In the ever-changing world of Google Ads and PPC marketing, privacy regulations and data protection policies are reshaping how businesses run advertising campaigns. 

With increasing restrictions on third-party cookies and evolving consumer expectations around data privacy, businesses must adapt to ensure their Google Ads strategies remain effective. 

What is the key to success in this new landscape? First-party data.

First of all, let’s cover the basics…

What are Third-Party Cookies?

A third-party cookie is a tracking file placed on a user's browser by a website other than the one they are currently visiting, typically for advertising and cross-site tracking purposes. These cookies allow advertisers to monitor user behaviour across multiple websites to serve targeted ads and personalised experiences.

How Do Third-Party Cookies Work?

1. A user visits Website A, which has an embedded ad from an ad network (the third party, e.g. Google Ads).
2. The ad network drops a third-party cookie onto the user’s browser.
3. When the user visits Website B (which also has an ad from the ad network), the cookie recognises the user.
4. The Ad Network uses this tracking data to show the user personalised ads based on their previous browsing behaviour.

What is first-party data?

Simply put, first-party data is information a business collects directly from its customers. This data is collected through the business’ own channels, such as its website, app, CRM, or mailing list. This data includes details like customer email addresses, purchase history, website interactions, and survey responses

Why Privacy Regulations Matter for PPC

Privacy regulations such as the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 have significantly impacted digital advertising. These laws are designed to give consumers more control over their personal data and limit how businesses can track and use that data for advertising.

Google has also taken a privacy-first approach, phasing out third-party cookies in Chrome. Combined with Apple’s iOS updates that restrict tracking, these changes mean businesses can no longer rely on third-party tracking for remarketing, audience targeting, and conversion tracking.

This shift can seem daunting for business owners and marketing professionals, but it also presents an opportunity to rethink data-driven PPC strategies and build stronger relationships with customers using first-party data.

The Decline of Third-Party Cookies and What It Means for Google Ads

Third-party cookies have long been a cornerstone of digital advertising, enabling advertisers to track user behaviour across different websites. However, as privacy regulations tighten and Google phases out these cookies, traditional tactics such as dynamic remarketing and lookalike audience targeting will become less effective and eventually redundant (Google Ads has already depreciated the Similar Audiences feature). 

Instead of relying on third-party tracking, advertisers must pivot towards privacy-compliant PPC strategies focusing on first-party data collection and contextual targeting.

First-Party Data: The Future of PPC Success

First-party data is essential for modern Google Ads strategies because:

• It is more accurate and reliable than third-party data.
• It ensures better compliance with privacy laws like UK GDPR.
• It fosters stronger customer relationships by relying on direct interactions.
• It enables better audience segmentation and higher conversion rates in Google Ads campaigns.

To remain competitive in PPC advertising, businesses should develop a robust first-party data strategy. How can you start?

1. Encourage Direct Data Collection

• Use lead generation forms on your website to collect customer emails.
• Offer incentives such as exclusive discounts or valuable content in exchange for sign-ups.
• Build loyalty programmes that reward repeat customers while gathering data on purchasing behaviours.

2. Implement Google’s Enhanced Conversions

Google has introduced Enhanced Conversions, a privacy-friendly tool that helps advertisers track conversions using first-party data. It allows businesses to share hashed (anonymised) customer data with Google to improve tracking accuracy while remaining compliant with privacy regulations. We now implement Enhanced Conversions as standard for all The Digital Stride’s clients. 

3. Leverage Customer Match for Targeted PPC Advertising

Google’s Customer Match allows businesses to upload their own customer data (email addresses, phone numbers, etc.) into Google Ads. Google then matches this data with users on its platform to deliver more personalised PPC ads.

This feature enables businesses to:

• Retarget existing customers with personalised offers (for example, an add-on or complimentary product to their recent purchase).
• Encourage customers to make repeat purchases for products that have a shorter lifecycle.
• Target customers who have shown intent (e.g. signed up to your mailing list or used your quote calculator), but haven’t yet purchased.
• Exclude past purchasers from seeing ads to optimise ad spend for new customer acquisition. 

