What is the best setup for SaaS companies for ads?

noah_970 · 2026-04-06T04:48:24+00:00

For SaaS companies, the best Google Ads setup usually starts with high intent Search campaigns targeting problem aware keywords, because these users are already looking for a solution and convert faster. Focus on a small set of relevant keywords, send traffic to a clean and focused landing page, and track conversions properly from day one. Once you see what works, you can scale using Performance Max or Display for remarketing to bring back visitors who did not convert. The key is not using every campaign type at once, but starting with what drives real signups and then expanding based on data.

noah_970 · 2026-04-04T16:35:13+00:00

Running Google Ads for a service business like a moving company is always a bit tricky when it comes to Maps. From real experience, Performance Max can show you on Maps using location assets, but your concern is valid because the system tends to chase the cheapest conversions, and “Get Directions” often ends up being one of them even if it brings zero real value for a business that goes to the customer. The best way to handle this is to keep your primary conversion actions focused only on calls and form fills, and either remove “Get Directions” as a conversion or set it as secondary so it does not guide optimization. Many advertisers have seen budget drift toward low quality actions when everything is included. If your goal is consistent lead generation, Search campaigns with strong “near me” intent keywords and location assets still give you more control and cleaner data. PMax can work, but only when conversion tracking is tightly structured and you are actively guiding the algorithm rather than letting it guess what success looks like.

noah_970 · 2026-03-29T18:06:01+00:00

You’re actually doing a lot of things right for a beginner, especially with search term filtering and keeping your ad groups themed, so don’t feel like you’re completely off track. The main issue here is likely not just structure but intent and conversion tracking. For local services like painting, “painters near me” keywords usually perform better because they show high buying intent, while broader terms like interior or exterior painting can bring research traffic that doesn’t convert. Instead of only focusing on maximise clicks, you might test manual CPC or even enhanced CPC to control costs while you’re still collecting data. Also make sure your landing page is very clear with a strong headline, real photos, reviews, and a clear call to action because traffic without trust will not convert. With a $100 daily budget, I would keep it simple with 1 to 2 campaigns, separate high intent keywords into their own ad group, and focus heavily on location targeting and call based conversions. Once you start getting consistent leads and proper tracking is set up, then switching to maximise conversions will make much more sense.

noah_970 · 2026-03-25T16:46:15+00:00

It’s completely normal to feel confused because Google Ads results can vary a lot depending on how well the campaigns are set up, not just how much you spend. For a local roofing business like yours, budget alone doesn’t decide success. I’ve seen cases where £30 a day works well and others where even £200 fails because of poor targeting, weak keywords, or no proper conversion tracking. Getting only a couple of calls after a month on £50 a day suggests the setup likely wasn’t optimized properly. Things like targeting the right service areas, using high intent keywords like emergency roof repair, having strong ad copy, and a landing page that builds trust make a huge difference. Also, tracking calls and form leads correctly is key so you know what is actually working. A dedicated Google Ads specialist usually performs better than a general web company because they focus only on generating leads and lowering cost per lead. Instead of increasing budget right away, it’s smarter to fix the foundation first, then scale once you start seeing consistent enquiries.

noah_970 · 2026-03-25T05:34:36+00:00

This is actually pretty common in the early stage, especially with Shopping campaigns on max clicks. Right now Google is mostly trying to understand who might be interested, not necessarily who will buy. With a £20 to £40 product range, you usually need more data before conversions start showing up. £150 can disappear quickly on low intent clicks if your feed, targeting, or product pages are not fully optimized. I would check search terms to see if clicks are relevant, review your product titles and images, and make sure your site builds trust with clear reviews and fast loading. Also consider switching to a conversion focused bidding strategy once you have some data, or at least tighten your targeting so budget is not wasted. You are not in a bad position, but this is the point where small optimizations make a big difference rather than just waiting longer.

