An account executive manages Google Search campaigns and would like to extend her reach with Google Display ads. She’s trying to decide whether to use the default optimized targeting or to manually add more layers of targeting herself.

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Bhupati Barman

Illustration of a woman considering Google Display Ads targeting options, with a multiple-choice format showing the correct answer: “She prefers to offer minimal input and relies on automated solutions.”

I recently passed the Google Ads Display Certification exam and scored over 97%. 🎯 Felt amazing, honestly.
One of the questions really stuck with me — not because it was tough, but because it helped me finally understand how bidding strategies actually work in Google Ads.

In this post, I’ll break down that exact question, explain the correct answer in simple terms, and show you why the other choices were just a bit off. Plus, I’ll share a real-life example, an easy chart, and a few fun tips to help you pass the test too. Let’s start,

Question:

An account executive manages Google Search campaigns and would like to extend her reach with Google Display ads. She’s trying to decide whether to use the default optimized targeting or to manually add more layers of targeting herself.

Here is a correct answer: ✅ She prefers to offer minimal input and relies on automated solutions.

If you’re interested, you can take the exam here: Google Ads Display Certification via Skillshop

Why this is correct:

Google Display campaigns use optimized targeting by default. This means Google uses its machine learning to find new users likely to convert — beyond your manually defined audience segments.

If the advertiser chooses to keep optimized targeting on, rather than adding audience layers manually, it signals she wants:

  • Less manual setup
  • Automation to expand reach
  • Minimal day-to-day management

That’s why the correct answer is: ✅ She prefers to offer minimal input and relies on automated solutions.

❌ Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

1. She wants the same level of results without managing the campaigns.

  • Sounds close, but it’s vague.
  • It doesn’t directly relate to automated vs. manual targeting, which is the heart of the question.

3. She prefers more control over all aspects of her Display campaigns.

  • That would describe someone who turns off optimized targeting and adds manual targeting layers (like keywords, placements, and topics).
  • In this case, she’s not doing that — she’s considering optimized targeting.

4. She wants to deliver both Search and Display ads from the same campaign.

  • This is about campaign types, like Search with Display Select or Performance Max — not about targeting strategies within Display campaigns.

Real-Life Example: Lisa’s Smart Move

Let’s say Lisa, a busy account executive, is running Search campaigns for a fitness gear brand. Her CEO wants more brand visibility on Display networks.

Lisa logs into Google Ads to create a Display campaign and sees “optimized targeting” is pre-selected. She doesn’t have time to analyze placements or manually choose audiences.

So she decides to:

  • Keep optimized targeting enabled
  • Let Google’s algorithm find similar users likely to convert
  • Focus her time on improving ad creatives and budgeting

Three weeks later, Lisa reviews the data:

  • Her cost-per-click dropped by 20%
  • Conversions increased without her managing any placement or audience lists

Why? Because automated targeting filled in the gaps and found valuable new customers.

Conversion Rate Comparison: Manual vs Optimized Targeting

Optimized targeting often leads to higher conversion rates with less manual effort. Here’s a quick comparison:


Caption: Optimized targeting outperformed manual targeting in conversion rate based on simulated Display ad data.

Bar chart comparing conversion rates between manual targeting and optimized targeting in Google Display Ads, showing higher rate for optimized targeting.
Optimized targeting achieves higher conversion rates than manual targeting in Display campaigns.

Quick Summary:

StatementIs It Correct?Why?
She wants the same results without managing campaigns❌ NoDoesn’t directly connect to targeting preference
✅ She prefers minimal input and relies on automated solutions✅ YesDirectly reflects choice to use optimized targeting
She prefers more control over Display campaigns❌ NoThat would involve manual targeting, which she’s not choosing
She wants to run Search and Display ads from one campaign❌ NoIrrelevant to targeting — refers to campaign type, not audience logic

Helpful Resource Links

Conclusion

She prefers to offer minimal input and relies on automated solutions.
That’s exactly what optimized targeting is designed for — and it’s why Google keeps it enabled by default.

FAQs

Q: What is optimized targeting in Google Ads?

A: A smart feature that expands your audience automatically to find users who are likely to convert, even outside your set targeting.

Q: When should I use optimized targeting?

A: Use it when you want maximum reach with minimum effort — great for time-saving and discovery.

Q: Can I still use my own audience segments?

A: Yes! Google uses them as a starting point and expands beyond them using machine learning.

Q: Will I lose control?

A: You’ll give up some targeting precision, but gain in reach and conversions. It’s about trade-offs.

Q: How can I turn it off?

A: Uncheck the “optimized targeting” box in your Display campaign’s audience settings.

Now, if you are ready, you can take the Google Skillshop test for the Google Ads Display Exam. Want more real exam questions with easy answers like this? Follow along — I’ll be breaking down more Google Ads Display Measurement Certification Free examples in the next posts!