Practical Steps to Future-Proof Your PPC Strategy

Adapting to these changes requires a proactive approach. Here’s what business owners and marketers should do to maintain high-performing PPC campaigns in a privacy-first world:

1. Audit Your Data Collection Methods
   
   • Ensure compliance with UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.
   • Use clear cookie consent mechanisms when collecting customer data. We recommend using a CPM (consent management platform) such as CookieBot — we can help you implement this!
2. Invest in a CRM System
   
   • Organise and segment first-party data efficiently.
   • Use automation to nurture customer relationships and personalise marketing campaigns.
3. Leverage AI and Machine Learning for Google Ads Optimisation
   
   • Google’s AI-powered bidding strategies (e.g. Performance Max campaigns) optimise ad delivery based on first-party data.
   • Smart Bidding helps advertisers maximise conversions while adapting to privacy-first changes.
4. Diversify Your Digital Marketing Strategies
   
   • Explore contextual targeting, which delivers ads based on website content rather than user behaviour.
   • Develop an omnichannel strategy that includes email marketing, social media advertising, and SEO to supplement PPC efforts.

Final Takeaway: Privacy as a Competitive Advantage in PPC Advertising

Rather than seeing privacy regulations as a limitation, businesses should embrace them as an opportunity to build stronger customer trust and improve the quality of their PPC campaigns. 

First-party data isn’t just a workaround for the loss of third-party cookies—it’s a future-proof approach that can drive better Google Ads performance.

By implementing first-party data-led strategies and leveraging Google’s privacy-friendly PPC tools, business owners and marketers can stay ahead of the curve and continue running high-ROI Google Ads campaigns in a privacy-first world.

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Digital marketing continues to evolve at a rapid pace, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer expectations, and new regulatory landscapes. Businesses must stay ahead of these trends to remain competitive and effective in their marketing strategies.

At The Digital Stride, our focus remains on helping businesses achieve More Leads, Better Customers, and Faster Growth through cutting-edge digital marketing techniques.

Here are the key trends set to shape the industry for this year:

1. AI-Driven Insights and Automation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a conversation piece, it’s a fundamental part of digital marketing. AI-driven tools provide deep insights into consumer behaviour, predict trends, and automate complex tasks. We can expect:

• AI-powered content creation: From blog posts to video scripts, AI will assist in generating engaging content more efficiently.
• Enhanced customer service with AI chatbots: Chatbots will become more conversational, personalised, and capable of handling complex queries.
• Predictive analytics: Marketers will leverage AI to anticipate customer needs and create hyper-targeted campaigns.

2. Hyper-Personalisation Through First-Party Data

With third-party cookies on the verge of extinction, marketers must shift their focus to first-party data collection. Personalisation in 2025 will be driven by:

• Consent-driven marketing: Businesses will need to implement clear value exchanges for consumer data to ensure compliance and trust.
• Behaviour-based targeting: Using AI to analyse customer interactions and tailor content accordingly.
• Dynamic content delivery: Emails, website experiences, and ads will adapt in real-time based on user preferences.

3. Data Privacy and Ethical Marketing

With increasing regulations like the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the EU and stricter data privacy laws worldwide, brands must prioritise ethical marketing by:

• Ensuring transparency: Clearly communicating data usage policies to consumers.
• Enhancing cybersecurity: Safeguarding customer information to maintain trust.
• Adopting privacy-first advertising solutions: Utilising contextual targeting and AI-driven analytics without compromising user privacy.

4. Social Commerce and Shoppable Content

Social media platforms are doubling down on eCommerce, with features like in-app checkout and AI-driven recommendations. Marketers should:

• Optimise for social commerce: Ensure seamless shopping experiences on Meta, YouTube and TikTok.
• Use AI-generated product recommendations: AI will curate highly relevant products based on user behaviour.

5. Sustainable and Purpose-Driven Marketing

Consumers in 2025 are more conscious of brand ethics, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility. To align with these values:

• Highlight sustainability efforts: Showcasing eco-friendly practices and responsible sourcing will build brand loyalty.
• Adopt purpose-driven campaigns: Brands that stand for social or environmental causes will resonate more with younger audiences.
• Implement green digital marketing strategies: Reducing carbon footprints in digital advertising (e.g., optimising server usage, eco-friendly web hosting) will gain traction.

Conclusion: Staying Ahead in 2025

The digital marketing landscape in 2025 will be shaped by AI, hyper-personalisation, privacy regulations, and evolving consumer expectations.

At The Digital Stride, we focus on strategies that drive More Leads, Better Customers, and Faster Growth by helping brands:

• Embrace AI-driven insights and automation for efficiency.
• Focus on first-party data strategies for effective personalisation.
• Prioritise data privacy and ethical marketing practices.
• Capitalise on social commerce and shoppable content.
• Align with sustainability and purpose-driven initiatives.

