How can marketers predict the impact of applying recommendations on their optimization score?

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Lata Bala

Google Ads optimization score

Question: How can marketers predict the impact of applying recommendations on their optimization score?

  • Leverage trusted, third-party tools to analyze and optimize their campaigns.
  • Each recommendation shows its impact on the optimization score as a percentage.
  • Use Google AI to forecast the increase in conversions as a result of recommendations.
  • Cross reference the settings of comparable campaigns with higher optimization scores.

The correct answer is:
✅ Each recommendation shows its impact on the optimization score as a percentage.

Google Ads Search Certification

Full Overview: Why correct and other incorrects?

✅ Correct Answer:

When you view recommendations in Google Ads, each recommendation displays the potential percentage increase it will have on your optimization score if applied.

Why This Is Correct:

Google Ads’ Recommendations tab doesn’t just suggest changes randomly. It also shows you how much each change could improve your optimization score — usually in percentage points.

Example:

  • “Add sitelink extensions (+3%)”
  • “Switch to Target CPA bidding (+5%)”

This helps marketers:

  • Prioritize the most impactful changes
  • Understand which adjustments will move the needle for their campaign performance
  • Make data-driven decisions

❌ Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

OptionWhy Incorrect
Leverage trusted, third-party tools❌ Helpful for analysis but they don’t calculate or predict Google’s optimization score changes.
Use Google AI to forecast conversion increases❌ Google AI powers Smart Bidding and Performance Planner, but it doesn’t show conversion forecasts for individual recommendations.
Cross reference comparable campaigns❌ Comparing campaigns can give insights, but it doesn’t directly predict optimization score changes.

Real-Life Example:

Let’s say you manage a retail Google Ads account.
Your current optimization score is 80%.

  • Recommendation 1: Add responsive search ads ➔ +4%
  • Recommendation 2: Fix disapproved ads ➔ +6%

If you apply both, your new optimization score would be 90%.
This helps you clearly see the impact before making any changes.

Summary:

MethodPredicts Optimization Score Impact?Reason
✅ Each recommendation shows a percentageYesDirectly shows estimated score increase
❌ Use third-party toolsNoCan analyze campaigns but not Google’s score system
❌ Google AI forecasts conversion increaseNoAI helps bidding, not score prediction
❌ Cross reference other campaignsNoHelpful for insights, not for direct prediction

Additional Resources:

Conclusion:

If you want to predict how much your optimization score will increase when applying recommendations, just check the percentage impact shown next to each suggestion in Google Ads.
It’s a simple, transparent way to prioritize which changes to make for the best performance gains.

FAQs:

Q: Will applying all recommendations always result in a perfect 100% score?
A: Not always. Some recommendations might not be applicable to your business goals.

Q: Are the percentage increases guaranteed results?
A: No — they are estimates to help guide your decisions, not promises.

Q: Can I ignore recommendations without hurting my campaign?
A: Yes, but ignoring too many high-impact suggestions can limit performance potential.

Now, if you are ready, then you take the Google Skillshop test for the Google Ads Search Exam. If you want more questions about the Google Ads Search Certification Exam, follow.