Separates intent
High-intent keywords sit in tight groups, away from broad research terms that waste money.
Look at what they have achieved, how they track it, and who touches your account. Here are the checks that matter, with the real numbers I would hold myself to.


The best Google Ads manager for a service business is one who shows dated account figures from similar work, builds Search campaigns around buyer intent, uses tight negative keyword control, tracks calls and forms as conversions, writes landing pages to match the ads, and personally manages the account. Be cautious of anyone who gives guaranteed positions, hides account access or reports mostly clicks and impressions.
These show up in the account within a few weeks. If a manager cannot explain them, that is your answer.
High-intent keywords sit in tight groups, away from broad research terms that waste money.
A growing negative keyword list based on real search terms, reviewed weekly.
The page answers the search directly. Generic home page traffic is a warning sign.
Calls and forms count as conversions, ideally with a way to mark which ones became customers.
You understand what changed and why, without a glossary.
Use real numbers as a yardstick when someone quotes you results.

One media wall installer: 1,050 Google conversions on £16.2K, £15.46 each, 5.32% conversion rate. A conservatory and garage conversion firm: 1,060 Google conversions at £29.49 with a 7.53% rate. Different jobs, different costs, both tracked.
| Ask | A good answer | A bad sign |
|---|---|---|
| Who will actually run my account? | A named person, with the number of accounts they manage | 'Our team will look after you' |
| Can I see real figures from similar businesses? | Platform screenshots with dates, spend and cost per result | Percentages with no spend, or only testimonials |
| How will you track enquiries? | Calls and forms tracked to the campaign, plus a way to mark good leads | 'We track clicks and impressions' |
| How do you report? | Spend, enquiries and cost per enquiry, in plain English, on a schedule | A monthly PDF of reach and impressions |
| What happens to my ad account if we part? | You own the account and the data | The agency owns the account |
| What do you promise? | Clear process and honest ranges once data exists | Guaranteed leads, sales or ROI before anything has run |
How a specialist differs from the alternatives.
What a manager does and what it costs.
Already running ads and unhappy?
Five stars, from the people it was done for.
★★★★★"It was a pleasure working with Edward on our project. We were new to Google Ads and he walked us through it step by step, with insight that would have taken us a while to figure out. We'll definitely be using Edward again."
★★★★★"Eddy was the man. He answered all my questions and was very knowledgeable."
★★★★★"Excellent service. Would recommend, and will be using again."
No honest ranking exists. The best manager for you shows relevant results, tracks properly and is accountable. Use the six questions on this page on every candidate.
The badge shows an agency meets Google's requirements for spend and certification, not that it will suit you. Judge on results and process.
Fee structures vary: flat, percentage of spend or mixed. I quote after a free consultation.
Sometimes. For most service businesses, Search comes first and Performance Max follows once tracking is solid.
Ask for a review of structure, tracking and search terms. See the help page.
Send a few details about your business and current spend. You will get an honest view of what is realistic and what we would do first, usually within one working day.
We're a fit if you're already generating business, can handle more leads, and have a monthly ad budget of £500+ (£1,000+ recommended). We ask for a 3-month minimum so the work has time to compound.