Podcast appearances and mentions of John Horn

Google Ads are one of those things businesses often think are all about budgets and keywords, when in reality, success comes from the systems behind the campaign.In this episode of Uncomplicate It, I sit down with John Horn, CEO of StubGroup, to talk about what actually makes Google Ads profitable and why so many businesses spend money without seeing meaningful results.John shares why great advertising starts long before someone clicks an ad. From landing pages and conversion tracking to AI, compliance, and campaign strategy, he explains how every piece of the customer journey influences performance and why strong foundations always outperform quick fixes.His perspective is simple: don't scale your ad spend until you've built a system that can convert the traffic you're already getting.We cover:• The biggest mistakes businesses make with Google Ads• Why landing pages matter as much as the ads themselves• How AI is changing paid advertising• The importance of accurate tracking and clean data• Why compliance can make or break your ad account• How to reduce wasted ad spend with better strategy• What businesses should look for when hiring a Google Ads agencyTakeaways:• Clicks don't guarantee customers• Strong foundations lead to better results• Data is only valuable when it's interpreted correctly• AI enhances strategy, it doesn't replace it• Better customer journeys create higher conversions• Sustainable growth comes from optimization, not bigger budgetsIf you've ever questioned why your Google Ads aren't delivering the results you expected, or you're looking to build a more profitable marketing strategy, this conversation is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately.Connect with John:

George disappeared from the internet for three years. When he came back, he found an entire Reddit thread:  a community of people genuinely unsure if he was still alive. He had no idea it existed. And that's exactly the point. Your online reputation is working for you or against you right now. Whether you're watching it or not. John Horn is the CEO of StubGroup, a top Google Premier Partner agency that has generated over half a billion dollars in client revenue. In this conversation, he and George break down what online reputation actually is in 2026, how AI has permanently raised the stakes, and the simple actions every business owner can take today to make sure what people find online matches who they actually are. What You'll Learn In This Episode: Why your online reputation is the first thing a prospect sees and why most owners have no idea what it looks like How AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are surfacing old reviews you forgot existed The 80/20 approach to managing your presence without spreading yourself thin Why responding to every review (good and bad) is one of the highest-ROI things you can do The "painting vs. garden" strategy for platforms you no longer actively use How to audit your curb appeal and what to fix first The ethical approach to paid ads that builds trust instead of eroding it Why the buying cycle is never linear and how to control what prospects find at every touchpoint Key Takeaways: ✔️Perception is reality. You can do the best work in the world, but if your online presence doesn't reflect it, prospects will never give you the chance to prove it. ✔️Google your own name, then Google your name plus "reviews." Be surprised. Then fix it. ✔️AI is surfacing reviews from 2014. Negative reviews you forgot about are being cited by ChatGPT and Gemini right now as part of prospect research. ✔️Respond to every review, especially the positive ones. Two minutes per review. Massive signal to prospects that you're human, present, and you care. ✔️Don't delete inactive social profiles, turn them into paintings. Update the bio, pin a redirect post, and let them quietly direct traffic where you actually exist. ✔️You don't have to be everywhere. Pick one platform to anchor your reviews. Monitor where Google surfaces everything else. Show up just enough to demonstrate you're alive. ✔️Ethical marketing means your online presence and your actual client experience are the same thing. Inconsistency is the trap. ✔️The buying journey is not linear. Someone may find your Facebook page at 10pm after a movie. What they see at that moment sets the tone. Timestamps & Highlights: [00:00] — The Reddit thread George didn't know existed and what it taught him about reputation [01:16] — Welcome: half a billion in client revenue and a decade in the trenches [03:47] — What becomes possible when you actually know what your reputation looks like online [05:41] — How to define your online reputation and where to start [08:15] — Curb appeal: the best metaphor for everything we cover in this episode [09:40] — Perception is reality: why the best work in the world doesn't matter if it's not visible [11:25] — The 80/20 review strategy and why Google is still the anchor [13:20] — When the market tells you where to show up (the roofing company on Yelp) [18:00] — Responding to reviews: why it's the most underused reputation tool [22:00] — AI and your old reviews: what ChatGPT is surfacing from 2014 [30:00] — The non-linear buying cycle and controlling your touchpoints [32:07] — The "painting vs. garden" strategy for inactive social profiles [35:49] — The biggest missed opportunity John sees across every client [42:00] — Ethical paid advertising: what it means and why it actually scales better [52:00] — Generative engine optimization: the new frontier of online reputation [58:54] — Where to find John and how to connect [1:00:49] — Tattoo wisdom: don't let AI suck the soul out of your client relationships [1:02:00] — George's closing: one thing, today, not next month Connect with John: John Horn is the CEO of StubGroup, a top Google Premier Partner agency. Over the past decade, he and his team have generated over half a billion dollars in client revenue and taught more than 100,000 students how to navigate paid digital marketing. Website: stubgroup.com   Free Resources: stubgroup.com/free   YouTube: youtube.com/stubgroup   Instagram: instagram.com/stubgroupadvertising   Facebook: facebook.com/StubGroup   LinkedIn: Search John Horn — StubGroup Your Challenge This Week: Go Google your name right now. Then Google your name plus "reviews." Whatever you find, fix one thing today. Questions for John? George is bringing him back for Round 2. Send your questions to georgeb@georgebryant.com or DM George on Instagram. Follow George: @itsgeorgebryant Work with George: The Alliance — Community for entrepreneurs building reputations that compound. 1:1 Coaching — Limited spots. Apply at mindofgeorge.com/coaching-consulting Live Retreats — In-person experiences built around showing up as who you actually are. Follow for dates.

In This Episode Running successful Google Ads is about much more than creating great ads—it requires strategy, compliance, and repeatable systems behind the scenes. In this episode, Adi Klevit interviews John Horn, CEO of StubGroup, about how businesses can maximize their return on investment from paid advertising while avoiding costly Google Ads compliance issues. John explains how Google continuously protects its advertising ecosystem through automated policy enforcement, and why even legitimate businesses can unintentionally trigger account suspensions. Adi and John discuss the importance of building marketing systems before launching campaigns. John shares why businesses should clearly define success metrics, implement accurate tracking, and establish realistic performance expectations before spending their first advertising dollar. Without measurable systems in place, companies often struggle to understand whether their marketing is truly delivering results. The conversation also explores the role of AI in digital advertising. While AI can assist with campaign management, data analysis, and optimization, John explains that it cannot replace the strategic thinking required to understand a company's unique market, competitive advantages, and customer journey. Human expertise remains essential for translating data into profitable business decisions. Perhaps the biggest takeaway is that marketing success depends on consistency. Whether it's managing advertising campaigns, responding to leads, or maintaining Google compliance, documented processes allow businesses to identify bottlenecks, improve performance, and create predictable, scalable growth.  

This week, Jake and Bob conclude their series on confession with Fr. John Horn and explore the root system behind two deadly sins: sloth (acedia) and lust. Through personal examples, they uncover the deeper attitudes, fears, and wounds that drive these struggles and keep us from intimacy with God. They also discuss how self- reliance, discouragement, and isolation can distort our desires and lead us away from the freedom God offers us through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.    Key Points: Virtue grows when our desires are reordered toward God through love rather than fear. Sloth, or acedia, is often misunderstood as just laziness. It can also manifest as overactivity, restlessness, and self-reliance. Discouragement is frequently rooted in the belief that we must transform ourselves without God's help. The remedy for acedia begins with surrendering control and accepting poverty of spirit. Lust reflects a deeper attempt to satisfy desires apart from God. Shame, hopelessness, and a lack of purpose often lie beneath struggles with lust. Confession becomes more fruitful when we bring our underlying attitudes and beliefs rather than only our behaviors. The Sacrament of Reconciliation restores communion with God, ourselves, the Church, and others. Freedom grows as we learn to receive the Father's delight and stop holding our sins and weaknesses against ourselves.   Resources: Institute for Priestly Formation Confession Fourfold  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:26 The Goal is Not the Removal of Sin 10:57 What is Sloth (Acedia)? 18:40 Personal Examples of Acedia 27:19 Emotion is Not A Sin 38:15 What is Lust? 44:14 A Lack of Hope 65:45 Resources   Connect with Restore the Glory:  Instagram: @restoretheglorypodcast  Twitter: @RestoreGloryPod Facebook: Restore the Glory Podcast   Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow in holiness by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks!

