Why I Walked Away from a Google Ads “Trial” Project — and What It Taught Me
As a Google Ads specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve managed campaigns for businesses across industries — from eCommerce to B2B lead gen — optimizing over $10M in ad spend. But recently, I made the tough call to walk away from a project before it even began.
Here’s why — and what I learned (or rather, reinforced) from the experience.
🚦 The Setup
A potential client reached out, excited to get help managing several Google Ads accounts. We agreed upfront on fixed monthly pricing:
- $700 USD/month for non-eCommerce accounts
- $1,200 USD/month for eCommerce accounts
I clarified early on: I don’t work hourly. Why? Because strategic campaign setup, optimization, and performance analysis require deep thinking, not just time. My flat-rate pricing reflects value, not clocked hours.
The client agreed. We moved to WhatsApp, and I began reviewing the accounts to prep for onboarding.
🚩 Red Flags Started Appearing
Soon after:
- They asked for my hourly rate, despite our agreed pricing
- They proposed a “trial” campaign, with no defined scope, no upfront payment, and no timeline clarity
- They expected ads to go live first — then payment “maybe” after
I pushed for a Zoom alignment call to clarify terms, expectations, and deliverables — and emphasized that strategy, audits, and structure are my IP, not freebies in a trial run.
Then came their reply:
“Ok but I don’t respect you wasting our time.”
Mind you, this came after they changed the terms and refused to formalize anything in writing.
🚫 Why I Walked Away
- I protect my intellectual property and optimization process
- I don’t work under shifting, unclear terms
- I expect mutual respect and transparency
- I start work only when we’ve agreed on scope, timeline, and payment
So I exited the WhatsApp group — and moved on.
💡 What I Learned (or Reinforced)
- Red flags are red for a reason — trust your gut
- Write everything down — pricing, deliverables, timelines, and payment triggers
- Not all “opportunities” are worth it — especially if they compromise your value
- Free trials may sound innocent, but they often exploit specialists
Final Thought
I’m sharing this anonymously and respectfully — no names, no blame. Just a reminder for consultants, freelancers, and specialists out there:
- ✅ Protect your process
- ✅ Price based on value
- ✅ Know when to walk away
If you’ve experienced something similar, feel free to share your story. The more we speak up, the more we help raise the standard for ethical, respectful business relationships.
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