Part 2: How a Simple Trade Turned Into a High-Performing Google Ads Client
How I scaled an account into a real client.
In Part 1, I shared how I bartered my Google Ads expertise for a power-washed house.
It started as a trade.
But what happened next turned into one of my favorite client success stories — and a reminder that free work isn’t always a loss.
From Teaching to Trusted Manager
During our barter agreement, I told the business owner I’d show him how everything worked.
I even shared helpful resources, including my Google Ads course, templates, and strategy docs, which I usually charge for.
He appreciated it. But… he never had time to watch or implement any of it.
He’s a boots-on-the-ground business owner. Between jobs, quotes, and managing a team, sitting down to learn Google Ads wasn’t happening.
So I told him:
“If it’s helpful, I’m happy to offer a fair monthly rate during your busy season. That way it keeps running, and you don’t have to worry about it.”
He thanked me. We wrapped up the barter period. I figured that was it.
A few weeks later, I followed up to check in.
He asked, “Are you still available to manage the account? I’d rather just have you do it.”
We agreed on a monthly rate, and I got to work.
The Results: Week One Was a Game-Changer
Once we went into full management mode (paid), I made a few key optimizations right away, and the results followed fast:
📈 236% increase in conversions in the first 7 days
💰 40% decrease in cost-per-conversion
📊 Clean tracking and better insights for service-specific campaigns
This wasn’t luck. It was structured. And it proved the system works — even when scaled.
Lesson: Barter the Right Way and It Can Pay Off
Too often, we treat free work like a loss or a gamble.
But when done intentionally, with:
A clear timeline
Tangible deliverables
Defined value on both sides
…free becomes a foot in the door.
💡 You’re not giving work away. You’re showing what it’s like to work with you.
By the way, I’m breaking down the entire build next week.
I will share every campaign, keyword, landing page trick, and optimization I used to achieve these results with Pro Full-Stack subscribers only.
You'll see:
🔍 The full account structure (Search, Branded, PMax, and Competitor Conquesting)
📍 How we layered in location targeting & cross-negatives
📲 My exact landing page tweaks for mobile conversions
🧠 The setup that made it easy for the client — and better for the user
This is the kind of stuff I only share inside the Pro tier.
→ Upgrade to get next week’s playbook ($45/year with 25% off)
Just do a good job.
I didn’t set out to “land a client.” I offered help with a fair boundary, shared real value, and let the results speak.
Sometimes people need to experience the difference before paying for it.
This business owner did — and we both came out ahead.
Your skills are worth something.
Sometimes you just need the right moment to prove it.
Didn’t read PART 1? Read it here.