Most businesses think Google Ads are the problem.They're not.In this episode of Uncomplicate It, I sit down with John Horn, CEO of Stub Group, to break down why so many businesses spend money on Google Ads without seeing meaningful results. According to John, the issue usually isn't the platform itself—it's everything happening around it.From poor tracking and weak landing pages to missed calls and compliance mistakes, John explains why successful advertising is less about buying clicks and more about building a system that converts.We also get into:• The biggest mistakes businesses make before they ever launch a campaign• Why tracking and data quality matter more than most people realize• How landing pages can make or break your ROI• The hidden compliance risks that can get your Google Ads account suspended• Why Google's "best practices" aren't always best for your business• How AI is changing advertising, search behavior, and campaign optimization• What separates profitable campaigns from wasted ad spendIf you've ever felt like you're throwing money at Google Ads and hoping for the best, this conversation will help you understand where the real opportunities—and pitfalls—actually exist.Episode drops tomorrow.#UncomplicateIt #GoogleAds #DigitalMarketing #PaidAdvertising #LeadGeneration #MarketingStrategy #BusinessGrowth #PPCMarketing #GoogleAdvertising #MarketingInsightsFollow Us:

This week, Jake and Bob are joined by Fr. John Horn, co-founder of the Institute for Priestly Formation, to continue their series on confession. They explore how the sin of pride often hides beneath the surface of our spiritual lives and can even affect the way we approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation itself. Using the parable of the Prodigal Son, they also uncover how fear, shame, and self-reliance can keep us from fully receiving the Father's love. At its core, Confession is an encounter with a Father who rejoices over His children and allowing our hearts to receive this love leads us toward deeper healing and freedom   Key Points: Zephaniah's image of God rejoicing and singing over His people reveals the Father's true posture toward repentant sinners. Many of us approach confession assuming God is disappointed in them rather than delighting in their return. St. Thomas Aquinas teaches that "whatever is received is received according to the mode of the receiver." Which means, the disposition of our hearts is connected with our ability to receive the Father's love. Self-condemnation and self-hatred can be hidden forms of pride rather than genuine humility. Many deeply rooted patterns of sin become so familiar that we mistake them for normal life instead of areas needing healing. The younger son's demand for his inheritance reflects a desire for God's gifts apart from relationship with God Himself. The younger son's return reveals how shame can continue to operate even after repentance begins. The Father's embrace, kiss, robe, ring, and feast demonstrate God's extravagant response to repentance. The older brother reveals a different form of pride expressed through resentment, self-righteousness, and comparison. Resentment often exposes deeper fears, wounds, and unmet desires hidden beneath the surface. Joy can be difficult to receive when we are attached to self-protection, control, or self-judgment. True healing involves uncovering and renouncing the lies that keep us from trusting God's love. The Holy Spirit restores our original beauty by healing the places where we have rejected ourselves and doubted God's love.   Resources: Institute for Priestly Formation Zephaniah 3:14-18   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 03:25 The Father Rejoices Over His Children 13:38 Disposition Changes Everything 22:42 Entering into the Prodigal Son Story 33:02 Shame and the Younger Son 39:14 The Father's Embrace and Mercy 43:33 The Older Brother's Hidden Pride   Connect with Restore the Glory:  Instagram: @restoretheglorypodcast  Twitter: @RestoreGloryPod Facebook: Restore the Glory Podcast   Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow in holiness by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks!

This week, Jake and Bob are joined by Fr. John Horn, co-founder of the Institute for Priestly Formation, to begin a series on the Sacrament of Reconciliation. They discuss the connection between our wounded image of God and sin, revealing how many of our repeated struggles are rooted in lies about our identity in the Father's love. Fr. John also shares how Confession can become more than just listing sins, why we should embrace our interior poverty, and the danger of scrupulosity.    Key Points: Unforgiveness is one of the greatest barriers to restoration. Many people remain trapped after confession because they continue holding unforgiveness toward themselves. God does not despise our wounds; He desires to love us directly within them. Much of habitual sin is driven by deeper lies and false beliefs about God, ourselves, and others. Spiritual poverty is the very place that attracts God's mercy. Confession becomes transformative when we examine not only the outward sin, but the beliefs underneath it. Our image of God is often shaped by early relational wounds and experiences with parents or authority figures. God is not reluctantly forgiving us; He rejoices over us and fights for our healing and freedom.   Resources: Institute for Priestly Formation Episode 131: Forgiveness and Spiritual Renewal w/ Fr. John Horn "....Not enough that the arrow has been extracted from the body, the wound, which it inflicted, must also be healed. So with regard to the soul. Not enough that the sin has been pardoned. The wound which it left must also be healed." (St. John Chrysostom)   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:21 Healing is Found Through Forgiveness 09:10 The Wound Left Behind by Sin 16:01 Why So Many Catholics Avoid Confession 24:29 Sin Begins with Unbelief 33:56 Scrupulosity and Self-Forgiveness 37:40 How Our Image of God Becomes Wounded 58:51 Practical Ways to Prepare for Confession   Connect with Restore the Glory:  Instagram: @restoretheglorypodcast  Twitter: @RestoreGloryPod Facebook: Restore the Glory Podcast   Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow in holiness by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks!

John Horn is the CEO of StubGroup, a digital advertising agency and a premier Google ad agency. Subgroup has helped over 2000 clients, across 15k campaigns, with their paid ads and suspension issues. They have generated over half a billion dollars in revenue for their clients across many different verticals including ecommerce, lead generation, B2B, B2C, local services, and more. Connect with Jon Dwoskin: Twitter: @jdwoskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.dwoskin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejondwoskinexperience/ Website: https://jondwoskin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondwoskin/ Email: jon@jondwoskin.com Get Jon's Book: The Think Big Movement: Grow your business big. Very Big! Connect with John Horn:Website: www.stubgroup.com X: https://twitter.com/stubgroup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stubgroupadvertising/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnjhorn1/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StubGroup/     *E - explicit language may be used in this podcast.

