Google Ads for Restricted Industries: 3 Strategies to Win

If you work in a so-called "Sensitive Interest Category" like healthcare, finance, legal, or real estate, you’ve likely stared at that "Eligible (Limited)" status in Google Ads with frustration. Operating in a sensitive interest category means that standard Google Ads tactics like retargeting or basic demographics are often off the table. But "limited" doesn't mean "impossible." In episode 112 of the Inside Google Ads podcast, host Jyll Saskin Gales breaks down why being in a restricted category isn't a dead end, but rather a call to get more strategic with the tools you still have at your disposal.Jyll shares three counterintuitive strategies that help her Google Ads coaching clients thrive despite targeting restrictions. From the vital importance of offline conversion tracking to using creative as your primary targeting filter, this episode is a masterclass in navigating policy-heavy industries.Key topics discussed:The "can’ts" vs. the "cans" of sensitive interest categories.Why offline conversion tracking (OCT) is the non-negotiable foundation for success.Challenging the "privacy-first" pushback from in-house counsel.Strategy 1: When going wider with Broad Match and Demand Gen actually works.Strategy 2: Non-linear targeting - finding your customer before they hit the "intent" phase.Strategy 3: Creative-led targeting - using your ads to attract the right leads and repel the wrong ones.You can get Inside Google Ads episode transcripts delivered to your inbox each week by signing up for free at https://free.jyll.ca/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode112Google Ads CoachingNeed some expert help with your Google Ads strategy or optimizing your campaigns? Book a call with Jyll! Learn more at https://jyll.ca/pages/google-ads-coach?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode112Inside Google Ads courseJoin 400+ marketers like you who are mastering Google Ads with Jyll's Inside Google Ads membership course. You'll get exclusive access to JyllBot, and you can meet top industry experts at an exclusive live video call every single month. Learn more at https://learn.jyll.ca/iga?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode112Read more about this topic on Jyll's Google Ads BlogWhat is Non-Linear Targeting in Google Ads? https://learn.jyll.ca/blog/what-is-non-linear-targeting-in-google-ads?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode1125 Must-Have Tools for Accurate Google Ads Conversion Tracking https://learn.jyll.ca/blog/5-must-have-tools-for-accurate-google-ads-conversion-tracking-in-2024?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode112Navigating Google Ads' Sensitive Interest Categories: A Guide for Advertisers https://learn.jyll.ca/blog/navigating-google-ads-sensitive-interest-categories-a-guide-for-advertisers?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode112Follow Jyll on social mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jyllsaskingaleshttps://www.youtube.com/@the_google_prohttps://www.instagram.com/the_google_prohttps://www.threads.net/@the_google_pro