Introduction
Table of Contents
Google Ads Expert Mode is among the most powerful online marketing platforms, because it helps businesses to reach the target audience and maximize conversions. But, most of the marketers just keep themselves to Smart Mode, and neglect the potential advantages of Google Ads. However, due to the severely limited control over bidding, targeting, and optimization settings that Smart Mode provides, it is not suitable for advertisers who wish to have more control.
The solution? Google Ads Expert Mode.
While Smart Mode enables token advertisers to get started with buying tokens with limited knowledge of all the tools at their disposal, a more in depth and versatile mode; Expert Mode, provides advertiser with a greater degree of control over bidding, targeting and performance tracking. No matter whether you have a Google Ads agency account or if you’re running CPA in Google Ads or even if you’re doing a Google Ads internship, Expert Mode is a must learn to enhance efficiency and boost ROI as much as you can. Plus, if you are gearing for the Google Ads search certification answers, grasping about Expert Mode will give depth to your knowledge.
In this guide, I share 7 transformative benefits of Google Ads Expert Mode and how it can revolutionize your digital marketing strategy.

1. Full Control Over Bidding Strategies
Why Bidding Strategies Matter
The bidding strategy is what decides how much you pay per click and how responsibly you manage to acquire customers. In some cases bidding is done by the advertiser, in other cases bidding is done by Google with minimal advertiser input (Smart Mode). But you can choose between various sophisticated bidding strategies in the Expert Mode which gains you the full control over the balance of cost efficiency and conversion optimization.
Available Bidding Strategies in Expert Mode:
Manual CPC (Cost Per Click) – This leaves you the flexibility to program your own bid values on the keyword level.
Maximizing Conversions – Lends on Google’s machine learning to alter bids in real time and ensure more conversions.
Target CPA (Cost-Per-Acquisition) – Google adjusts bids such that your daily budget will be spent in order to acquire conversions at a specific cost per acquisition.
Target ROAS (Return on Ad spend) – Maximizing revenue based upon selling something of a certain return.
The enhanced CPC (ECPC) – which is based on the notion that manual CPC bids should be adjusted based on the likelihood of conversion.
How It Helps Reduce CPA
The power to choose a bidding strategy best suited to advertiser’s business goals is a crucial feature for advertisers that concentrate on lowers CPA in Google Ads.
Pro Tip:
Begin with Manual CPC to learn the price selection swing and the audience behavior. Once you have sufficient data, switch to Target CPA and use it to automate bidding while being profitable.

2. People rarely understand differences in Keyword Targeting & Match Types for SEO.
Why Keyword Targeting Is Crucial
In Smart Mode, Google will also set your keyword targeting, resulting in ad waste on searches your brand is not relevant for. However, users have a more hands on experience with Expert Mode, allowing advertisers to have complete control over their keyword match types so that ads only display for the right queries.
Expert mode allows using different types of matches:
Broad Match – Your ad is displayed if people type any variation of the keyword, including a synonym, misspellings, acronyms, related terms, and implied meanings (e.g., [Google Ads internship]).
Broad Match – Your ad may show when your keyword as a word or phrase, or its close variants could be searched (e.g., “best Google Ads summer internship”).
Broad Match Modifier – Provides the reach for the broad match while ensuring it keeps to the theme (e.g. +Google +Ads +internship queries must contain all words).
This level of keyword control is an optimal way to target and avoid wasting spend for any business, including Google Ads agency account managers.
Example:
In case you are advertising a Google Ads internship, using [Google Ads internship] will make sure that only the highly relevant searches activate your ads, and won’t yield irrelevant clicks that make your CPA rise.

3. Audience Segmentation for Higher Conversions
Why Audience Segmentation Matters
The demise of Smart Mode is also that it cannot refine audience targeting. This is solved by expert mode which provides options for advanced audience segmentation that significantly increases rates of conversion.
Advanced Audience Targeting in Expert Mode
Show ads to users who have visited your website and did not complete a conversion – remarketing.
Target users through Custom Audiences based on their search behavior and online activity through Custom Audiences.
In Market Audiences – Target users who are currently searching for something in your industry.
Demographics and Location Targeting – Adjust bids based on factors like age, gender, targeted region, targeted area and device.
Because of this level of targeting, advertisers will only spend on high intent audiences resulting with better conversion rates and lower CPA.
Pro Tip:
Remarketing Lists for Search Ads (RLSA) allow you to re-target past website visitors. That, in turn, greatly increases conversion rates and cuts CPA.

