Boring Things I Do in Google Ads (That Actually Get Results)

Most people chase hacks, flashy tools, or AI scripts.

Me? I do the boring stuff.

The kind of stuff no one talks about on LinkedIn.

The kind of stuff that looks invisible in reports until it quietly starts bringing in cheaper leads, better conversions, and clients who don’t churn.


Here are the “boring” things I do in almost every Google Ads account that actually drive results (and why most people skip them).

1. Manually Reviewing Search Terms Every Week

Why it’s boring: Takes time. Feels repetitive.
Why it works: You find gold — long-tail keywords, negative terms, patterns no AI catches.

Create your own “negative keyword bank” from real campaigns.


2. Writing Multiple Ad Variations (Even if Only 1 Wins)

Why it’s boring: You already think your ad is good.
Why it works: Google optimizes toward better performance over time. Small copy changes = big performance changes.

Always test emotion vs. logic in ad copy.


3. Manual Bidding in the First Few Weeks

Why it’s boring: You’re watching CPCs like a hawk.
Why it works: Gives you control. Smart bidding works better after you’ve collected quality data.

Use Max CPC to shape early performance, then switch to Smart Bidding.


4. Creating SKAGs (Single Keyword Ad Groups) for Top Performers

Why it’s boring: Takes time to break them out.
Why it works: Gives you laser targeting and higher relevance scores.

Only do this for keywords driving 80% of conversions.


5. Tracking Phone Calls Like a Creep

Why it’s boring: Call tracking setup isn’t sexy.
Why it works: You hear what customers are asking — this improves ads, landing pages, and offers.

Use dynamic number insertion and listen weekly.


6. Making Landing Page Variants That Look 90% the Same

Why it’s boring: It doesn’t feel like a “big change.”
Why it works: Sometimes one word, one CTA button color, or moving testimonials changes everything.

Track scroll depth + heatmaps to see what people ignore.


7. Tagging EVERYTHING in GA4

Why it’s boring: It feels like dev work.
Why it works: You can attribute real ROI instead of just clicks.

Tag phone clicks, form submissions, scrolls, and external links.


8. Turning Off What Doesn’t Work

Why it’s boring: Ego doesn’t like killing ideas.
Why it works: Budget goes back to what works. It’s that simple.

Review “cost per conversion” weekly and ruthlessly cut underperformers.


Conclusion:

The truth is — the boring stuff is where the money is.

It’s not viral.
It’s not sexy.
But it’s how real accounts scale.

So if you’re wondering why your Google Ads isn’t performing, maybe you’re skipping the boring stuff.

And if you need someone who actually does the boring stuff, you know where to find me.


Need Help with Google Ads? Hire me!

Subscribe to Imran Nadir’s blog with your email (Is it too much too ask?);


Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top