The Data Problem Killing Your Google Ads Results (And How to Fix It) with John Horn>> Get the newest LFG episodes delivered to your inbox when you Sign Up for our Newsletter.>> Get the new book beyondintakebook.comResource Links:Fast track your marketing efforts while avoiding common marketing mistakes in our new trainingEstate planning attorney? Stop guessing how to get results from online ads and grow your firm with our client-generating Seminar 3.0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Mitch Beinhaker interviews digital marketing expert John Horn to explore effective strategies for small businesses navigating the ever-changing digital landscape, with a focus on AI tools, advertising, and online reputation management. Whether you're starting out or scaling up, get practical advice and future insights into how technology is transforming marketing efforts. Key topics: The evolution of digital marketing over the last decade, especially amidst AI advancements How small businesses can identify their best platforms (Google, YouTube, reviews) for local reach Practical strategies for optimizing Google Business Profile and acquiring reviews The role of content, social media, and reviews in organic growth AI tools used for auditing, content creation, and team management How AI's expansion into APIs and web crawling opens new opportunities Managing a remote, global marketing team efficiently Building a flexible marketing strategy based on customer behavior and industry data Future of AI in automation, decision-making, and potential risks Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and podcast purpose 00:27 - The importance of digital marketing for small businesses 01:16 - John Horn's background and entry into digital marketing 01:50 - Industries and diversification benefits 02:41 - Leveraging Google Ads for client acquisition 03:41 - Challenges of industry diversity and learning from various sectors 04:08 - Staying updated with Google policies amidst AI changes 05:13 - Impact of AI on website crawling and policy enforcement 06:12 - Navigating legal and compliance complexities in digital ads 07:18 - Strategies for new businesses to build an online presence 07:48 - The influence of AI on personalized marketing advice 08:41 - Dealing with rapid shifts in AI and digital trends 09:36 - Addressing client frustrations with inconsistent results 10:23 - Focusing on core channels like SEO, reviews, and local search 11:15 - The importance of reputation management through reviews 12:23 - Optimizing Google Business Profile and review responses 13:02 - Using review links in client communications 14:02 - Tools for social media posting and content management 14:55 - Local SEO & Google My Business tips 15:19 - Engaging customers for reviews and responding to feedback 16:45 - Underestimating the power of online reviews 17:03 - Platforms beyond LinkedIn and Facebook, including TikTok and YouTube 17:48 - The value of YouTube for SEO and brand awareness 18:20 - How local plumbers can utilize YouTube content 19:12 - Why DIY videos can attract leads without giving away too much 19:55 - Giving away free information to generate clients 20:21 - AI tools' role in automating routine tasks and insights 21:15 - The balance of niching vs. broad service offerings 22:30 - Advances in AI like Claude and Perplexity models 22:57 - The rising capabilities of AI agents connecting to APIs and crawling websites 24:32 - Prompt engineering and data feeding for AI outputs 25:28 - How AI reduces research time and enhances team productivity 26:47 - AI's role in analyzing sales calls and team coaching 28:12 - The ongoing AI “wars” among major players 29:17 - The dangers of over-relying on AI and potential data loss scenarios 30:48 - Understanding how AI models process language as data, not words 31:28 - Strategies for small business owners to build effective marketing plans 32:12 - Starting points: Customer research, industry behavior, and online presence 33:12 - Using data like lifetime value to guide budget decisions 34:09 - Setting realistic expectations for digital marketing outcomes 34:53 - The importance of client-provided content and industry expertise 35:39 - The future focus of John's agency in AI and automation 36:35 - Structuring a remote marketing agency and team management 37:03 - Dealing with global remote workers and legal considerations 40:31 - Resources to learn more: stubgroup.com and YouTube channel 41:25 - Conclusion and ways to connect with John Resources & Links: Stub Group YouTube Channel on Digital Marketing Google Business Profile Claude AI by Anthropic Perplexity AI Connect with John Horn: LinkedIn Twitter

John Horn, Economics Professor, Olin Business School at Washington University joins Megan Lynch to discuss the latest economic news.

For this episode, let's revisit a Strategy Skills classic featuring an interview with the author of Inside the Competitor's Mindset, John Horn, where he shares proven techniques to help businesses think like the competition and understand why they act the way they do. Inside the Competitor's Mindset presents a systematic approach to competitive intelligence that starts with three frameworks to get inside the competitor's mindset, predict their reactions to your moves, and assess whether the competition is getting ready for a spontaneous move of their own.  John Horn is a professor of practice in economics at the Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis. He teaches MBA students microeconomics, macroeconomics, and global business. John was a Senior Expert in the Strategy Practice of McKinsey & Company for 9 years, working with clients on competitive strategy, war gaming workshops, and corporate and business unit strategy across a variety of industries and geographies. He helped over 100 clients with war game workshops and developed a set of simulation exercises to help companies understand the challenges of reallocating resources. He continues to consult through his LLC: Gateway Competitive Insights. John has published nine papers in the McKinsey Quarterly and three in the Harvard Business Review, mostly on the application of behavioral economics and competitive insight to business strategy. John has a PhD in economics from Harvard University, where he also received a Masters degree in economics. Get John's book here: https://tinyurl.com/4dbv29ju Inside the Competitor's Mindset: How to Predict Their Next Move and Position Yourself for Success   Claim your free gift: Free gift #1 McKinsey & BCG winning resume www.FIRMSconsulting.com/resumePDF Free gift #2 Breakthrough Decisions Guide with 25 AI Prompts www.FIRMSconsulting.com/decisions Free gift #3 Five Reasons Why People Ignore Somebody www.FIRMSconsulting.com/owntheroom Free gift #4 Access episode 1 from Build a Consulting Firm, Level 1 www.FIRMSconsulting.com/build Free gift #5 The Overall Approach used in well-managed strategy studies www.FIRMSconsulting.com/OverallApproach Free gift #6 Get a copy of Nine Leaders in Action, a book we co-authored with some of our clients: www.FIRMSconsulting.com/gift

Google Ads can disappear overnight, and for millions of businesses, it has. In this episode, John Horn of Stub Group breaks down the growing cybersecurity risks behind Google Ads account suspensions and why 39 million accounts were shut down in 2024.We explore Google's automated, all‑or‑nothing enforcement model, how website vulnerabilities, phishing attacks, and account takeovers trigger suspensions, and why recovery is often harder than prevention. The conversation also dives into the impact of AI on search behavior and SEO, the rise of click fraud, and why Google still dominates search advertising despite the emergence of AI platforms.If you advertise online or manage digital infrastructure, this episode offers practical guidance on securing ad accounts, preparing websites for advertising, and avoiding costly mistakes that can shut down growth overnight.

John Horn is an Economics Professor at the Olin School of Business at Wash U. He and Megan Lynch discuss the reaction to the Trump tariffs by the Supreme Court last week. He uses the word 'chaos' in describing what may come now following the ruling as business play a wait and see game.

John Horn is the CEO of StubGroup, a digital marketing agency and Google Premier Partner. StubGroup has generated over half a billion dollars in revenue for over 2,000 clients spanning many verticals, including ecommerce, lead generation, B2B, B2C, local services, SAAS, and more. John has taught marketing to over 100,000 students via online courses. The videos he creates through StubGroup's YouTube channel have received millions of views and have helped make StubGroup the #1 resource for fixing Google Ads suspensions.Connect with John here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnjhorn1/https://www.facebook.com/StubGroup/https://www.instagram.com/stubgroupadvertising/https://stubgroup.com

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Have you ever wondered why some brands seem to crack the code with paid ads while others burn through budget with nothing to show for it?  If you've ever dabbled in Google Ads—or avoided them out of fear of expensive mistakes—this conversation will open your eyes to what's possible when strategy and execution align.  John Horn, CEO of StubGroup, has helped hundreds of companies transform underperforming campaigns into profitable acquisition machines.  His team is ranked in the top 1% of Google Partners worldwide for performance and customer care—and their reputation is built on both deep technical expertise and a refreshingly human, boutique approach. John lives and breathes PPC, but what sets him apart is his ability to translate complexity into clarity. In this episode, John breaks down how to build smarter ad systems, navigate AI-driven changes, and use data to make confident marketing decisions—so you can scale sustainably. Building Effective Google Ads Campaigns Starts with Strategy Before a single ad runs, John emphasizes one crucial question: What does success look like? So many brands jump straight into campaign creation without defining the exact action they want a user to take.  Whether it's booking a call, filling out a form, or placing an order, the call to action must be clear, trackable, and front-and-center on the landing page. From there, it all comes down to relevance. Google search is built on demand, not interruption. That means your job is to align with the terms people are already searching for—balancing high-intent keywords with lower-cost, broader queries that reveal early interest.  And once ads are running, tracking becomes your lifeline: real data allows advertisers to cut waste, double down on what's working, and eventually leverage Google's AI-powered bidding strategies for even greater efficiency. How AI and New Algorithms Are Changing the Future of Advertising AI is dramatically reshaping how users search and how brands need to show up. Google's AI Overviews now dominate search results, and platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity are becoming discovery engines in their own right. For marketers, this means optimizing not only for Google but also for GEO: Generative Engine Optimization. John reveals a surprising insight: AI models pull heavily from third-party sources like Reddit, YouTube, Quora, and listicle-style articles. That means service providers and brands must think beyond traditional SEO and start contributing valuable content across these ecosystems. As John puts it, "AI is an incredible tool, but it's not a critical thinker." Without strong human guidance, automated systems can quickly misinterpret signals and overspend in the wrong places. Enjoy this episode with John Horn… Soundbytes 07:13 – 07:21 "Advertising is not a magic bullet. We're not going to just launch a campaign and suddenly you're printing money and life is amazing." 23:00 – 23:10 "Businesses are having to definitely think through, how do I make sure my business is coming up as a solution in those other platforms when people search there as opposed to Google." 30:41 –31:06 "So what would you suggest to service providers specifically to start ranking in the AI platforms?" "Start engaging on Reddit. When I say engaging, answering questions, commenting on posts, creating your own posts. And you have to be—you can't be too salesy. You have to bring legitimate value because people are very allergic on Reddit to too much of the salesy approach and things can go south quickly." Quotes "Advertising is not a magic bullet. There's risk involved, and every business is different." "You have to define what success looks like and the action you want people to take before you ever launch a campaign." "AI is a fantastic tool, but it's not a critical thinker. You have to pair it with human judgment." "You can't rely on AI to make all the right decisions. If you give it bad direction, it will spend a lot of your money very quickly." Links mentioned in this episode: From Our Guest Website: https://stubgroup.com/ LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnjhorn1/  Connect with brandiD Find out how top leaders are increasing their authority, impact, and income online. Listen to our private podcast, The Professional Presence Podcast: https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/