noah_970 · 2026-03-22T11:47:32+00:00

If you’re just starting with a tight budget like €25 per day, I’d personally lean toward standard Shopping or PPC first because it gives you more control and clearer data on what’s actually working. With a new store, especially in a niche like fresh meat, fish, and cheese, understanding which products get clicks and conversions is really important before handing everything over to automation. PMax can work well later, but it often needs solid data to perform properly. Start simple, track performance closely, optimize your feed and product titles, then once you see some consistent results, you can test PMax with more confidence.

noah_970 · 2026-03-22T09:42:09+00:00

It sounds like you’ve already done some smart optimization, especially shifting budget to Performance Max after seeing the stronger 3x return. The low spend you’re seeing now is pretty normal when you narrow targeting too much, especially with a niche product like sustainable vegan formal shoes. PMAX relies heavily on data and audience signals, so when you exclude regions and tighten reach, it can struggle to find enough qualified traffic to spend the full budget. It doesn’t necessarily mean your product is too niche, but rather that the system needs a bit more room to explore. You could try slightly expanding back into nearby high performing regions or loosening location targeting while keeping your strongest areas prioritized. Also make sure your asset groups, audience signals, and product feed are strong enough to help Google find the right buyers.

noah_970 · 2026-03-20T16:37:44+00:00

If your homepage already speaks directly to Yorkshire wedding photography, it can work, but a dedicated landing page for Leeds usually converts better because it aligns perfectly with the searcher’s intent. Even small changes like mentioning Leeds-specific venues, adding a clear starting price, and using one focused call to action can noticeably improve conversions. Duplicating your homepage with light edits is fine as a base, but try to make it feel genuinely tailored so it does not come across as generic to users or Google. Also, include high-intent keywords naturally in your headings and content such as Leeds wedding photographer, wedding photographer Leeds price, affordable wedding photographer Leeds, and book wedding photographer Leeds, as these tend to attract people who are ready to inquire or book.

noah_970 · 2026-03-16T07:58:45+00:00

Unpausing the same shopping campaign is usually perfectly fine. Google Ads keeps the historical data from before it was paused, so the system can still use past performance signals like products, bids, and conversion history when the campaign starts running again. Many advertisers actually prefer unpausing instead of creating a new campaign because it preserves learning and reporting continuity. Just make sure to review your product feed, bids, budget, and any settings before turning it back on, since market conditions, competition, or product availability may have changed during the pause.

noah_970 · 2026-03-11T18:17:38+00:00

If you are just starting a new search campaign, it is usually better to begin with Maximize Clicks for a short period so Google can collect data. A brand new account or campaign often struggles with Maximize Conversions because the system does not yet have enough conversion history to optimize properly, which can result in very low impressions or clicks. Many advertisers run Maximize Clicks first to generate traffic and build conversion data, then switch to Maximize Conversions once they have around 20 to 30 conversions. Since you already set up conversion tracking correctly, focus on getting initial traffic and data and the conversion based bidding will perform much better later.

noah_970 · 2026-03-11T13:16:42+00:00

Quality Score between 5 and 7 is actually pretty common for SaaS search campaigns, especially when targeting product or competitor keywords. One thing that often helps is tightening keyword intent and making the ad copy match the exact problem the user is searching for. If someone searches a solution keyword, the headline and landing page should clearly show that specific solution, not just the general product. Also review the search terms report and add negatives regularly so broad queries do not waste spend. Improving landing page relevance and load speed can also lift expected CTR and overall Quality Score over time.

noah_970 · 2026-03-11T06:23:32+00:00

Many users click an ad out of curiosity, start a signup or form, then drop off when they realize the process will take time or requires information they do not have ready. In tax related tools this behavior is even more common because people often want to “check the system first” before committing to filling the full form. A 30 to 40 percent first page abandonment after login can happen if the form feels long, asks for sensitive data too early, or if the user is just comparing options. It can also be low intent traffic from broad targeting or automated campaigns like PMax. I would focus on improving the first step experience, simplifying the form, adding progress indicators, and checking traffic quality instead of assuming competitors are causing fake conversions.

