I’ve Officially Passed My Google Search Ads and Google Display Ads Certification (Again!)
🎓 I’ve Officially Passed My Google Search Ads and Google Display Ads Certification (Again!)
Staying current in digital marketing isn’t just important — it’s essential.
With Google Ads evolving faster than ever, I recently took the time to complete my Google Search Ads Certification as part of my ongoing commitment to staying at the forefront of paid advertising strategy.
This wasn’t just a tick-box exercise. It was a deliberate decision to refresh my knowledge and deepen my understanding of the latest updates — particularly the AI advancements that are reshaping how Google Ads works today.
Why a Refresher Was So Important
Over the past year, Google has rolled out some major changes.
The way campaigns are built, optimised, and analysed has shifted dramatically thanks to machine learning and automation.
Some of the biggest evolutions include:
Smart Bidding powered by AI, using real-time signals to drive better results.
Broad match + Smart Bidding combinations, now smarter and more precise than ever.
Responsive Search Ads, dynamically adapting to show the most relevant message to every searcher.
And of course, the rise of Performance Max campaigns — unifying data and placements across Google’s ecosystem.
These changes mean the platform we knew even two years ago is not the same platform we’re using today. So this certification was my chance to revisit the fundamentals, explore new capabilities, and make sure my clients benefit from the very latest tools and techniques.
My Takeaway: AI is Enhancing Strategy, Not Replacing It
While automation and AI are doing more of the heavy lifting, strategy and creativity remain key.
It’s still about understanding audiences, crafting compelling messaging, and setting smart objectives — but now, we can combine those human insights with the incredible precision and efficiency that Google’s AI brings.
For me, this balance of human strategy and machine learning is where the real magic happens in advertising.
What This Means for My Clients
For the businesses I work with, this certification means you can trust that your campaigns are built and optimised with the most current, data-driven best practices.
Every click, bid, and keyword is backed by up-to-date knowledge and a clear understanding of how Google’s AI is shaping performance.
Whether you’re already running Google Ads or just exploring how it could work for your business, I’m always happy to chat about what’s changed — and how to make it work in your favour.
Let’s make your ads work smarter, not harder.
Book a discovery call with me HERE.