Google Ads isn't dead… But it's definitely changed. Neil sits down with John Horn, CEO of StubGroup, to unpack how the world's biggest ad platform is adapting to AI, stricter policies, and changing consumer behavior.They cover everything from rising ad costs to Google account suspensions, Performance Max campaigns, and what actually works for eCommerce and lead-gen brands in 2025. Whether you're running ads yourself or managing a team, this episode gives you a no-fluff roadmap for staying profitable on one of the most competitive platforms in marketing. In This Episode, We Cover:✅ Why Google Ads still outperforms other ad channels in 2025✅ How AI tools are reshaping ad targeting, automation, and results✅ The #1 mistake advertisers make when tracking conversions✅ Why low-ticket products rarely succeed without strong lifetime value✅ How to recover (and prevent) Google Ads account suspensions✅ The future of ads inside AI search tools like ChatGPT and Gemini✅ What budget do you actually need to start seeing results? 

S5:E26 In this punchy, practical episode of Small Biz Stories with Dr. LL, John Horn, CEO of StubGroup (a Google Premier Partner - note that very, very few companies have this distinction and honor!!), breaks down how small businesses can turn Google Ads into reliable profit instead of a money pit. From the Search Terms Report to negative keywords, smart budget math, and review mechanics, John gives you a field guide you can use today. KEY TIMESTAMPS [06:03–07:34] Cut wasted spend fast: Use the Search Terms Report and add negative keywords (e.g., “Dollar Tree” for a tree service) to block irrelevant clicks. [08:20–10:26] Budget reality check: Why ~$2K/mo is a sensible baseline (context matters by CPC), and why you must allow time to learn, iterate, and improve. [19:51–22:20] Prep before ads: Dial in your Google Business Profile, reviews, and get familiar with LLM-driven search (ChatGPT/Perplexity) to stay findable beyond Google. [23:33–25:28] Website that sells: Treat your site as your 24/7 reputation with proof, offers, awards, reviews, working links, and helpful content that establishes expertise. [26:46–28:43] Reviews that move the needle: Ask every time, make it frictionless (texted link/QR), and try incentives tied to the rep who served the customer. One-liners you'll take away: • “Google makes it easy to spend money and hard to make it back.” • “PPC works when you measure, prune, and iterate.” • “Your website and reviews are the runway and ads are the takeoff.” ⭐Why listen now: StubGroup sits in the top 1% of Google partners, with 3M+ leads and $400M+ in revenue generated. John turns “complex” into checklist. ❇️ Make sure you SUBSCRIBE to YouTube  ⁨@Midlifesuccess⁩  for more great content like this! #googleads #smallbusiness #leadgeneration #digitalmarketing #entrepreneurship #advertising      

S5:E26 In this punchy, practical episode of Small Biz Stories with Dr. LL, John Horn, CEO of StubGroup (a Google Premier Partner - note that very, very few companies have this distinction and honor!!), breaks down how small businesses can turn Google Ads into reliable profit instead of a money pit. From the Search Terms Report to negative keywords, smart budget math, and review mechanics, John gives you a field guide you can use today. KEY TIMESTAMPS [06:03–07:34] Cut wasted spend fast: Use the Search Terms Report and add negative keywords (e.g., “Dollar Tree” for a tree service) to block irrelevant clicks. [08:20–10:26] Budget reality check: Why ~$2K/mo is a sensible baseline (context matters by CPC), and why you must allow time to learn, iterate, and improve. [19:51–22:20] Prep before ads: Dial in your Google Business Profile, reviews, and get familiar with LLM-driven search (ChatGPT/Perplexity) to stay findable beyond Google. [23:33–25:28] Website that sells: Treat your site as your 24/7 reputation with proof, offers, awards, reviews, working links, and helpful content that establishes expertise. [26:46–28:43] Reviews that move the needle: Ask every time, make it frictionless (texted link/QR), and try incentives tied to the rep who served the customer. One-liners you'll take away: • “Google makes it easy to spend money and hard to make it back.” • “PPC works when you measure, prune, and iterate.” • “Your website and reviews are the runway and ads are the takeoff.” ⭐Why listen now: StubGroup sits in the top 1% of Google partners, with 3M+ leads and $400M+ in revenue generated. John turns “complex” into checklist. ❇️ Make sure you SUBSCRIBE to YouTube  ⁨@Midlifesuccess⁩  for more great content like this! #googleads #smallbusiness #leadgeneration #digitalmarketing #entrepreneurship #advertising      

John Horn, Professor of Practice in Economics, Olin Business, Washington University St. Louis joins Megan Lynch to discuss the economic impact of the government shutdown.

Tennis analyst John Horn on Felix Auger Aliassime's run at the US Open and what has held Felix back and Leylah Fernandez pairing up with Venus Williams.

Tennis analyst John Horn on Canadians back in the spotlight at the US Open and Redblacks and Alouettes not part of CFL Labour Day weekend

Visit thedigitalslicepodcast.com for complete show notes of every podcast episode. Join Brad Friedman and John Horn as they chat about digital advertising and how to achieve real ROI while ensuring sustainable growth. John Horn is the CEO of StubGroup, where he helps small business owners and marketing teams struggling with paid ads to achieve real ROI. John combines expert ad management with a personalized, boutique approach that fosters close client relationships and ensures sustainable growth without the risk of unexpected setbacks like ad disapprovals or suspensions. John's journey began at 19, working in a warehouse while nurturing a passion for marketing. In 2012, he joined his brother to build StubGroup from the ground up, despite having little experience. The turning point came when John realized businesses needed more than just a PPC expert—they needed a partner to navigate the complexities of scaling. The Digital Slice Podcast is brought to you by Magai. Up your AI game at https://friedmansocialmedia.com/magai

Wash U, Olin School of Business Professor of Practice in Economics, John Horn joins Megan Lynch. Will the Federal Reserve cut interest rates after recent speech in Jackson Hole? Photographer: Al Drago/Pool/Sipa USA

