Why Google Ads Don’t Work for You (And What No One’s Telling You About Performance Max)

Let me guess…

You log into Google Ads.

Click Performance Max because Google makes it sound like a cheat code.

Add a few images, a line that says “We’re the best,” maybe a YouTube link from 2018…

Hit publish. Sit back. Wait for leads.

Then—nothing.

Except maybe one click from a guy in Estonia who accidentally thought your ad was a meme.

So now you’re wondering:

“Does Google Ads just not work for my business?”

“Why does everyone keep saying Performance Max is amazing?”

“Am I doing something wrong?”

Short answer?

Yeah. You probably are.

But don’t worry—we all did at first.

Here’s the Brutal Truth About Performance Max

Performance Max isn’t a starter pack.

It’s not for beginners. It’s not magic.

It’s a beast of a machine that only works when the business behind it is already dialed in.

That means:

• You’ve already got a working funnel

• You’re tracking conversions properly

• Your website doesn’t look like it was built in 2011

• You’re already getting some leads or traffic from Search

If none of that’s true?

Performance Max will just blast your offer to random people like a drunk auctioneer—and you’ll pay for every single bad impression.

Performance Max Is Like a Ferrari With No Brakes

Look, it’s not that Performance Max doesn’t work.

It does. Really well.

But only when:

✅ You’ve trained it with real data

✅ You’ve clearly defined your goals

✅ You’ve proven your offer converts

✅ You’re feeding it enough budget to learn and optimize

It’s not for testing.

It’s for scaling what’s already working.

So if you haven’t even figured out your best keyword yet,

don’t throw a Ferrari on the track and expect it to drive itself.

What To Do Instead (That Actually Works)

1.Start with Search Ads

Manual. Tight. Intent-based.

If someone’s typing “roof repair quote Austin” or “book personal trainer near me”—you show up.

Simple. Measurable. Profitable.

2.Set Up Conversion Tracking

Every call, form, and checkout page needs to be tracked.

If Google doesn’t know what “success” looks like, it’s just guessing. And guessing costs you.

3.Fix the Funnel First

It doesn’t matter how much traffic you drive if your landing page looks like a ransom note.

Make sure your offer is clear, your CTA is strong, and your form doesn’t feel like a job application.

Here’s the Bottom Line

Google Ads work.

Performance Max works.

But only if your business is in the right position to use it.

If you’re not ready, it’s like giving a jetpack to a toddler.

Fun idea. Terrible outcome.

Want Help? We Do This Every Day.

If you’re done guessing and want a real Google Ads strategy that actually works—

with proper setup, tracking, funnel improvements, and yes… Performance Max when it’s time—we’ve got you.

👉 Reach out here https://www.getdmsmarketing.com/freemarketinganalysis.

and let’s take a look at what’s going on.

We’ll tell you straight if it’s fixable—or if it’s time to rebuild the foundation.

No pressure. No nonsense. Just results.