How does the Google Ads algorithm actually work?

How does the Google Ads algorithm actually work? In Episode 84 of Inside Google Ads, host Jyll Saskin Gales demystifies the concept of "the algorithm" and explains that it’s not a single entity, but a collection of different AI-powered processes that constantly learn and adapt based on your inputs. Jyll explores three specific algorithms - bidding, keyword, and Performance Max signals - offering practical advice for both beginner and advanced Google Ads practitioners.

Key topics covered in this episode include:
- What the "learning" status in Google Ads campaigns really means and how to speed it up
- The ideal time and data needed for your bidding algorithm to work effectively
- The difference between broad match and exact match keyword algorithms
- Why a "perfect" search terms report isn't realistic with broad match
- The purpose of audience signals and search themes in Performance Max targeting algorithms
- Why you might be killing your own performance when testing AI Max, Demand Gen, or other newer Google Ads features

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

Do you have a question for Jyll? Drop a comment on Spotify, YouTube, or any of her social media posts, and she'll answer it for you in an upcoming episode.

You can get Inside Google Ads 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=episode84
 
Google Ads Coaching
Need some expert help with your Google Ads strategy? Book a call with Jyll! Learn more at https://jyll.ca/pages/google-ads-coach?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode84

Inside Google Ads course
Join more than 400+ Google Ads practitioners in Jyll's Inside Google Ads membership course. You'll find up-to-date Google Ads tutorials, including in-depth lessons about broad match, AI Max and more, and you can ask Jyll your questions at an exclusive live video call every single month. Learn more at https://learn.jyll.ca/iga?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode84

Resources mentioned in this episode
- Inside Google Ads podcast: Episode 39 - Micro-conversions https://jyll.ca/insidegoogleads/39?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode84
- Advanced Audience Targeting in Google Ads with SimilarWeb https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETbr96HojtI

Read more about this topic on Jyll's Google Ads Blog
- The Future of Google Ads: PMax, AI Max and Broad Match https://learn.jyll.ca/blog/ai-max-broad-match-demystifying-google-ads-automation?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode84
- Should you use Broad Match keywords in Google Ads? https://learn.jyll.ca/blog/should-you-use-broad-match-keywords-in-google-ads?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode84
- Should You Run Search and Performance Max Campaigns Together? https://learn.jyll.ca/blog/should-you-run-search-and-performance-max-campaigns-together?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode84

Follow Jyll on social media
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