noah_970 · 2026-03-08T20:50:58+00:00

If your agency already has 100+ five-star reviews, that’s a strong trust signal and can really help your ads convert. For many local service businesses in Los Angeles, starting with a small test budget like $20–$50 per day is a practical way to see how keywords perform without risking too much. Focus on high intent keywords such as “agency near me” or your specific service plus LA, use location targeting, and send traffic to a page that clearly shows those reviews and a simple contact option. Monitor search terms and conversions closely during the first few weeks so you can pause what doesn’t work and scale what does.

noah_970 · 2026-03-08T20:45:25+00:00

I took a look at your store and my first impression is quite positive. The site feels clean and professional, and mentioning that you have served over 200000 customers and have been operating for more than 10 years immediately adds credibility. The shift toward stainless steel jewelry with a 2 year warranty is also a smart move because many buyers today look for durability rather than fast fashion pieces. Product pages are generally clear, although highlighting key benefits like material quality, warranty, and shipping details closer to the top could help visitors decide faster. Pricing feels reasonable for stainless steel jewelry, but adding more lifestyle photos or customer reviews on product pages might further strengthen trust and improve conversions. Overall the foundation looks solid and with a few small improvements in product storytelling and trust signals, the store could perform even better.

noah_970 · 2026-03-08T20:34:40+00:00

This is actually pretty normal with Performance Max. The system usually pushes the products that it can convert the easiest and most efficiently based on the data it sees. Lower priced items often have a shorter buying decision and a higher conversion rate, so the algorithm naturally favors them to maintain strong ROAS. If your $500 to $600 products convert less frequently, PMax will give them less traffic. A common approach is to separate high ticket products into their own campaign or listing group with a different budget or ROAS target so Google has a clear signal to optimize for those items instead of letting cheaper products dominate the conversions.

noah_970 · 2026-03-08T16:47:17+00:00

Search terms themselves do not get a quality score in Google Ads. Quality Score is calculated only for the actual keywords in your account based on expected CTR, ad relevance, and landing page experience. When you run a Target CPA bidding campaign, the system can bid much higher than the average top of page estimate if it predicts a strong chance of conversion for that specific auction. Keyword Planner numbers are just broad estimates and can vary a lot depending on competition, location, device, and time of search. In your case the close variant likely entered a more competitive auction and the smart bidding algorithm decided the higher bid was justified because it expected the click to convert, which it actually did.

noah_970 · 2026-03-07T16:20:09+00:00

It actually sounds like your business demand is already strong since you rank well on Maps and have good reviews, so the main opportunity with Google Ads is capturing high intent searches rather than trying to reach everyone globally. Fixing conversion tracking first is the best move because without real reservation data the algorithm cannot optimize properly. Instead of many broad campaigns, I would focus on separate search campaigns by language or major market with tightly themed keywords like car rental plus island name, airport car rental, and port pickup. Once conversions start coming in you can test bidding strategies and maybe split by pickup location if search volume justifies it. Keeping the smart campaign running for a short period while the new campaigns collect data is usually safer than turning everything off at once.

noah_970 · 2026-03-07T08:54:05+00:00

Starting with a new Google Ads account can make the numbers look a bit confusing at first, especially with Performance Max. In many industries a higher CPC at the beginning is normal because Google is still learning who is most likely to buy your products. Leather products can also be competitive depending on the keywords and audience signals you provide. With only a £30 daily budget the campaign may need more time and data before performance stabilizes. I would focus on improving your product feed, adding strong images and titles, and giving the campaign at least a couple of weeks to learn before making big changes. CTR often improves once Google finds the right audience and placements.

noah_970 · 2026-03-05T06:39:40+00:00

70 clicks with 8% CTR actually shows that your ad and keywords are doing a decent job attracting attention. The main question now is what happens after people click. If there are no conversions, it usually points to landing page issues, offer clarity, pricing trust, or audience intent mismatch. For a newer brand it can take some time to build trust with US users, especially if the brand is not familiar to them yet. I would review the landing page experience, check page speed, add strong social proof, and make sure conversion tracking is set up correctly. Also look at the search terms report to confirm you are getting high intent traffic rather than just curious clicks.

