On episode 324 of PPC Reside The Podcast On the newest episode of PPC Reside: The Podcast, host Anu Adegbola sat down with PPC guide Adrienne Shaver to speak about one thing each marketer experiences however few brazenly admit: messing up.
Adrienne, who helps B2B SaaS and B2B manufacturers develop by way of a mixture of PPC, search engine optimization, and AI-driven methods, didn’t shrink back from sharing a few of her greatest early errors—and the way they grew to become the inspiration for her profession progress.
From Effectivity to Oversight
Adrienne’s story begins on this planet of search engine optimization, the place she managed content material for greater than 80 shoppers directly. Within the rush to get issues achieved, one weblog slipped by way of with the unsuitable consumer’s identify hooked up. “My abdomen dropped so arduous,” she recalled. “I assumed, that’s it, my profession is over.”
As an alternative, her supervisor modeled easy methods to deal with it with professionalism, whereas Adrienne took accountability and shortly put guardrails in place to ensure it didn’t occur once more. That lesson in transparency caught along with her.
Later, whereas transitioning into PPC, Adrienne tried to streamline advert copywriting by making a single doc of ready-made phrases she might adapt throughout shoppers. It appeared good—till her supervisor caught practically equivalent copy written for 2 competing med spa accounts. “We are able to’t try this,” her supervisor reminded her. It was one other powerful however invaluable lesson in balancing effectivity with element.
The Significance of Guardrails
As we speak, Adrienne emphasizes safeguards, second eyes, and course of as non-negotiables. “Errors will occur,” she stated, “however what issues is the programs you set in place to forestall them sooner or later.”
Her greatest recommendation to freelancers and consultants?
- Take accountability instantly. Personal the error somewhat than deflecting blame.
- Present your plan. Purchasers admire figuring out what steps you’ll take to ensure it doesn’t occur once more.
- Ask for assist. Recent eyes from a supervisor or peer can catch what you may miss.
On AI and Trade Shifts
Adrienne additionally shared her perspective on AI in promoting. Too usually, she sees manufacturers deal with instruments like ChatGPT as in the event that they’re flawless search engines like google. “It’s not magic,” she stated. “You want context, prompting, and human oversight. AI must be handled like a coworker—you could practice it.”
She additionally cautioned towards outdated trade practices, noting that handbook CPC bidding remains to be surprisingly widespread in 2025. Reporting, too, usually lags behind. “Impressions and CTR aren’t sufficient,” Adrienne pressured. “Purchasers want perception deeper down the funnel—on leads, conversions, and progress.”
Why Speaking About F-Ups Issues
For Adrienne, sharing errors brazenly is simply as vital as sharing wins. Too many juniors in PPC panic after they make their first mistake, believing they’ve failed. “No success comes with out failures,” she defined. “Fail usually, however be taught from it. That’s the way you develop into a greater marketer.”
When requested what sort of film her PPC profession could be, Adrienne laughed and described it as a “scary comedy”—stuffed with moments the place you wish to yell, “Don’t go within the basement!” but additionally full of humor, classes, and progress.
Closing Ideas
Adrienne’s profession proves that errors don’t outline you—the way you deal with them does. By embracing accountability, constructing sturdy processes, and staying clear with shoppers, she turned her early f-ups right into a supply of belief and credibility.
As Anu closed the dialog, she reminded listeners that PPC is altering sooner than ever. What was greatest follow a couple of years in the past is outdated at present. The secret’s staying adaptable—and remembering that even errors can push you ahead.
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