Can you still use custom segments in Google Ads?

Struggling to understand Google Ads custom segments? Are you not seeing them anymore in your audience targeting settings? You're not alone! In Episode 63 of the Inside Google Ads podcast, host Jyll Saskin Gales breaks down the complexities of custom segments in Google Ads.

Just in time for the launch of her new book, "Inside Google Ads: Everything You Need to Know About Audience Targeting" (available on Amazon April 16th, 2025), Jyll gives listeners an exclusive sneak peek into her chapter about Custom Segments. She clarifies what custom segments are, how they work, and the four key inputs you can use. Then, she shares one of her big "aha!" moments about the relationship between content targeting and audience targeting through custom segments.

Next, Jyll answers one listener's question about custom segments in search campaigns and clarifies their compatibility across different campaign types like Display, Demand Gen, Video, and Performance Max. Finally, she answers an agency owner's question about the best way to leverage website URLs for custom segments.

Key topics discussed in this episode:

• Understanding the definition and usage of custom segments in Google Ads.
• Exploring the four inputs for creating custom segments: interests, searches, websites, and apps.
• The relationship between content targeting (topics, placements, keywords) and audience targeting through custom segments.
• Compatibility of custom segments with different Google Ads campaign types (Display, Demand Gen, Search, Video, PMax).
• Clarification on using website URLs when creating website-based custom segments.

Plus, be sure to stay tuned until the end of the episode for a new Insider Challenge to solve!

You can get episode transcripts delivered to your inbox each week by signing up for free at https://free.jyll.ca/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode63 

Buy my book!
Inside Google Ads: Everything you need to know about Audience Targeting hits Amazon on Wednesday, April 16th, 2025. This book is your comprehensive guide to mastering audience targeting and achieving exceptional results. Learn more at https://jyll.ca/book?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode63 

Read more about this topic on Jyll's Google Ads blog
How to Apply a Custom Segment to Your Google Ads Campaign: https://learn.jyll.ca/blog/how-to-apply-a-custom-segment-to-your-google-ads-campaign?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode63 
Where can you use custom segments in Google Ads? https://learn.jyll.ca/blog/where-can-you-use-custom-segments-in-google-ads?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode63 
Google Ads Audience Targeting: A Comprehensive Guide to Reaching Your Ideal Customer: https://learn.jyll.ca/blog/google-ads-audience-targeting-a-comprehensive-guide-to-reaching-your-ideal-customer?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode63 

Find Jyll on social media
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jyllsaskingales
https://www.youtube.com/@the_google_pro
https://www.instagram.com/the_google_pro 
https://www.threads.net/@the_google_pro