By staying adaptable and forward-thinking, businesses can navigate the challenges and opportunities that 2025 brings, ensuring long-term success in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Find out how The Digital Stride can help your business grow today by getting in touch with the team on 01926 358200 or email us at: info@thedigitalstride.co.uk 

Google Ads is a powerful platform for driving leads and sales, but its effectiveness depends heavily on the accuracy of your conversion tracking. Smart Bidding, which uses machine learning to optimise bids in real-time, relies on historical conversion data to make informed decisions. If this data is inaccurate, the entire bidding strategy can be compromised, leading to wasted budget, a drop in performance, and a prolonged recovery period once the issue is fixed.

In this blog, we’ll explore why tracking accuracy is critical and how incorrect data can impact your campaign performance using a real-world example.

The Impact of Incorrect Conversion Tracking

One of our clients recently experienced the damaging effects of incorrect tracking. Due to a tracking amendment by someone in their technical web team, all conversions—including secondary conversions like free guide downloads—were mistakenly recorded under the website enquiry category. This error inflated the number of ‘Primary’ conversions between the two dates in the graph below, confusing Google’s algorithm.

Instead of prioritising high-value website enquiries, the system started treating guide downloads (which are typically secondary conversions) as equally valuable. As a result, Smart Bidding shifted its strategy to focus on these easier-to-obtain conversions, leading to an artificial spike in the number of reported conversions. This is shown clearly in the dramatic jump between the two arrows in the tracking data.

What Happens When the Issue is Fixed?

After we identified and helped the client’s team resolve the tracking issue, Google’s algorithm got confused. The sudden decrease in the number of important (primary) conversions it was seeing negatively impacted performance as it tried to figure things out again. Essentially, we had transitioned from a high volume of inaccurate conversions to a smaller volume of correct conversions.

Even after three weeks of accurate data, Google’s algorithm had not fully recovered to its pre-issue performance. This is a critical lesson for any advertiser—incorrect conversion tracking can derail your campaigns, and fixing the problem doesn’t immediately restore previous performance levels. It takes time for Smart Bidding to recalibrate and regain efficiency.

Key Takeaways: Why Tracking Accuracy is Critical

1. Google’s Algorithm Learns From Your Data – If you feed Google incorrect data, it will optimise for the wrong actions, wasting your budget on conversions that do not drive real business value.
   
   
2. Short-Term Errors Have Long-Term Consequences – Even if an issue is resolved quickly, Google Ads will take time to recover. Three weeks after fixing the error in our client’s account, performance had still not returned to normal.
   
   
3. Regular Audits Prevent Costly Mistakes – Setting up conversion tracking correctly at the start isn’t enough. Regularly audit your account to ensure there haven’t been any unintended changes that could be skewing data.
   
   
4. Primary vs. Secondary Conversions Matter – Make sure Google Ads understands which conversions drive actual business impact. Treating secondary conversions as primary ones can shift the focus of your campaigns and reduce lead quality.
   
   

Steps to Ensure Your Conversion Tracking is Accurate

To prevent issues like this from happening, here are some steps to follow:

• Check Your Conversion Settings – Ensure that only the most valuable actions (e.g., sales, lead form submissions) are set as ‘Primary’ conversions in Google Ads.
• Use Google Tag Manager (GTM) for Better Control – GTM allows you to manage your conversion tracking centrally and reduce the risk of misconfigurations.
• Verify Data in Google Analytics – Cross-check your Google Ads conversions with Google Analytics goals to identify discrepancies.
• Conduct Regular Tracking Audits – Make it a habit to review your tracking setup monthly to detect any issues before they cause major disruptions.
• Review Proposed Client Amendments – Ask your clients to run any amendments to conversion tracking or Google Tag Manager changes past you first, so you can assess the potential impact on Google Ads.

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Final Thoughts

Conversion tracking accuracy is not just a technical necessity—it directly impacts the effectiveness of your Google Ads campaigns. A single mistake can send your Smart Bidding strategy in the wrong direction, leading to a prolonged recovery period even after fixing the issue.

If you’re running Google Ads campaigns, take the time to review your tracking setup today. Ensuring accuracy will protect your budget, improve lead quality, and help Google’s algorithm work for you—not against you.

