Clicks to Customers

Clicks to Customers

By StubGroupBusinessMarketing
Download on the App Store

Clicks to Customers episodes

  • Why Does Google Keep Suspending My Google Merchant Center?

    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 happening

    00:27 The repeated suspension cycle explained
    00:40 Why most suspensions are automated
    01:02 The problem with Google's automated systems
    01:18 What you can’t guarantee about suspensions
    01:28 What you can do to reduce suspensions
    01:46 Fixing website compliance issues
    02:00 Free website audit guide
    02:12 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/

    3 min
  • Fix “Website Needs Improvement” Google Merchant Center Suspension

    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 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 Website Needs Improvement suspension explained

    00:38 The two most common causes
    00:47 Website functionality issues
    01:10 Testing your site like a real customer
    01:26 Common functionality problems
    01:48 Website content issues
    02:17 Placeholder text and missing content
    02:25 Required policy pages
    02:31 Final checklist for fixing the suspension
    02:59 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/

    4 min
  • Fix Your Google Merchant Center Suspension (2026 Step-By-Step Guide)

    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 next
    18:14 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/

    19 min
  • Fix Public Figure Impersonation Suspension (Google Ads Unacceptable Business Practices)

    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 policy
    01:16 AI-generated celebrity content risks
    01:48 When Google incorrectly flags advertisers
    02:04 How to prove legitimate affiliation
    02:54 Documentation to include in your appeal
    03:36 Case Study: Amazon KDP trademark issue
    04:35 Case Study: Public figure flagged incorrectly
    05:18 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/

    6 min
  • Should I Hire a Google Ads Suspension Expert?

    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 easy
    01:03 The reality of vague suspension notices
    01:49 What suspension experts actually bring to the table
    02:30 Pattern recognition and policy experience
    03:07 Comprehensive audits beyond the original violation
    04:07 How experts craft stronger appeals
    04:56 Escalation paths and their limitations
    05:29 How to evaluate suspension experts
    06:03 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/

    8 min
  • Why Google Suspends Luxury Goods Resellers

    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 suspended

    00:45 Red flag #1: Prices that look too low
    01:25 Red flag #2: No authentication process
    02:12 Red flag #3: Unprofessional website design
    02:49 Red flag #4: No reviews or poor reputation
    03:35 What to focus on if you’re suspended
    04:03 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/

    5 min
  • Why Google Suspends Auto Parts Sellers (And How to Fix)

    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 Sellers

    00:32 Red Flag #1: Brand Name & Manufacturer Disclaimers
    01:48 Red Flag #2: Bad Reviews & Reputation Issues
    02:36 Red Flag #3: Unprofessional Website Design
    03:20 Red Flag #4: Missing Warranty Information
    03:51 Red Flag #5: Suspiciously Low Pricing
    04:30 Red Flag #6: Confusing Brand Structures
    05:27 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/

    6 min
  • Your MCC (Google Ads Manager Account) Was Hacked. Do This Immediately

    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 Hacked

    0:31 First Step Fix the Hack Immediately
    1:14 Common Ways MCC Accounts Get Compromised
    2:10 Why Documentation Matters
    2:40 Reporting a Compromised Account to Google
    3:03 Working With Google Reps After a Hack
    4:05 Preventing Future MCC Hacks
    4:23 Common Phishing Attacks Targeting Agencies
    5:21 Fake Google Ads Login Pages Explained
    6:20 Limiting User Access and Account Hygiene
    6:52 Two Factor Authentication Best Practices
    7:42 Shared Logins and Why They Are Dangerous
    8:06 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/

    9 min
  • Fix “Sale of Service” Google Merchant Center Suspensions 2026

    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 Overview

    0:56 What Google Means by Sale of Service
    1:29 Common Examples That Trigger This Suspension
    2:25 Selling Services vs Physical Products
    2:52 How Bundled Services Cause Issues
    3:35 Gray Areas and Why Google Still Flags Accounts
    3:56 Using Separate Websites for Compliance
    4:32 What To Do If You Are Incorrectly Flagged
    5:01 Using Clear Disclaimers on Product Pages
    5:06 Keywords That Can Trigger Service Flags
    5:46 Google Product Categories and Shipping Settings
    6:44 When Google Gets It Wrong
    7:04 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/

    8 min
  • Google Call Ads Are Ending. Here's the Timeline

    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 Away

    0:14 What Are Google Call Ads
    0:31 Call Ads vs Call Assets
    0:49 February 2026 Creation Deadline
    1:05 February 2027 Final Sunset Date
    1:28 What Will Happen to Existing Call Ads
    1:49 Should You Keep Running Call Ads
    2:09 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/

    3 min

About Clicks to Customers

From the publisher's feed

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…