Clicks to Customers

Clicks to Customers

By StubGroupBusinessMarketing
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Clicks to Customers episodes

  • Are Google Suspensions Permanent?

    Are Google Ads suspensions permanent? 

    The short answer: Sometimes yes, sometimes no.

    StubGroup CEO John Horn explains when Google Ads suspensions truly are permanent.

    And when they can still be overturned, even if Google explicitly says they’re permanent. 

    He breaks down what Google reps can (and can’t) tell you, why “permanent suspension” emails aren’t always the final word, and how some advertisers are still able to get reinstated with the right strategy.

    If your Google Ads account has been suspended and you’ve been told there’s no path forward, this video will help you understand what options may still exist . . . and what mistakes to avoid when submitting appeals.

    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 Are Google Ads suspensions permanent

    00:08 Sometimes yes sometimes no
    00:28 When Google truly means permanent
    00:45 Cases where permanent suspensions were reversed
    01:10 Why Google reps are not the final authority
    01:59 Permanent suspension emails explained
    02:19 Why there may still be a path forward
    02:35 Why strategy matters when appealing
    02:52 Mistakes to avoid with repeated appeals
    03:08 When 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
  • Should You Use AI to Answer Phone Calls?

    AI phone answering tools are becoming more popular, but they're not a one-size-fits-all solution.

    StubGroup CEO John Horn breaks down the real-world pros and cons of using AI to answer inbound phone calls. 

    Based on firsthand experience working with businesses of all sizes, from small local companies to large enterprises, he explains when AI phone answering works well, when it causes problems, and what you should consider before rolling it out.

    You’ll learn:

    -Why businesses are adopting AI for inbound calls

    -Where AI performs well and where it fails
    -How data, training, and call volume affect success
    -The impact on customer experience and reputation
    -Why generational differences matter
    -A framework to decide if AI is right for your business

    AI can unlock massive scalability and cost savings, but it can also frustrate callers and cost you leads if implemented too early or without proper training.

    Get your free marketing consultation from StubGroup: https://stubgroup.com/

    Chapters

    00:00 Should You Use AI to Answer Phone Calls?

    00:28 Why Businesses Are Turning to AI Call Answering
    01:21 Answering Every Call 24/7
    01:38 Cost Savings and Scalability
    01:53 AI for Call Routing vs Traditional Phone Menus
    02:41 Is AI Actually Good at Answering Calls Today?
    03:09 Why Small Businesses Often Struggle with AI
    03:39 Where AI Works Well for Larger Businesses
    04:35 Training, Mistakes, and Lost Opportunities
    05:00 Generational Differences in AI Call Experience
    05:53 How to Decide If AI Is Right for Your Business
    06:25 Reputation and Industry Sensitivity Considerations
    07:00 Final Thoughts on AI Phone Answering


    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
  • How to Fix Google Ads Phishing Unacceptable Business Practices Suspensions

    If your Google Ads account has been suspended for phishing under Google’s Unacceptable Business Practices policy, this video will help you understand why it happens and how to fix it.

    StubGroup CEO John Horn explains what Google actually means by phishing, why legitimate businesses are often flagged incorrectly, and the most common scenarios StubGroup sees when helping advertisers recover from these suspensions.

    You will learn:

    -What Google defines as phishing in Google Ads

    -Why phishing suspensions have increased recently
    -How hacked ad accounts trigger phishing flags
    -How compromised websites can cause phishing suspensions
    -How accidental third party links lead to account suspensions
    -Why franchise and branding overlap can look like impersonation
    -How StubGroup audits and fixes phishing related suspensions

    Phishing suspensions are serious, but they are often fixable when approached correctly with proper audits, documentation, and appeals.

    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-unacceptable-business-practices-suspension/

    Chapters

    0:00 What a Google Ads phishing suspension means

    0:09 StubGroup introduction
    0:16 Why phishing suspensions are increasing
    0:28 What phishing actually means in Google Ads
    0:42 Common phishing attack example explained
    1:14 Daisy chain phishing attacks
    1:33 Why legitimate businesses get flagged
    2:00 Scenario 1 Compromised ad accounts
    2:25 How to fix a hacked Google Ads account
    3:04 Scenario 2 Compromised websites
    3:19 Finding hidden malicious links
    3:43 Scenario 3 Accidental third party links
    4:10 Why Google applies phishing suspensions aggressively
    4:33 Scenario 4 False positives from scanners
    4:54 Removing flagged content or code
    5:27 Scenario 5 Franchise and impersonation issues
    6:08 Fixing branding and authorization problems
    6:51 How StubGroup audits phishing suspensions
    7:16 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
  • Case Study: We Fixed A Google Merchant Center Misrepresentation Suspension

    Misrepresentation is the number one reason Google Merchant Center accounts get suspended. 

    And fixing it is rarely simple.