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If you need an audit of your conversion tracking and/or would like to attract better quality leads and customers with Google Ads, give our friendly team a call us on 01926 358200 or complete our enquiry form.‍

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In today’s competitive digital landscape, paid advertising is a cornerstone of successful marketing strategies. Whether using Google Ads, Bing Ads, or social media platforms like Meta (Facebook and Instagram), businesses must constantly optimise campaigns to ensure the best return on investment (ROI). This article provides practical advice to enhance your paid advertising efforts, focusing on targeting, bidding, and ad copy to maximise efficiency and results.

Understanding ROI in Paid Advertising

ROI (Return on Investment) is a key metric in paid advertising, measuring the revenue generated compared to the amount spent. It provides valuable insight into the financial success of your campaigns. For advertisers, maximising ROI means refining strategies to ensure every pound spent generates meaningful returns. This requires strategic planning, continuous optimisation, and leveraging the unique features of each platform.

Without optimisation, Ad campaigns can quickly become a drain on resources, with irrelevant clicks, high costs, and poor conversion rates eating into your budget. By following the strategies outlined in this article, you can ensure your spending is focused on high-value opportunities, driving meaningful results and safeguarding your advertising investment.

Optimising Google Ads PPC Campaigns

Google Ads remains one of the most powerful platforms for paid advertising, offering extensive reach, high intent and advanced targeting capabilities. Here are essential strategies for success:

Targeting the Right Audience

• Use keyword match types (broad match, phrase match, and exact match) to control how your ads trigger. For instance, broad match captures wider audiences, while exact match focuses on precise user intent, enabling you to balance reach and relevance.

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• Add negative keywords to prevent ads appearing in irrelevant searches, saving your budget for high-quality traffic.
• Implement audience segmentation to target specific user groups, such as in-market audiences (actively searching for products/services like yours) or custom audiences based on website visits or email lists.

Smart Bidding Strategies

• Leverage Google’s Smart Bidding tools, such as Target ROAS (Return on Ad Spend) and Maximise Conversions, to optimise bidding automatically. Smart bidding uses Google AI to show ads to the users who are most likely to complete a conversion action on your website.

Campaign Setting Not to Overlook

• Use Ad Schedules to display ads during peak performance times, based on historical data, to improve efficiency.
• Use location settings to focus on areas most relevant to your business. For example, target specific cities or regions where your customers are most likely to convert.
• Ensure you’re targeting people physically present in your target locations, not just those interested in them, especially if your offering only applies to the locations you are targeting. 
• Evaluate whether including Google’s search partners or display network aligns with your goals, as these can either expand your reach or dilute performance if not carefully monitored.

Creating Effective Ad Copy

• Write benefit-driven, clear headlines that communicate value directly. For example, instead of “Affordable Shoes”, use “Top Running Shoes Under £50”.
• Include strong calls-to-action (CTAs) to encourage user interaction, such as “Shop Now” or “Get Your Free Quote”.
• Use ad extensions (like sitelinks, callouts, or structured snippets) to provide additional information and increase engagement.

Improving Landing Page Relevance

• Ensure your landing pages align with ad messaging to maintain consistency and user trust.
• Optimise for mobile devices, as most users access ads through mobile platforms.
• Use A/B testing on landing page designs to identify the highest-converting versions. For example, experiment with varying the placement and colour of call-to-action (CTA) buttons to see which configuration drives the most conversions. Additionally, try testing alternative layouts or different visual elements, such as images or videos, to understand what resonates most with your audience.

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‍Enhancing ROI with Bing Ads PPC Campaigns

Bing Ads offers unique advantages, such as a lower cost-per-click (CPC) and less competition, making it an excellent addition to your advertising strategy.

Audience Targeting and Demographics

• Leverage Bing’s robust demographic targeting, such as age, gender, and device preferences.
• Use LinkedIn profile targeting to reach professionals based on industry or job roles, ideal for B2B campaigns.

Importing and Refining Campaigns

• Use Bing’s Google Ads import tool to replicate successful campaigns, saving time and effort in creating new ads from scratch. However, it’s important to monitor these campaigns closely, as platforms can perform differently. Bing’s audience may respond differently to ad copy or bidding strategies, so ongoing adjustments are necessary to achieve optimal results.

Optimising for Bing-Specific Features

• Employ ad customisers to dynamically update ads based on user searches.
• Test different bidding strategies, like Enhanced CPC, Maximise Conversions or Maximise Clicks, to find what delivers the best ROI for your market.