4. Granular Ad Placement Control
Why Placement Control Matters
When you run Google AdWords in Smart Mode rather than choosing where your ads appear, your ads may be appearing in low performing locations and therefore not producing what you are willing to pay. Expert Mode enables advertisers to decide exactly where their ads are served.
Ad Placement Options in Expert Mode
Search partner websites such as AOL search and Ask network websites.
Websites, mobile apps and YouTube are how Display Networks work.
Target Specific Videos or Channels – YouTube Placements.
For agencies managing a Google Ads agency account, this is especially useful way to weed out poor performing placements and zero in on the higher converting ones.
Example:
For CPA oriented campaign in Google Ads, exclude that placements where impressions are high but conversion rate is low, just stick to the best performing websites and platforms.

5. Custom Conversion Tracking for Better Performance
Why Conversion Tracking Matters
The most important part of measuring campaign success is conversion tracking. Smart Mode does not offer advanced conversion tracking options, which Expert Mode does.
Features of Expert Mode Conversion Tracking
Measure multiple conversion actions (form fills, purchases, phone calls, etc.).
Assign values to different conversions.
Better accuracy is provided by Google Tag Manager.
Pro Tip:
Use Google Analytics Goals within Google Ads to track more, and know your audience better.

6. Full Access to Ad Extensions
Why Ad Extensions Matter
Google Ads Ad Extensions is improving visibility of ads, increasing CTR and therefore reduce CPC resulting in lower CPA.
Available Ad Extensions in Expert Mode
Sitelink Extensions – Direct users to specific pages.
Callout Extensions are used to highlight key selling points.
Call Extensions– allows to add phone numbers to your ad so that customers can call you directly.
The Showcase app allows you to add Structured Snippet Extensions so that you can display additional details on your product like product category.
Pro Tip:
Employ Sitelink Extensions to push customers towards the highest converting landing pages.

7. By A/B Testing & Experiments, one can earn higher ROI
Why A/B Testing Is Essential
In Expert Mode you can see Drafts & Experiments that give advertisers the opportunity to A/B test campaigns to improve performance.
A/B Testing Options
Try out different ad creatives and find out which one will resonate more with them.
Compare between bidding strategies like Target CPA and Manual CPC.
Try creating different versions of landing page layouts.
Example:
For instance, if you are running a Google Ad Internship ad campaign, test with two different ad headlines to see which leads you to more applications.
Conclusion
Advertisers who want complete control of their campaigns will need Google Ads Expert Mode. Whether you’re trying to lower CPA in Google Ads, work on a Google Ads agency account or prepare for Google Ads search certification answers, Expert Mode is the advanced tool to help you succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I open a Google Ads account directly in Expert Mode, bypassing the Smart Mode setup?
Whenever you create a new Google Ads account, once you’ve entered business details, you’ll be given the choice of creating a campaign goal. Search for a small link at the bottom that will say Switch to Expert Mode, or something similar. Clicking this gives you the ability to skip the guided Smart Mode set up and access all of Expert Mode.
How do I switch to Expert Mode in Google Ads if I’ve already started with Smart Mode?
In case you have already begun with Smart Mode, then you can easily change to the Expert mode from an option called “Tools & Settings” (wrench icon) in the top right corner of your Google Ads interface. To do this on the command line, go to the dropdown menu, select “ Switch to Expert Mode. ” You can confirm the switch and your account will be converted.
What is Google Ads Expert Mode, and why is it preferred by experienced advertisers?
If Smart Mode has not already been started, it’ll be easy to switch to the Expert mode from a tools & settings (wrench icon) tab in the top right part of the Google Ads interface. To do this you will simply go to the dropdown menu, select “ Switch to Expert Mode” from the dropdown menu. ” Confirm the switch and you will not only have your account converted.
What are the key differences between Expert Mode Google Ads and Smart Mode?
Expert Mode allows you to take complete control over your campaign settings, its targeting and bidding, whereas Smart Mode enables you to set it up easier with its automation features. The first kind, Smart Mode, is designed for beginners whereas Expert Mode is for those requiring precise control and advanced optimization.
How do I switch to Expert Mode if I’m having trouble finding the option?
Make sure you are logged into the Google Ads account. Find “Tools & Settings” (wrench) at the top right corner. In that dropdown there should be an option to “Switch to Expert Mode”. If you can’t see it, make sure you’re in a Smart Mode campaign or a simple version of Google Ads.
How do I switch to Expert Mode Google Ads and what benefits does it bring?
In Expert Mode (accessed via the “Tools & Settings” menu in the toolbar), the wizards are switched off, so you can have access to advanced features such as granular targeting for specific keywords, customized bidding goals, and comprehensive performance reports. With this you have more accurate campaign management and better control of the optimization towards certain business goals.