    Let StubGroup CEO John Horn walk you through how his team fixed a Google Merchant Center suspension caused by misrepresentation and 'website needs improvement' flags. 

    Based on StubGroup’s 2025 suspension research, nearly 90% of Merchant Center suspensions involve misrepresentation, making this one of the most critical policies to understand.

    In this video, you'll learn:

    -Why Google flags Merchant Center accounts for misrepresentation

    -Why legitimate drop shipping businesses often get caught by this policy
    -How StubGroup audits Merchant Center settings for inconsistencies
    -Common website issues that trigger misrepresentation suspensions
    -How navigation, policies, and mobile experience affect compliance
    -The step by step process used to get this Merchant Center reinstated

    If your Merchant Center has been suspended and you are not sure what Google is flagging, this walkthrough will help you understand where to look and what to fix.

    Fix Your Google Merchant Center Misrepresentation Suspension → https://stubgroup.com/how-to-reverse-a-google-merchant-center-misrepresentation-suspension/

    Access our FREE guides here → https://stubgroup.com/stubgroup-google-policy-center/

    Get our free guides to fixing Google suspensions → https://stubgroup.com/stubgroup-google-policy-center/

    Chapters

    0:00 Intro

    0:08 What is video verification?
    0:21 When Google started testing it
    0:47 Where to find the verification notice
    1:10 How to answer the three business-type questions
    2:02 Why accuracy matters in your answers
    2:16 What to include in your video (requirements by type)
    2:54 Continuous video rule explained
    3:13 Pros and cons of this new system
    3:47 Why some videos may still fail
    4:06 What to expect as Google expands this beta
    4:15 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
  • Fix "No physical stores found in countries of sale" Google Merchant Center Suspension

    If you're seeing the “No physical stores found in countries of sale” flag in Google Merchant Center, this video will help you understand why it appears and how to fix it.

    StubGroup CEO John Horn explains what triggers this flag, why some Merchant Center accounts are even suspended because of it, and the EXACT steps StubGroup has used to resolve this issue for clients.

    You will learn:

    -What the “No physical stores found in countries of sale” flag means

    -Why it is usually tied to specific Merchant Center add-ons
    -When free local listings or local inventory ads cause this issue
    -How to fix it if you are not running local inventory campaigns
    -What to check if you are running local inventory ads legitimately
    -When the flag is actually incorrect and how to get it removed

    This issue is uncommon, confusing, and easy to miss, but it can block or suspend your Merchant Center if left unresolved.

    Get our free guides to fixing Google suspensions → https://stubgroup.com/stubgroup-google-policy-center/

    Fix Your Google Merchant Center Misrepresentation Suspension → https://stubgroup.com/google-merchant-center-suspension-3/

    Chapters:

    0:00 What the no physical stores found flag means
    0:16 StubGroup introduction
    0:28 Why this flag has been appearing more often
    0:41 When this issue can cause a suspension
    0:45 Merchant Center add-ons that trigger this flag
    0:56 Free local listings and local inventory ads explained
    1:11 When you should turn these add-ons off
    1:35 How local inventory ads are supposed to work
    1:43 When everything is set up correctly but still flagged
    2:03 Working with Google to remove an incorrect flag
    2:18 When the issue is actually a setup problem
    2:33 Checking your Google Business Profile connection
    2:49 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/

    3 min
  • 6 Steps to Write a Google Ads Appeal That Fixes Suspensions

    There are six critical things to include in a Google Ads appeal to maximize your chances of success.

    You will learn:

    -How to structure an appeal so it is taken seriously

    -What tone to use and what to avoid
    -How to clearly explain what you fixed and how you fixed it
    -When to include links and documentation
    -What not to say if you want your appeal approved

    John also explains common mistakes advertisers make that cause appeals to be rejected immediately, including why asking Google what went wrong does not work.

    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

    0:00 How to write a Google Ads appeal that works

    0:08 StubGroup introduction and experience
    0:29 Overview of the six steps
    0:37 Step 1 Be polite
    1:30 Step 2 Be specific
    2:24 Step 3 Say what you have done
    2:45 Step 4 Say what you will do after reinstatement
    3:22 Step 5 Include links
    3:44 Step 6 Include documentation
    4:28 What not to include in your appeal
    4:32 Do not vent frustration at Google
    4:37 Do not ask Google what the problem is
    5:12 Who actually reviews Google Ads appeals
    5:51 Final 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/

    7 min
  • "I'm so grateful" - Video review for StubGroup

    Jeremy Irons, owner of Irons Design, had his Google Ads account permanently suspended with no warning. 

    Google cited a Circumventing Systems violation, rejected multiple appeals instantly, and provided no clarity on what went wrong.

    For seven months, Jeremy lost his primary source of leads and felt completely stuck. After exhausting every option, he reached out to StubGroup for help.