John Horn, professor of economics at Washington University's Olin Business School and former McKinsey strategist, shares a disciplined framework for understanding competitive behavior by applying game theory and structured simulations. In this episode, he explains how companies can elevate competitor analysis from basic intelligence gathering to actionable strategic insight.   Horn begins by debunking the common misconception that many competitors behave irrationally. As he puts it: “Every single time a client said the competitor is irrational, I could ask them... two, three questions which would explain... why the company was being rational in what they were doing.”   He outlines a four-step framework leaders can use to model likely competitive behavior: Observe what competitors say and do, including press releases, earnings calls, and other public data. Assess their assets, resources, and capabilities, and imagine what you'd do in their position. Identify the decision-maker and their background to infer how they think: “If you grew up as a marketer and you became a CEO, you're going to look at the world from a marketing perspective.” Make a short-term prediction, write it down, and revisit it: “It becomes a virtuous cycle of getting a better insight into how that competitor thinks.”   Horn emphasizes that many firms fall short because they stop at step one or lack mechanisms to feed deeper insights into decision-making. He also stresses the role of empathy—not sympathy—in strategy: “I do have to empathize, understand why they're making the choices they make.”   War gaming, in Horn's view, is a powerful simulation tool, not theater. “It's a chance to practice business choices in a risk-free way... and just a much more realistic discussion.”   For entrepreneurs or under-resourced teams, Horn offers a lighter-weight version called "War Gaming Lite," which enables rapid, structured thinking about competitive responses using only internal knowledge and role-playing.   He also discusses how human biases, short-term incentives, and lack of time make both your firm and your rivals more predictable than you might think: “People really are predictable... It's not rocket science—it's about being disciplined.”   Whether you're a startup founder or a Fortune 500 executive, this episode offers practical steps to improve your strategic foresight and competitive positioning, grounded in empathy, behavioral realism, and iterative prediction.   Get John's book here: https://shorturl.at/6DOyh Inside the Competitor's Mindset: How to Predict Their Next Move and Position Yourself for Success.   Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach   McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf   Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo  

Ever wondered when is the right time to invest in paid advertising - or if it even makes sense for your business?  And with AI shaking up search engines, is it getting harder to stand out? In this episode of Sales Is Not a Dirty Word, I sit down with John Horn, CEO of StubGroup, a marketing agency specializing in paid ads.  John shares the smartest ways to use paid advertising, how to test your offers before scaling, and what AI's takeover of search means for businesses. We break down when and how to run paid ads effectively, what budget you really need, and whether AI-generated search results will impact ad costs.  Plus, we dive into the future of digital marketing, including why authenticity is more important than ever in a world flooded with automation. In this episode, you'll learn: When to start running paid ads and how to test offers effectively. The right benchmarks and runway for paid ad spend to work. How AI-generated search results are changing the game for organic AND paid search. How businesses can still stand out by focusing on real human connection through their ads.

Tennis reporter John Horn on the extended ATP 1000 events, stars pulling out of the Canadian Open, big names choosing to play Cincinnati over Canada and Eugenie Bouchard and Vasek Pospisil retiring.

Tennis reporter John Horn on changes to the ATP tour events and the CFL playing games on Thursday and Sunday nights.

StubGroup is a Premier Google Partner, ranked by Google in the top 1% of all Google Partners worldwide for performance and customer care. I invest my time and energy into equipping our team to provide best-in-class service to our clients. https://stubgroup.com/ We managing marketing for a wide variety of companies, from publicly-traded companies to small local businesses. We're able to see what's working across a variety of verticals (ecommerce, lead gen, B2B, B2C, local services, etc.) and customize our strategy to each client and their unique strengths. Team Building: I'm always on the lookout for stellar talent that will complement our team and strengthen our ability to serve our clients. Speaking: I've taught digital advertising classes to more than 100,000 students, and make frequent appearances on podcasts in the marketing and business space. Writing: I'm a published author and write about marketing for sites including Call Tracking Metrics, DataFeedWatch, Shopper Approved, Swydo, etc. I live and breathe PPC, and I could talk with you for hours about campaign types, bidding strategies, keyword structure, and so on, but what really excites me is figuring out how to use those technical abilities strategically for each client's unique scenario. That's especially true as Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Amazon, and the rest of the PPC channels automate more and more of the work that specialists, agencies, and in-house teams have traditionally done manually. Smart advertisers who understand when to trust automation and the best way to use automation to accomplish their unique goals are the advertisers who are going to win.

Thinking about trying Google Ads to get your product in front of more customers—but not sure where to start, how much it'll cost, or if it's even worth it?This week, I sits down with digital marketing expert John Horn, Managing Partner of StubGroup, to give you a clear, honest, and practical look at Google Ads for product-based businesses.Whether you've never run an ad before, or you've dabbled but felt a bit lost, this is a must-listen.USEFUL RESOURCESStubGroup WebsitedrpboLET'S CONNECTJoin my free Facebook group for product makers and creatorsFollow me on YouTubeFind me on InstagramWork with me Buy My Book: Bring Your Product Idea To LifeIf you enjoy this podcast, and you'd like to leave a tip, you can do so here: https://bring-your-product-idea.captivate.fm/support Amazon Made Easy – Join AnytimeAmazon Made Easy is now open for enrolment – and the best part? You can join at any time. Whether you're just starting out or ready to scale your Amazon business, you'll get instant access to expert guidance, practical resources, and ongoing support to help you grow with confidence.https://vickiweinberg.com/membership/Mentioned in this episode:Amazon Made Easy is openI've got great news – my Amazon Made Easy membership is now open! No more waiting – you can join anytime and get the guidance, resources, and support you need to grow your Amazon business. Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale, you'll have access to expert advice, a supportive community, and ongoing help whenever you need it. Ready to make selling on Amazon easier? Head to vickiweinberg.com/membership to join today! membershipSupport this podcast for the price of a coffeeif you loved this episode please consider sending me a one-off tip. It helps me to keep bringing this podcast to you, for free. If you'd like to support this podcast, you can do so here: https://bring-your-product-idea.captivate.fm/support

This week, Jake and Bob are joined by Fr. John Horn, co-founder of the Institute for Priestly Formation (IPF). Fr. Horn shares details behind how IPF was founded, the significance of St. Ignatius' spiritual exercises in priestly formation, and the beauty of how formation has evolved within the Church. They also discuss the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the importance of addressing the roots of sin, and the heart-level transformation that occurs when we bring our fears to the Lord.    Key Points: The Institute for Priesthood Formation was founded to address the need for spiritual formation Confession can become more than just a repetitive listing of sins It is important to examine our hearts before we go to Confession Finding the roots of our sin and bringing them to God in Confession can lead us to greater intimacy with Him Confession can unlock our true selves and thus transform communities   Resources: The #1 resource is attending an annual silent directed retreat Institute for Priestly Formation Website Amoris Christi Institute  Amoris Christi Institute - Trifold on Confession (downloadable PDF) Healing the Whole Person Virtual Retreat (August 4-8th, 2025)   Connect with Restore the Glory:  Instagram: @restoretheglorypodcast  Twitter: @RestoreGloryPod Facebook: Restore the Glory Podcast   Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow in holiness by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks!

Send us a textUnlock Proven Strategies for a Lucrative Business Exit—Subscribe to The Deep Wealth Podcast TodayHave Questions About Growing Profits And Maximizing Your Business Exit? Submit Them Here, and We'll Answer Them on the Podcast!“What challenges you today makes you strong and better tomorrow.” -John HornExclusive Insights from This Week's EpisodesIn this explosive episode, digital advertising expert John Horn reveals the hidden flaws tanking most campaigns and what to do instead. As the CEO of Stub Group and a top-tier Google Ads partner, John pulls back the curtain on paid media and shows you why even smart entrepreneurs are wasting money without realizing it.00:02:00 — John's origin story and the founding of Stub Group00:05:00 — Why most businesses struggle with paid digital ads00:09:00 — Why Google isn't going away—but how it's changing fast00:11:15 — How to reverse-engineer AI search results to dominate00:13:00 — The danger of chasing buzzwords like "AI" without strategy00:18:30 — Raw, authentic video vs. high-end production—what converts00:27:00 — What to look for in a digital agency (and red flags to run from)00:30:15 — The truth about ad KPIs—and the only metrics that really matter00:35:00 — The hidden risk of building your business on a rented platform3Click here for full show notes, transcript, and resources:https://podcast.deepwealth.com/446Essential Resources to Maximize Your Business ExitLearn More About Deep Wealth MasteryFREE Deep Wealth eBook on Why You Suck At Selling Your Business And What You Can Do AUnlock Your Lucrative Exit and Secure Your Legacy

Welcome to another episode of The Proven Entrepreneur Show, where we dive deep into the stories behind today's most successful business leaders. In this episode, host Don Williams sits down with John Horn, the CEO of Stub Group — a digital marketing agency that has helped over 2,000 businesses grow through smart, ROI-driven advertising.John's journey is anything but ordinary. From working in a warehouse at age 10 to becoming the first employee at his brother's startup, John has played a pivotal role in scaling Stub Group into a powerhouse agency managing hundreds of millions in ad spend. His story is one of grit, strategy, and relentless focus on results.In this episode, you'll hear:How Stub Group grew from a bootstrapped startup to a 30-person teamThe biggest mistake brands make with paid ads — and how to avoid itWhat it means to land in “Google Ad Jail” and how John's team helps clients get outWhy hiring the right people early is critical to long-term successHow diversification helped Stub Group survive the COVID-19 crashA behind-the-scenes look at ad campaigns so effective, they were shut down by platformsJohn also shares his thoughts on the future of digital marketing, the importance of tracking ROI, and why best practices from platforms like Google and Meta aren't always in your best interest.Whether you're an entrepreneur, marketer, or business owner looking to scale, this episode is packed with actionable insights and hard-earned wisdom.Key Entities Mentioned in this episode:John Horn (Guest):  CEO of Stub GroupDon Williams: HostStub Group: Advertising AgencyThe Proven Entrepreneur Show: Podcast Channel

Let's talk Google Ads—specifically for local businesses and storefronts that are wondering if paid traffic is worth the investment (or just a money pit). I'm joined by John Horn, CEO of Stub Group, who's the go-to guy when entrepreneurs are tired of guessing whether their ad dollars are doing anything.John's run more than 15,000 ad campaigns and helped generate over $400 million in client revenue, so when he says, “$10 isn't going to move the needle,” you know he means it.In this episode, we unpack:Why Google Ads are tricky to track for brick-and-mortar businessesWhat budget you actually need to make Google Ads work (spoiler: it's not $200/month)What to do before running any Google campaignThe one free tool you probably haven't optimized (but should!)How to build trust and increase your walk-in traffic with your Google Business ProfileHow to connect online clicks to real-life foot trafficHow often you should post on your profile (and yes, you can just repurpose your Instagram)Whether you're already dabbling in ads or wondering where the heck to start, this episode is your no-fluff primer for making Google work for you, not drain your bank account.>>CONNECT WITH JOHN

Inside the Competitor's Mindset: How to Predict Their Next Move and Position Yourself for Success (MIT Press, 2023) offers a roadmap to help leaders predict, understand, and react to their competitors' moves. It is a valuable tool to help companies stay ahead of their competitors when the competition is intensifying. To make the right choice when a competitor is working hard to prevent it is difficult. This book demystifies the process. For organizations developing systematic tools to effectively predict competitor behavior, this book provides a powerful, fact-based approach to building insight into A must-read for anyone seeking to better understand their competitors. This book shares proven methods for thinking like the competition and understand why they act the way they do. The keys are cognitive empathy and an approach that focuses on why competitors behave as they do. The book presents a systematic approach to competitive intelligence that starts with frameworks that get inside a competitor's mindset, predict their reactions and assess their actions. The book stresses the importance of collecting forward-looking, predictive data; explains how to use war games, Black Hat exercises, mock negotiations, and premortems to build competitive insight; and makes the case for creating a dedicated competitive insight function within the organization. Reading this book will enable you to anticipate how competitors will react to moves you make. It ingeniously applies lessons from archaeologists, paleontologists, NICU nurses, and homicide detectives to better gather and analyze information when it is not possible to ask direct questions; Alfred Marcus, Edson Spencer Professor of Strategy and Technology University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/economics

Inside the Competitor's Mindset: How to Predict Their Next Move and Position Yourself for Success (MIT Press, 2023) offers a roadmap to help leaders predict, understand, and react to their competitors' moves. It is a valuable tool to help companies stay ahead of their competitors when the competition is intensifying. To make the right choice when a competitor is working hard to prevent it is difficult. This book demystifies the process. For organizations developing systematic tools to effectively predict competitor behavior, this book provides a powerful, fact-based approach to building insight into A must-read for anyone seeking to better understand their competitors. This book shares proven methods for thinking like the competition and understand why they act the way they do. The keys are cognitive empathy and an approach that focuses on why competitors behave as they do. The book presents a systematic approach to competitive intelligence that starts with frameworks that get inside a competitor's mindset, predict their reactions and assess their actions. The book stresses the importance of collecting forward-looking, predictive data; explains how to use war games, Black Hat exercises, mock negotiations, and premortems to build competitive insight; and makes the case for creating a dedicated competitive insight function within the organization. Reading this book will enable you to anticipate how competitors will react to moves you make. It ingeniously applies lessons from archaeologists, paleontologists, NICU nurses, and homicide detectives to better gather and analyze information when it is not possible to ask direct questions; Alfred Marcus, Edson Spencer Professor of Strategy and Technology University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Inside the Competitor's Mindset: How to Predict Their Next Move and Position Yourself for Success (MIT Press, 2023) offers a roadmap to help leaders predict, understand, and react to their competitors' moves. It is a valuable tool to help companies stay ahead of their competitors when the competition is intensifying. To make the right choice when a competitor is working hard to prevent it is difficult. This book demystifies the process. For organizations developing systematic tools to effectively predict competitor behavior, this book provides a powerful, fact-based approach to building insight into A must-read for anyone seeking to better understand their competitors. This book shares proven methods for thinking like the competition and understand why they act the way they do. The keys are cognitive empathy and an approach that focuses on why competitors behave as they do. The book presents a systematic approach to competitive intelligence that starts with frameworks that get inside a competitor's mindset, predict their reactions and assess their actions. The book stresses the importance of collecting forward-looking, predictive data; explains how to use war games, Black Hat exercises, mock negotiations, and premortems to build competitive insight; and makes the case for creating a dedicated competitive insight function within the organization. Reading this book will enable you to anticipate how competitors will react to moves you make. It ingeniously applies lessons from archaeologists, paleontologists, NICU nurses, and homicide detectives to better gather and analyze information when it is not possible to ask direct questions; Alfred Marcus, Edson Spencer Professor of Strategy and Technology University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/systems-and-cybernetics

In Episode 205 of The Shades of Entrepreneurship™, Gabriel Flores interviews John Horn, CEO of StubGroup, a digital marketing agency built around strategy-first advertising. John shares how he helped build the company from the ground up, why understanding a client's business context is crucial, and how Stub Group helps companies overcome ad account suspensions and scale smarter.Support the showSubscribe at theshadesofe.com

On this episode of Mastering E-Commerce Marketing, host Eitan Koter sits down with John Horn, the CEO of StubGroup, a top 1% Google Partner agency known for helping brands turn struggling ad accounts into high-performing machines. John brings a direct, practical approach to paid media, focusing on what actually works and how to stop wasting budget.They cover why so many campaigns miss the mark early on, how to set up success before launching, and why measuring the right things matters more than ever. John also explains how PPC can be used to test product-market fit, how to catch tracking issues before they cost you, and where automation helps versus where it hurts.This is a helpful conversation for anyone who wants more from their ad spend and fewer headaches along the way.Website: https://www.vimmi.net Email us: info@vimmi.net Podcast website: https://vimmi.net/mastering-ecommerce-marketing/ Talk to us on Social:Eitan Koter's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eitankoter/ Vimmi LinkedIn: https://il.linkedin.com/company/vimmi YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VimmiCommunications Guest: John Horn, CEO & Managing Partner at StubGroupJohn's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnjhorn1StubGroup: https://stubgroup.com/Takeaways:Integrity is crucial in agency-client relationships.Businesses often enter PPC with unrealistic expectations.Defining success metrics is essential for PPC campaigns.Tailoring strategies based on business stage is key.Conversion rate is a primary metric for success.Analyzing existing campaigns helps identify issues.PPC can be used for quick market research.Iterate campaigns based on data...

Episode Title: Building Through Adversity — John Horn on Leadership, Google Ads, and Learning to “Count It All Joy”Episode Description:In this episode of Braving Business, we sit down with John Horn, CEO of StubGroup, a top-tier Google Premier Partner agency that manages digital ad campaigns for clients around the globe. But John isn't your typical tech CEO—he didn't start in Silicon Valley, and he didn't have a blueprint. He built his leadership style in real time, often the hard way, with a deep belief in values-first decision-making, transparency, and good old-fashioned grit.John was StubGroup's first employee, eventually becoming its CEO just months before the pandemic hit. What followed? A massive drop in client ad spend, an existential business threat, and a defining leadership moment. Instead of hiding behind closed doors, John chose candor and connection, rallying his team through open-book leadership and a whole lot of pacing around his office.In this conversation, John shares:How growing up with a mix of blue-collar and corporate jobs shaped his leadership instinctsWhat really happened behind the scenes when StubGroup's revenue collapsed during COVIDHis biggest lessons from hiring—and firingWhy transparent leadership builds long-term trust, even when the news isn't goodWhat it takes to teach digital ads to 100,000+ students and rack up millions of YouTube viewsHow his faith informs his worldview and his favorite phrase: “Count it all joy”Whether you're a founder figuring things out, a leader trying to balance growth with integrity, or just someone wondering how the heck Google Ads actually work, John delivers practical wisdom with a down-to-earth tone and a few laughs along the way.Key Takeaways:Transparency builds trust faster than perfection ever couldThe most resilient teams are led by people willing to be human first, boss secondYou don't need a flashy background to be an effective, values-driven leader in techConnect with John Horn:Website: StubGroup.comYouTube: StubGroup's ChannelLinkedIn: John HornContact Us: Visit www.bravingbusiness.com for more information, episodes, and updates.John's story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn't about having all the answers—it's about showing up, owning the hard stuff, and pacing through it anyway. Tune in to hear how one scrappy Google Ads guy became a trusted CEO, teacher, and advocate for resilient business done right.

John Horn, co-founder of Stub Group, has spent over a decade helping businesses successfully navigate the complex world of digital advertising. From his early days building the agency from scratch to becoming a trusted expert in Google Ads compliance, Horn has consistently focused on protecting and empowering small and medium-sized businesses. His personal motto, “guard from harm,” reflects his commitment to guiding clients through the evolving digital landscape with integrity and precision. Horn's insights span critical areas such as the impact of artificial intelligence on search behavior, the importance of first-party data in a post-cookie world, and the often-overlooked potential of video SEO. He emphasizes that while automation and AI tools are reshaping the industry, human expertise remains essential for ensuring reliable performance and strategic direction. His approach is rooted in real-world outcomes—like helping businesses recover from Google account suspensions and avoid costly advertising pitfalls. For those looking to better understand digital advertising, Google compliance, or simply improve their marketing results, Stub Group offers a collection of free resources to get started. These tools are designed to help businesses at any stage make smarter, more compliant ad decisions. You can explore them at Stub Group website and take the first step toward more effective, risk-free advertising. We're happy you're here! Like the pod? Visit our website! Start your trial on Simplified. Schedule a consult, get on the mailing list, and learn more about my favorite tools and programs via https://www.yourbrandamplified.com

Facts about Google Ads to help determine if they are right for me and right for my business. Have you questioned whether or not Google ads are for you and your business? Would running Google Ads help you attract more soulmate clients? Are they even in the wheelhouse in terms of your financial resources? Let's explore some facts about Google Ads to help you decide what is best for your business. Understanding the Basics of Google Ads With Google Ads, businesses can potentially increase visibility by appearing at the top of search results, marked as sponsored content. Google Ads are not the savior to rescue your business and connect you with your soulmate clients. However, they can be really useful when you have a strategic approach to ensure it's cost-effective and truly beneficial for your business. Determining if Google Ads are for you You must outline your business goals, budget, and expected return on investment to determine if Google Ads could work for you. Evaluate Your Numbers: Before diving into Google Ads, you must clearly understand what new customers are worth and their lifetime value. Figure out your expected revenue and what your profit margin is. This information will guide you in determining how much you can spend to acquire new customers. Research the Market: Look into the average cost per click in your industry and the competitive landscape. Take a look at your funnel and what you are asking people to do. Are you leading them directly to your website and making an offer? Are you leading them to your website and a free download that lands them on your email list? Adding to the list of facts about Google Ads is that you will be more successful with a better funnel in place. Test and Analyze: If the numbers make sense, you want to start testing strategically, ideally with your low-hanging fruit or best-selling offers. Start small and track what is working and what is not. Optimize your ad spending as you discover what works best. Aligning Google Ads with Your SEO Strategy Another fact about how Google Ads is that they integrate with your existing marketing and SEO efforts. While SEO and Google Ads operate independently from an algorithmic perspective, having a well-optimized website can enhance the effectiveness of your ads. A healthy website that loads quickly and is easy to navigate will improve your conversion rates. About John Horn John Horn is the Before You Invest, You Need These Facts About Google Ads a digital marketing agency. John leads and equips the StubGroup team to provide best-in-class service to so that their clients can find clients online. Website for StubGroup Additional Resources 5 Crucial Strategies eBook Landing pages - https://therobyngraham.com/write-a-sales-page/ Facebook/Meta Ads - https://therobyngraham.com/facebook-and-instagram-ads/ SEO - https://therobyngraham.com/seo-vs-social-media-marketing/ Sales - https://therobyngraham.com/master-sales/ Access Full Show Notes and All Links  

John Horn is the CEO of StubGroup, a digital advertising agency specializing in expert PPC management for businesses of all sizes. Since joining the company as employee number one, John has helped StubGroup grow into a leading boutique agency, managing over 15,000 campaigns and generating more than 3 million leads and $400 million in revenue for clients.

Are you ready to supercharge your B2B marketing strategy? Join Google Ads expert John Horn as he shares actionable strategies to drive more leads, boost sales, and maximize revenue. Whether you're new to Google Ads or looking to refine your existing campaigns, this episode offers insider tips on targeting the right audience, optimizing for maximum […] The post Boost Leads, Sales, and Revenue with Google Ads, With John Horn first appeared on Business Creators Radio Show with Adam Hommey.

Why you should listenLearn how Google Ads work specifically for tech and consulting businesses, including different types of campaigns and their effectiveness.Discover why Google remains a dominant player in digital advertising and how to leverage its strengths even in a competitive landscape.Gain insights into the power of retargeting ads and how to create effective campaigns that resonate with your audience.Are you struggling to generate leads beyond referrals and partnerships? In this episode, we tackle this common challenge with expert insights from John Horn, CEO of the StubGroup. With over 11 years of experience in digital marketing, John reveals how Google Ads can be a game-changer for tech consultants and businesses seeking to attract more clients. He discusses the mechanics of Google Ads, the platform's enduring relevance despite emerging AI competitors, and effective strategies for retargeting ads to engage potential customers who have already shown interest in your services.About John HornJohn Horn is the CEO of StubGroup, a digital advertising agency and a premier Google ad agency. Subgroup has helped over 2000 clients, across 15k campaigns, with their paid ads and suspension issues. They have generated over half a billion dollars in revenue for their clients across many different verticals including ecommerce, lead generation, B2B, B2C, local services, and more.John has also taught digital advertising to over 100,000 students via online courses and the videos he produces through StubGroup's YouTube channel have received millions of views. When he's not marketing, John loves spending time with his wife and two little boys and exploring the Texas countryside he calls home.Resources and Linksstubgroup.comJohn's LinkedIn profileStubGroup Youtube channel: @StubgroupPrevious episode: 585 - The LinkedIn Assistant That Helps Users Save Time and Make Money with Joe ApfelbaumCheck out more episodes of The Paul Higgins ShowSubscribe to our YouTube channel: @PaulHigginsMentoringThe Tech Consultant's RoadmapJoin our newsletterJoin the Tech CollectiveSuggested resources

John Horn is the CEO of StubGroup. He helps small business owners and marketing teams struggling with paid ads achieve real ROI, He's generated hundreds of millions in revenue for clients.Join us for an exciting conversation with John Horn, the founder of Stub Group, who has generated over $400 million in revenue for clients through Google Ads. Discover the future of AI in search marketing, the impact of YouTube on search rankings, and the evolving landscape of Google Ads. John shares invaluable insights on leveraging AI for data analysis, optimizing ad spend, and the power of the right keywords.Takeaways:The Role and Resilience of Google Ads in a Competitive LandscapeLeveraging YouTube for Enhanced Traffic and SEO BenefitsImpact of AI on Data Analysis and Lead EngagementConnect with John Horn:Website: https://stubgroup.com/Timestamps:00:00 - Intro00:07 - AI to replace Google search for inquiries.03:30 - Average consumers slow to adopt cutting-edge AI.08:12 - AI makes beginners proficient, experts more efficient.11:52 - Struggles with vague, inconsistently enforced Google policies.15:37 - Use YouTube to boost website traffic organically.16:50 - Data needs vary by business and budget.20:27 - AI initiates calls, qualifying leads for agents.23:58 - Nurturing relationships through consistent engagement is essential._____________________________________________

It can be a real challenge to balance staying on top of shifting ad policies and actually seeing results. On one hand, you've got to keep your ads in line with the rules, which seem to change all the time. On the other hand, you want to make sure those ads are driving real sales, not just checking boxes. It's all about refining your approach, tweaking things as needed, and keeping a close eye on what works to make sure you're meeting both the compliance standards and your financial goals. John Horn is the CEO of StubGroup, a premier Google Ads agency that has been helping small and medium-sized businesses address the challenges of digital advertising for over a decade. In addition to his role at StubGroup, John is also the host of his own podcast called “Clicks to Customers,” where he shares his ideas and expertise on a wide range of marketing topics. Today, John talks about the importance of understanding client needs and setting realistic expectations when it comes to running successful Google Ads campaigns. Stay tuned! Resources StubGroup: Dominate Google Ads And Grow Your Business Clicks to Customers by StubGroup Podcasts on Spotify Podcasts John Horn on LinkedIn

“Lord, teach us to pray,” the apostles entreated Jesus. And He did. In this episode, we explore the integration of personal formation in prayer, with a very concrete, step-by-step demonstration of the ARRR prayer, also known as the “pirate prayer” by Fr. John Horn, S.J., one of its originators. Join us as we discuss the progression from Acknowledging to Relating to Receiving to Responding in prayer using Zephaniah 3:14-17 as a starting point; and in addition, we bring in how this way of praying impacts the four dimensions of your personal formation: Human, Spiritual, Intellectual and Pastoral. 

In this episode of the Super Entrepreneurs Podcast, we're joined by John Horn, CEO of StubGroup, a premier Google Ads agency that has generated over $400 million in revenue. Specializing in performance-driven solutions, StubGroup has successfully served Fortune 500 organizations, multimillion-dollar retailers, and local businesses, all while helping companies maximize their digital marketing profitability. Tune in as we explore the strategies behind boosting your digital ROI with insights from a true industry leader. Chapter Stamps: 00:50 Welcome and Guest Introduction 01:39 Starting a Business: Organic Growth vs. Paid Ads 04:53 Challenges and Benefits of Paid Advertising 05:44 Effective Budgeting for Advertising 07:26 The Role of AI in Advertising 09:35 Future of Ad Agencies in the Age of AI 14:10 Impact of AI on Search Engine Results 18:37 Common Misconceptions in Advertising 21:16 Keyword Strategy Tips 24:25 Conclusion and Farewell Pullout Quotes: "In digital marketing, it's not just about spending more; it's about spending smarter." "We focus on performance-driven solutions because every dollar spent on ads should lead to measurable results." "Our goal at StubGroup is to turn digital marketing into a profitable engine for businesses, whether you're a Fortune 500 company or a local shop." "The key to a successful Google Ads campaign is understanding your customer's journey and tailoring your strategy to meet them where they are." "Data isn't just numbers; it's a roadmap to maximizing your ROI in digital marketing." Social: Website: www.stubgroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnjhorn1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stubgroupadvertising Meta: https://www.facebook.com/StubGroup/ Disclaimer: Please be aware that the opinions and perspectives conveyed in this podcast are solely those of our guests and do not necessarily represent the views, ideologies, or principles of Super Entrepreneurs Podcast, its associated entities, or any organizations they represent or are affiliated with. We provide a platform for discussion and exploration, and the content of each episode is understood to be independent expressions from our guests, rather than a reflection of the beliefs held by the podcast or its hosts. Notice to the Super Entrepreneurs community: Before we part, remember to join our Private Facebook group, 'Mindset for Business Success' Here we share mindset wisdom to elevate your life and business LIVE every Tuesday morning(EST), ready for a transformative journey? This group is your key to unlocking potential and achieving business growth. Don't miss out on this incredible free resource. Join us in 'Mindset for Business Success' Today! https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindsetforbusinesssuccess/ The only limits in our life are those we impose on ourselves. Bob Proctor  ▬▬▬ Free Clarity Call with Shahid▬▬▬  https://calendly.com/shahiddurrani/free-clarity-call-with-shahid-durrani ________________________________________________________________________ OFFERS: https://zez.am/officialshahiddurrani  ▬▬▬ Get my Free Webinar▬▬▬ How to super scale your business to the next level without chasing strategies and feeling stuck https://shahiddurrani.com/registration/  ▬▬▬ Business Funding▬▬▬  https://www.7figurescredit.com/superfunding  ▬▬▬ Fund Your Clients▬▬▬  https://join.7figurespartners.com/?a_aid=superfunding  ▬▬▬ The TEDx Talk Program▬▬▬ https://info.shahiddurrani.com/tedx ▬▬▬ Professional Investment Ideas Delivered to your Inbox▬▬▬ https://capexinsider.com/insider-newsletter/?orid=90906&opid=94 ▬▬▬ FREE DOWNLOAD Reveals Recession Proof Business▬▬▬ https://www.b2bfundingpartner.com/b2bfree100?a_aid=superfunding&a_bid=1f1eb0a5 ▬▬▬ START-UP INVESTOR READY TO HELP▬▬▬ https://info.shahiddurrani.com/ideas ▬▬▬ How to make $3,493 commissions without doing any selling▬▬▬ https://hop.clickbank.net/?affiliate=superentre&vendor=ambsador ▬▬▬ Stock/Options Trading Academy That Works▬▬▬ https://lddy.no/1gqxb  ▬▬▬ Real Estate Investing on Terms! No Credit | No Down payment▬▬▬ https://smartrealestatecoach.com/?sld=super Affiliate Disclaimer: If you buy through one of the links provided, I may receive a commission (without any additional charge to you).  @SuperEntrepreneursPodcast   @officialshahiddurrani