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Driving ROI with Meta (Facebook and Instagram) Ads

Meta’s platforms excel at reaching highly targeted audiences with engaging ad formats. Here’s how to get the best results:

Selecting the Correct Campaign Objective

Choosing the correct campaign objective is the first step to success on Meta. Whether you aim to build brand awareness, drive traffic, or boost sales, your campaign objective directly influences Meta’s bidding strategies and optimisation processes. For instance, selecting 'Sales' as the objective focuses on driving purchases, while 'Traffic' prioritises sending users to your website. Aligning the campaign objective with your business goals ensures that your ad spend is directed toward generating the desired results.

Precise Audience Targeting

• Create Custom Audiences to retarget existing customers, website visitors, or email subscribers.
• Use Lookalike Audiences to find new users who share traits with your best customers.
• Refine targeting further with demographic, interest-based, and behavioural filters to reach highly specific groups. For example, you could target users interested in specific hobbies like cycling or cooking, or focus on behavioural traits such as frequent online shoppers or users who have recently interacted with similar products. This level of specificity ensures your ads are reaching the right audience with tailored messaging.

Compelling Ad Creative

• Ensure you have high-quality visuals and videos to grab attention in crowded feeds. Tailor content to platform-specific formats, such as vertical videos for Stories or carousel ads for product showcases. Creative content can be budget-friendly and still effectively engage your audience and drive results. Examples include customer reviews, unboxings, or graphic carousels. 

Effective Budgeting and Bidding

• Use Campaign Budget Optimisation (CBO) to distribute budgets dynamically across top-performing ad sets.
• Experiment with bidding strategies, such as Cost Cap or Bid Cap, to control spending without sacrificing performance.

Continuous Analytics and Testing

• Conduct A/B testing on creatives, audience segments, and CTAs to refine campaigns over time.
• Use Meta’s Ad Manager to monitor performance metrics and allocate budgets to the highest-performing ads. Key metrics to monitor include:some text
  • Click-Through Rate (CTR) to gauge ad engagement.
  • Cost Per Click (CPC) to ensure budget efficiency.
  • Conversion Rate to measure the effectiveness of driving desired actions.
  • Frequency to avoid ad fatigue.
  • ROAS to evaluate the profitability of your campaigns.

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Cross-Platform Strategies for Maximising ROI 

Retargeting and Sequential Campaigns

• Use retargeting to engage users who interacted with your ads or website but did not convert. Ad sequencing can guide them through the purchase journey step by step.

Consistent Messaging

• Maintain consistent branding and messaging across platforms to build trust and reinforce your brand identity.

Performance Monitoring

• Track critical metrics like CTR, CPC, conversion rates, and ROAS using tools such as Google Analytics, Microsoft Clarity, and Meta Pixel. This helps identify strengths and areas for improvement.

Embracing AI Tools

• Get the most out of your budget using tools like Google’s Performance Max or Meta’s Advantage+. Set up alerts for performance anomalies to ensure timely responses to any issues.

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Conclusion

Maximising ROI with paid advertising campaigns requires a mix of strategic planning, creative execution, and continuous refinement. By applying best practices across Google Ads, Bing Ads, and Meta platforms, businesses can achieve exceptional results while staying efficient with their budgets. Remember, the digital landscape is ever-evolving, and staying adaptive is key to long-term success.

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How The Digital Stride Can Help

At The Digital Stride, we specialise in helping businesses like yours unlock the full potential of paid advertising. Our team of PPC experts has a proven track record of delivering results across Google Ads, Bing Ads, and Meta platforms. Whether you’re struggling to manage your campaigns, optimise your ROI, or simply don’t have the time to stay on top of the latest trends, we’re here to help.

With tailored strategies, cutting-edge tools, and a commitment to your success, we ensure every pound of your advertising budget is spent wisely. From keyword research and ad copy creation to bidding strategies and optimisations, we handle every aspect of your PPC campaigns with precision and care.

Ready to take your paid advertising to the next level? Contact us today to discuss how we can help your business thrive.

Enquire Now

Get in touch. Let’s work together to achieve your advertising goals and maximise your ROI.

Google Ads is one of the most powerful tools to help businesses grow, especially when managed by a certified Google Partner like The Digital Stride. From 7th November 2024, Google started rolling out an updated ad credit offer exclusively for brand-new Google Ads accounts, offering up to £1,200 in ad credits. The new offer caters to various budgets, helping companies kickstart their advertising campaigns with maximum return.

As a Google Partner with over 20 years of experience, we can help you make the most of this offer, so let’s look at the new options to boost your business.

The New Ad Credit Options

Google’s latest ad credit offer introduces three tiers designed to suit different levels of investment:

• Option A: £400 in ad credit when you spend £400
• Option B: £800 in ad credit when you spend £1,200
• Option C: £1,200 in ad credit when you spend £2,400

This offer is exclusive to brand-new Google Ads accounts when you make the qualifying spend over a 60-day period and is only available when working with Google Partners like us. 

This new approach offers more flexibility to businesses and allows you to choose a level that best aligns with your marketing budgets and growth goals. It also replaces the previous single-tier structure, under which businesses were only eligible for £400 in ad credit regardless if they spent in excess of £400. Now, with three distinct options, you have the flexibility to choose an investment level that best aligns with your advertising ambitions.

So, What’s The Catch?‍

If you’re a business looking to take advantage of this offer, then you must adhere to the following three conditions:

1. Your account has no other promotions applied.
2. Your account is billed to a country with Google Partners promotional offers.
3. You are an advertiser who is new to Google Ads.

And that’s it. 

As a Google Partner, we have a monthly cap on the number of new accounts eligible for promotional codes, calculated as a percentage of the rolling monthly ad spend through our manager account. However, with our high ad spend, this cap is more than sufficient, so any new enquiries can benefit from the promotion without concern.

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Why Work with a Google Partner like The Digital Stride?‍

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As a Google Partner, The Digital Stride is qualified to set up and manage your Google Ads campaigns and is uniquely positioned to offer this exclusive ad credit. This offer is limited to accounts created under a Google Partner, so businesses that join forces with us can access valuable ad credits that would otherwise be unavailable.

The Google Partner status represents a commitment to quality backed by industry expertise and advanced Google Ads certifications. By working with us, you’ll benefit from a meticulously designed PPC campaign that aligns with Google’s best practices and incorporates advanced strategies tailored specifically to your goals. With our experience and resources, we can launch your campaign efficiently and deliver a higher return on investment.

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Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Start with Google Ads

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With this new ad credit structure, there’s no better time to launch a Google Ads campaign through The Digital Stride. Whether you’re starting up and looking to make a splash in your industry or an established business ready to expand your digital footprint, these offers make Google Ads more accessible than ever.

We understand that digital advertising can feel overwhelming, which is why we’re here to take the stress off your shoulders. As a trusted Google Partner, we manage all aspects of your Google Ads campaign, from account setup and strategy development to ongoing management and optimisation. Our goal is to ensure you see results quickly and get the most out of every ad pound you spend.

I'm struck by how much has changed since I began work at The Digital Stride three months ago. What began as a whirlwind of new terms and concepts has evolved into a journey of practical application and meaningful contribution. This last month has been particularly transformative, pushing me to apply my newfound knowledge in ways I couldn't have imagined at the outset.

Applying Knowledge in Real-World Scenarios

My first month was all about laying the groundwork with Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and Google Analytics 4. The second month saw me delving into the psychology of marketing and honing my skills in display campaigns and keyword research. This final month has been about putting theory into practice, tackling complex tasks that have truly tested my mettle.

Crafting Compelling Ad Extensions

One of the most exciting projects this month was creating ad extensions from scratch for a new product campaign. This task allowed me to apply the principles I learned from our Director’s (Pete’s) concept-focused sessions and the "Paid Traffic Mastery" course. Crafting these extensions required a deep understanding of our client's products and target audience, and the ability to convey value propositions concisely. It was rewarding to see how these extensions could enhance our adverts' visibility and click-through rates.

Continuous Improvement in Ad Copy

Building on last month's efforts, I continued to review and replace existing ad copy. This ongoing process has sharpened my copywriting skills and taught me the importance of continuous optimisation. It's fascinating to see how small changes in wording or structure can significantly impact advert performance. This month, I tackled improving the ad quality score and click-through rate (CTR) for a client. My main approach was enhancing ad content by adding headlines and descriptions with more keyword inclusions. After implementing these changes, we saw a marked increase in both ad quality score and CTR, validating the effectiveness of our strategy.

Troubleshooting and Problem-Solving

Our PPC manager, Amy, noticed a newly added script in one of our accounts wasn't functioning properly and assigned me to resolve the issue. This script, which we use across several accounts, is designed to remove unwanted ad placements from campaigns automatically. I quickly identified the problem and implemented the necessary fixes. The results were immediate and significant. Once corrected, the script began excluding numerous placements daily, greatly improving our campaign efficiency. This experience reinforced the importance of meticulous attention to detail and perseverance in problem-solving. It also underscored the critical role of technical knowledge in PPC management. Successfully troubleshooting this issue not only gave me a sense of achievement but also validated the technical skills I've developed in this field. The incident demonstrated how applying these skills can directly impact campaign performance and client outcomes.

Expanding on Extension Strategies

In addition to creating new extensions, I reviewed existing ones and created additional extensions for our campaigns. Extensions on a campaign are important because they enhance the visibility, engagement, and performance of ads by providing additional information or interactive elements that go beyond the basic ad format. A big part of my work involved crafting sitelinks, structured snippets, and callout extensions for several campaigns. For the sitelinks, I focused on guiding users to specific landing pages, improving their journey by offering direct links to key sections of the website. With structured snippets, I highlighted important product features and service categories, ensuring users could quickly see what the business offers at a glance. Callout extensions were all about emphasising value propositions like special offers or standout features, helping to make the ads more compelling and enticing. These extensions were critical in enhancing ad relevance, boosting click-through rates, and ultimately driving more conversions. This process allowed me to see how different types of extensions work together to provide a comprehensive advert experience for users. Applying my growing knowledge to enhance our clients' advert presence across various platforms was gratifying.

Stepping into Reporting

Towards the end of the month, I assisted in preparing reports for clients, providing insights on running campaigns. This experience gave me a broader perspective on how our work translates into tangible results for clients. It also improved my data visualisation and communication skills, as I learnt to present complex information in a clear, actionable format.

Reflecting on Growth

Looking back on these three months, I'm amazed at how far I've come. From the initial Google Skillshop certifications to now contributing meaningfully to client campaigns, every step has been a learning opportunity. The supportive environment at The Digital Stride, especially the mentorship from Amy, Pete and Simon (our Director), has been instrumental in my rapid growth.

Looking Ahead

As I wrap up this internship, I'm excited about the future of digital marketing and my role in it. I'm keen to continue developing my skills in PPC management, particularly in areas like automation and AI-driven strategies. The foundation I've built here at The Digital Stride has prepared me well for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in this dynamic field.

Final Thoughts

This internship has been more than just a learning experience; it's been a journey of personal and professional growth. The key takeaway from these three months is the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the ever-evolving world of digital marketing. I'm grateful for the opportunity I've had at The Digital Stride and excited to see where this experience will take me in my career.

To future interns and aspiring digital marketers: embrace every challenge, ask questions, and never stop learning. The digital marketing landscape is vast and ever-changing, but with persistence and curiosity, you can thrive in this exciting field.

Finally, I'm delighted to be able to share that I've officially started a full-time contract at The Digital Stride as a Junior PPC Executive! 

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As I wrap up my second month as a Junior Digital Marketer at The Digital Stride, I'm amazed at how much I've learned and grown in such a short time. This month has been filled with valuable experiences, challenging tasks, and further eye-opening insights into the world of digital marketing.

Mentorship and Learning

One of the highlights of this month has been the introduction of weekly sessions with our strategic director and co-owner, Pete. With his master's in psychology and extensive industry experience, Pete has been an invaluable mentor. These sessions have significantly enhanced my understanding of fundamental marketing principles, adding important context to Pay-Per-Click (PPC) marketing. Pete's psychological aspects of marketing have given me a unique perspective on how to craft more effective campaigns.

Furthermore, I completed the "Paid Traffic Mastery" course offered by Digital Marketer. This comprehensive course has equipped me with a solid foundation in paid traffic strategies. I'm excited to share what I've learned with my colleagues through an upcoming presentation, focusing on the key insights I found most valuable.

Enhancing Display Campaigns

One of my main tasks this month was to identify scripts that could enhance our display campaigns. After thorough research, I successfully implemented a script for automatic placement exclusions. The real challenge was adapting this script to align with our campaign goals. This experience taught me the importance of not just finding tools but adapting them to fit specific needs. The benefit of this implementation is more efficient campaigns with reduced wasted spend on irrelevant placements.

Keyword Research

Keyword research has been another crucial area of focus. Our client, a leader in the macerator market, is looking to introduce new products. This task required me to dive deep into the industry, understand the target audience, and identify potential search terms that could drive qualified traffic. This research will be instrumental in ensuring a strong market entry for these new products.

Improving Ad Copy

Continuing from last month's efforts, I've been working on improving our ad copy. By replacing underperforming ads with fresh, more compelling content, we expect an uptick in click-through rates. This ongoing process of testing and refining ad copy has shown me the dynamic nature of digital marketing and the importance of continual optimisation.

New Market Opportunities

A new challenge I've taken on is exploring opportunities for our client in the bathroom market. This involves analysing previous Microsoft Ads campaigns and assessing their potential for translation to Google Ads. It's a complex task that requires careful consideration of platform differences and product-market fit. This project has broadened my understanding of cross-platform marketing strategies and the nuances of different advertising ecosystems.

Challenges and Growth

While this month has been filled with successes, it hasn't been without its challenges. Balancing multiple projects and learning new concepts simultaneously has tested my time management abilities. However, challenges have been invaluable learning experiences, pushing me to grow both professionally and personally.

Reflection and Future Outlook

As I reflect on this month, I'm struck by how much more confident I feel in my role. The hands-on experience I'm gaining at The Digital Stride is proving to be an excellent complement to my theoretical knowledge. I'm learning that digital marketing is as much about creativity and adaptability as it is about technical skills and data analysis.

Looking forward, I'm keen to delve deeper into the psychological aspects of marketing that Pete has introduced. I believe this will give me a unique edge in crafting more effective campaigns.

This internship is not just teaching me about digital marketing; it's showing me the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and the power of mentorship in professional growth. As I move into my third month, I'm more motivated than ever to take on new challenges and contribute to The Digital Stride's success.

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Hello there! I'm Jack, a Junior Digital Marketer at The Digital Stride (TDS) with a focus on Pay-per-click (PPC). My journey began on July 1st 2024 and have had the privilege of working closely with Amy, our Senior PPC Manager, who is guiding me through this exciting journey. I'm documenting my journey at TDS over the coming months, sharing the growth and learning experiences along the way.

From day one, I immersed myself in the world of Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and Google Analytics 4, becoming proficient in these platforms. Through Google Skillshop certifications in Search Ads, AI-powered Shopping Ads, Display Ads, Video Ads, and Google Analytics 4 (GA4), I’ve gained a deeper understanding of creating and optimising campaigns, leveraging data-driven insights, and effectively targeting audiences.

Additionally, I have begun studying the ‘Paid Traffic Mastery’ course from Digital Marketer. My goal for this course is to provide me with advanced techniques for driving traffic and maximising Return on Investment (ROI). This complements the hands-on training I'm receiving from Amy, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application. The combination of structured learning and real-world experience has boosted my confidence and proficiency in managing PPC campaigns.

My primary focus has been on the processes we follow to optimise our campaigns, ensuring top performance for our clients. Despite limited experience at the start, I already have a much deeper understanding of paid traffic and how to execute essential optimisation processes, such as search query reviews, and ad copy reviews. The entire team has been instrumental in my development, and I've gained valuable insights from each member.

My proudest moments this month involved improving our campaigns by adjusting bids, replacing underperforming ad copy, and identifying new keywords to target. Amy welcomed my suggestions and, after discussing the thought processes behind them, agreed to implement many of them. Team collaboration has allowed me to deliver high-quality work and contribute positively to our clients' success - an essential asset at The Digital Stride.

However, challenges were not absent. Once, while analysing conversions year-on-year, I encountered data gaps due to factors beyond our control. This obstacle prompted me to seek guidance from Amy, who steered me toward the next steps to take. The team's assistance during times of challenge has been crucial in helping me along my development path. From this experience, I learned the importance of seeking advice from seasoned professionals who can offer valuable insights and help you find solutions.

As I move forward, I'm excited to be more involved in campaigns and witness the positive impact of my suggestions on our clients' businesses. Making a positive difference is crucial to me, and I'm eager to further develop my skills in paid search and refine my optimisation processes.
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My month at Digital Stride has been both enriching and educational, and filled with significant learning and growth. Collaborating with such a supportive team has been incredibly rewarding. The key takeaway for this month is that, at The Digital Stride, we all work collectively to ensure we achieve the best possible results for our clients.

I'm excited to share more updates as I continue to explore and indulge in the world of digital marketing.