    In this testimonial, Jeremy shares:

    -What it feels like to lose your main lead source overnight

    -Why Google Ads appeals kept getting rejected
    -Why Circumventing Systems suspensions are so difficult to fix
    -What working with StubGroup was actually like
    -Why he wishes he had contacted StubGroup sooner

    If your Google Ads account has been suspended and you are not getting answers from Google, you are not alone.

    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

    Learn more about Jeremy and his business at:

    https://irons.design/

    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
  • Custom Segments for Display in Personalized Advertising

    Do you advertise in a sensitive vertical?

    Good news: Google just opened up a POWERFUL new targeting option for you. 

    They now allow the use of custom segments in display campaigns governed by the Personalized Advertising policy.

    StubGroup CEO John Horn explains what this update means and how it impacts your ability to reach the right audiences in a compliant way. 

    You'll learn:

    -What Google considers personalized advertising

    -How custom segments work for display and demand gen
    -Why custom segments were previously restricted in sensitive categories
    -What changes on December 12 and who benefits
    -How this expands your targeting options responsibly

    This update gives advertisers in sensitive verticals more flexibility than they've had in years.

    If you'd like expert help optimizing your Google Ads account, get a free evaluation here:

    https://stubgroup.com/free-google-ads-evaluation/

    Chapters:

    0:00 Good news for advertisers in sensitive categories
    0:04 Overview of Google’s personalized advertising rules
    0:20 What counts as personalized advertising
    0:30 What custom segments are and how they work
    0:48 Example of creating a custom segment
    1:03 When custom segments apply in Google Ads
    1:17 Why custom segments were restricted in sensitive verticals
    1:33 Google’s December 12 targeting update
    1:43 What this policy change likely means
    2:02 How advertisers gain new targeting abilities
    2:11 Where to get more help with Google Ads


    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
  • Incentivize Product Reviews? Do THIS Before Google Suspends You

    If you incentivize product reviews and send those reviews to Google Merchant Center, you MUST label them correctly. 

    Or Google might suspend your account.

    StubGroup CEO John Horn explains Google’s November 2025 policy update that affects e-commerce businesses using Google Shopping. 

    You'll learn:

    -When incentivized product reviews are allowed

    -The new is_incentivized_review field and how it works
    -When you must send “true” vs “false” in your review feed
    -How to check whether your store is sending product reviews to Google
    -Why transparency matters for Merchant Center compliance
    -The difference between legitimate incentivized reviews and fake reviews

    Incorrectly labeling reviews can result in disapprovals or a suspended Merchant Center account, so it's important to set this up correctly.

    If you'd like expert help reviewing your Google Ads or Merchant Center setup, get a free evaluation here:

    https://stubgroup.com/free-google-ads-evaluation/

    Chapters: 

    0:00 Why incentivized reviews can cause suspensions

    0:05 StubGroup introduction
    0:27 Overview of Google’s November 2025 review policy
    0:37 Which businesses this update affects
    0:40 What counts as an incentivized review
    0:55 The new is_incentivized_review field explained
    1:19 When you must send this field to Google
    1:36 How to check if your Merchant Center sends product reviews
    1:50 Example of review data in Merchant Center
    1:54 Why Google wants transparency in review feeds
    2:02 Why incentivized reviews are allowed if labeled correctly
    2:14 Risks of failing to disclose incentives
    2:30 Why fake or spam reviews cause suspensions
    2:47 Where to get help with Merchant Center or Google Ads issues

    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
  • Your Phone Number Could Suspend Your Google Ads Account (Unacceptable Phone Number Update)

    Google has updated its Unacceptable Phone Number policy.

    And using the wrong number in your ads could now cause disapprovals or even a full account suspension.

    StubGroup CEO John Horn explains Google’s December 2025 update and what it means for call assets, call only ads, and location assets. 

    You’ll learn:

    -What Google’s new unacceptable phone number policy includes

    -How spam reports and fraudulent history tied to a number can trigger disapprovals
    -Why call tracking numbers are especially risky
    -How to check if your phone numbers are flagged
    -What tools can help you verify whether carriers consider your number spam
    -Why you should also review the numbers listed on your website

    Taking proactive steps now can prevent an unexpected suspension tied to something as simple as the wrong phone number.

    Hire the experts to review your Google Ads setup:

    https://stubgroup.com/free-google-ads-evaluation/

    Chapters

    0:00 Why your phone number can suspend your Google Ads account
    0:05 StubGroup introduction
    0:33 What changed in the unacceptable phone number policy
    1:07 Which phone numbers Google evaluates
    1:19 Why spam reports or fraud history cause disapprovals
    1:39 Why call tracking numbers are at higher risk
    2:02 How to register and validate your own phone numbers
    2:28 Tools to check if carriers flag your number
    2:41 Real example of a flagged call tracking number
    3:03 What to do if a number has a bad history
    3:19 Why website phone numbers may be checked too
    3:45 How to proactively protect your account
    4:06 Where to get help with policy or suspension issues

    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

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…