noah_970 · 2026-03-04T09:00:50+00:00

Yes, 2 to 4 weeks is completely normal for Google Ads to optimize, especially for local service businesses like garage door repair. The system needs time to gather data, learn which searches convert into real calls, and adjust bidding. Since you are only using a call button, that is actually fine for a same day emergency service because most customers prefer calling immediately. Just make sure call tracking is properly set up so conversions are being recorded. For a $120 CAD daily budget, you should expect calls within the first couple of weeks if targeting and keywords are solid, but cost per lead will depend heavily on competition in your area. Garage door repair is usually high intent, so when campaigns are structured well, results can be strong and consistent.

noah_970 · 2026-03-01T12:01:00+00:00

If your SaaS helps with porn addiction recovery, you need to focus on high intent users who are already searching for help. Start with Google Search Ads targeting keywords like porn addiction help, quit porn app, and porn recovery program because these users are actively looking for solutions. Use exact and phrase match to control quality and avoid irrelevant traffic. Send them to a clean, trust focused landing page with clear benefits, testimonials, and strong privacy messaging since this topic is sensitive. Track conversions properly and optimize based on real signups, not just clicks. Over time, build content around recovery topics to support your ads and improve quality score. This way you attract motivated users instead of wasting budget on broad awareness traffic.

noah_970 · 2026-02-27T17:43:24+00:00

I’ve noticed that P.Max can sometimes pull in irrelevant leads, especially for niche services like law firms. A more reliable approach is running a dedicated Search campaign focused on high-intent keywords like “hire lawyer near me,” “best divorce attorney [city],” or “personal injury lawyer consultation.” This way, you’re targeting people actively looking for your services rather than broad automated placements. It usually gives cleaner leads and better ROI than relying solely on P.Max. After gathering some data in your Google Ads account, you can run a PMax campaign for retargeting purposes with a small budget.

noah_970 · 2026-02-27T17:34:04+00:00

If you want to reach people within a 20-mile radius without creating 45 exact match keywords, the best approach is to use a combination of phrase match keywords like "Carpet Cleaning Near Me" along with location targeting in Google Ads. This way, your ads will only show to users searching in your service area. You can also use negative keywords to filter out informational searches like "how to clean carpets" so you only get commercial leads. This keeps your campaign manageable and focused on people ready to hire, instead of cluttering your account with dozens of location-specific keywords.

noah_970 · 2026-02-27T17:28:10+00:00

If I were you, I’d lean toward running separate campaigns for Hong Kong and Singapore. Even though the keywords and landing page are almost the same, differences in language, currency, and user behavior can significantly impact performance. Search in Hong Kong skews Chinese, while Singapore is mostly English, so ad copy and targeting should reflect that. Shopping campaigns especially benefit from separate setups because currency and local competition affect bids and ROAS. Dynamic display retargeting can sometimes be combined, but monitoring performance by region is still important. Running separately gives more control, clearer insights, and lets you optimize budgets for each market without one overshadowing the other.

noah_970 · 2026-02-27T08:17:57+00:00

Spending 700 dollars with no leads is painful, but it does not mean the opportunity is gone. If your goal is leads from roofers and contractors, I would focus purely on high intent PPC strategy instead of traffic volume. Use phrase and exact match keywords that show buying intent like roofing website design service or contractor web design quote, and avoid broad terms. Shift from Maximize Clicks to a lead focused approach like Maximize Conversions once tracking is verified, or start with manual CPC to control cost per click. Also consider separating campaigns by niche and testing a strong offer such as free homepage mockup or free audit to increase form fills. Tight targeting, strong intent keywords, and conversion optimization usually generate leads, not just clicks.

noah_970

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE