TSLA380.840-10.22%
GM76.070-1.65%
F14.2150.025%
RIVN17.4550.365%
CYD43.900-0.815%
HMC28.160-0.61%
TM177.610-2.15%
CVNA67.360-3.3%
PAG202.660-2.08%
LAD335.280-3.88%
AN205.720-3.28%
GPI326.060-5.56%
ABG220.360-6.3%
SAH100.420-2.3%
TSLA380.840-10.22%
GM76.070-1.65%
F14.2150.025%
RIVN17.4550.365%
CYD43.900-0.815%
HMC28.160-0.61%
TM177.610-2.15%
CVNA67.360-3.3%
PAG202.660-2.08%
LAD335.280-3.88%
AN205.720-3.28%
GPI326.060-5.56%
ABG220.360-6.3%
SAH100.420-2.3%
TSLA380.840-10.22%
GM76.070-1.65%
F14.2150.025%
RIVN17.4550.365%
CYD43.900-0.815%
HMC28.160-0.61%
TM177.610-2.15%
CVNA67.360-3.3%
PAG202.660-2.08%
LAD335.280-3.88%
AN205.720-3.28%
GPI326.060-5.56%
ABG220.360-6.3%
SAH100.420-2.3%

Everything you need to know about the recent Google Ads updates

Less than 13% of 'typical' Google Ads phone calls are for sales

On the latest episode of Auto Marketing Now, host Brian Pasch shares a follow-up to the groundbreaking research on Google Ads campaigns that was released last month.

Recently, BPE Brian Pasch Enterprises released the industry breakthrough report: Exposing the Outcomes of Google SEM Campaigns. Pasch found that even though sales were funding these campaigns, most of the conversions were for fixed ops.

When you ask your Google ads agency, what are they using as signals to optimize the sales campaigns, you will find, they are probably using Google store visit metrics and phone calls as the two primary conversion signals. The reason why you shouldn’t use store visits is that there are more people on the lot for service than sales. You shouldn’t use phone calls because less than 13% of ‘typical’ Google ad phone calls are for sales.

Related: How to analyze the effectiveness of your car dealership’s Google Ads campaigns

Pasch shares that you will be able to see whether someone went from their desktop or on their mobile phone. This helps dealers to use the sale phone calls to improve sales campaigns and service phone calls to improve service campaigns. You can now improve the optimization engine that Google has for its advertising with true signals.

googleSoft conversions are getting an estimate on a trade or starting a financing application. Hard conversions are where consumers give a phone number, address, or email. Pasch challenges you to go into your Google Analytics account and see how many hard conversions goals are working and how many soft conversions are in place. Pasch says to set up the proper goals for sales and service. You should be feeding in sales signals into your sales campaign.

To learn more about cutting-edge and innovating automotive marketing strategies, consider attending the upcoming Automotive Analytics and Attribution Summit this November. Click here to read the details.


Did you enjoy this episode of Auto Marketing Now with Brian Pasch? Please share your thoughts, comments, or questions regarding this topic at newsroom@cbtnews.com.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date or catch-up on all of our podcasts on demand.

While you’re here, don’t forget to subscribe to our email newsletter for all the latest auto industry news from CBT News.

More from Sales & Marketing
The 3-step habit that could save your next deal

The 3-step habit that could save your next deal

- July 6, 2026
Many deals seem to go well at first, but don't end up going anywhere. Sales Coach Matt Easton, Founder of Easton University, says the problem isn't the pitch, but the...
Fourth of July weekend brings big incentives and offers from automakers

Incentives and offers blast off this Fourth of July holiday weekend

- July 3, 2026
The Fourth of July is a busy time for dealers. The holiday gives shoppers more time to look for their next car. Automakers are hoping to hit mid-year sales. And...
Massachusetts AG warns dealers on hidden doc fees in vehicle advertising

Massachusetts AG warns dealers on hidden doc fees in vehicle advertising

- June 18, 2026
On the Dash: Massachusetts now requires all mandatory fees, including doc fees, to be included in advertised vehicle prices. Separately listing or disclosing doc fees at checkout is considered non-compliant...
SEO is not enough. How GEO is rewriting the rules of automotive search

Dealers must act on GEO now as AI shifts car-buying behavior

- June 1, 2026
Artificial intelligence is changing the way people shop for their next vehicle and that's having a big impact on how dealerships do their marketing. Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is rewriting...
CBT News
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.