords advertiser2:36 How to respond to a strike3:00 Strike 1: 3-day account hold3:59 Strike 2: 7-day account hold5:09 Strike 3: account suspension explained5:14 Can you recover from three strikes?5:46 Step-by-step recap5:57 Working through automated systems6:04 Sword example follow-up and resolution6:42 Final advice and 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/

Nov 14, 2025

13 min

Google Ads disapprovals stop your campaigns fast. In this video, StubGroup CEO John Horn walks through the 35 most common reasons ads get rejected and how to fix each one so your ads can serve again.
You’ll learn:
-The most frequent “destination” issues and quick fixes-How to solve phone number and verification problems-What triggers malware, compromised site, and unwanted software flags-How Google views trademarks, resellers, and double serving-Personalized ads rules for housing, employment, and credit
Stay current on what triggers a Google Ads Disapproval by visiting our Policy Center → https://stubgroup.com/stubgroup-google-policy-center/
Check out the State of Google Ads Suspensions & Disapprovals: https://stubgroup.com/blog/the-state-of-google-ads-suspensions-2025/
Chapters
0:00 Intro and what this covers0:39 Destination policies overview0:43 Destination not working1:15 Destination mismatch1:47 One website per ad group2:18 Destination not crawlable2:36 Destination not accessible3:18 Destination experience requirements3:33 Insufficient original content4:06 App or web store policy violation4:25 Unacceptable URL4:33 Unrecognized app4:49 Unverified phone number5:27 Unacceptable phone number5:54 Malicious software6:25 Compromised sites6:46 Unwanted software7:18 Unfair advantage (double serving)7:52 Evasive ad content8:06 Circumventing systems9:00 Spam policies for Google Search9:17 Trademarks: what you can and cannot do10:01 Resellers, authorization, and trademark limits11:32 Personalized advertising basics12:08 Housing, Employment, Credit targeting limits12:55 “Approved, limited” explained13:18 Recap 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/

Nov 12, 2025

3 min

Can you use prescription drug names like Botox in your Google Ads?
The rules have changed . . . and the October 2025 update makes an important distinction.
StubGroup CEO John Horn explains exactly what’s allowed when referencing prescription drugs in your:
-Ad copy-Landing pages-Keyword targeting
You’ll learn:
-Why certification still matters for keyword targeting-When educational and legal advertisers can now include prescription terms-Which industries benefit from this rare policy relaxation-How Google’s AI may still flag legitimate advertisers
Stay compliant and understand how to safely use these terms without risking disapprovals or suspensions.
Stay current on Google Policy Updates by visiting our Policy Center → https://stubgroup.com/stubgroup-google-policy-center/
0:00: Can you use prescription drug names in Google Ads?0:18: StubGroup and Google Premier Partner introduction0:25: The October 2025 policy update overview0:41: Google’s certification requirements explained1:12: What’s changing and what stays the same1:28: When you can use drug names in ads and landing pages1:43: Example: Lawyers and class-action campaigns1:59: Keyword targeting limitations2:14: Other industries affected by the change2:45: Why this is a rare policy relaxation3:02: How Google’s AI may still misinterpret compliance3:20: Key takeaway 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/

Nov 7, 2025

2 min

Google’s tech support policy has changed.
And the October 2025 update adds important nuance for advertisers.
In this video, StubGroup CEO John Horn explains when you can (and can't) advertise tech support through Google Ads.
You’ll learn:
-Why third-party consumer tech support ads are prohibited-The difference between B2C and B2B tech support advertising-What the October 2025 policy update means for selling consumer technology online-How to prevent false policy flags on legitimate business-to-business campaigns
Stay compliant, protect your ad account, and understand what Google’s recent updates actually allow.
Stay current on Google Policy Updates by visiting our Policy Center → https://stubgroup.com/stubgroup-google-policy-center/
Chapters:
0:00: Can you advertise tech support on Google Ads?0:24: What counts as third-party technical support0:59: The B2C vs. B2B distinction1:18: How to avoid false policy flags1:26: The October 2025 policy update explained2:16: Historical context and why Google restricted tech support ads2:44: When to reach out for 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/

Nov 5, 2025

4 min

Can you advertise subscriptions through Google Shopping? 
The short answer: Yes for some, and no for others.
StubGroup CEO John Horn breaks down Google’s October 2025 policy update, explaining which product categories are now allowed to advertise subscriptions and what compliance steps you need to take.
You’ll learn:
-Which categories now qualify for subscription listings (e.g., apparel, coffee, pet supplies)-The exceptions that existed before October 2025-How to set up your Merchant Center feed correctly-What transparency and disclosure requirements Google expects
If you sell subscription products or want help navigating policy changes, reach out to our team at StubGroup.
Stay current on Google Policy Updates by visiting our Policy Center → https://stubgroup.com/stubgroup-google-policy-center/
Chapters:0:00: Can You Advertise Subscriptions on Google Shopping?0:25: Google’s October 2025 Policy Update Explained1:03: Categories Eligible for Subscription Ads2:06: Google’s Past Inconsistencies and Clarifications2:52: Feed Setup and Category ID Requirements3:05: Existing Exceptions: Software, Magazines, Mobile Devices3:55: Subscription Feed and Landing Page Rules4:35: Why These Changes Matter and How to Stay Compliant4:50: Get Help with Google Ads & Policy Compliance
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/

Oct 31, 2025

4 min

Google has rolled out a new policy update for message assets in Google Ads, effective October 30, 2025.
John Horn, CEO of StubGroup, explains what’s changing, how to verify your assets, and what steps you need to take to stay compliant before enforcement begins.
In this video, you’ll learn:
-What “message assets” are and how they work in Google Ads-The two approved methods for verifying message assets-How to link your domain or add tracking tags for verification-Why Google is enforcing this new policy-What happens if you don’t verify before the rollout date
Stay current on Google Policy Updates by visiting our Policy Center → https://stubgroup.com/stubgroup-google-policy-center/
Chapters
0:00 Intro0:04 What are message assets in Google Ads?0:42 Google’s 2025 update announcement0:57 Verification option 1: Add messaging link to your website1:36 Important nuances for placement and domain matching2:51 Verification option 2: Confirm domain ownership3:36 Why Google is enforcing this update4:01 Example of misuse that led to the change4:21 Why this protects advertisers and consumers4:26 Deadlines and next steps4:35 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/

StubGroup

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