Thank you, Virginia, for shedding light on these common pitfalls in Google Ads management for small businesses. Your insights resonate, especially as someone who has been working with businesses since 2015. Mistake #1 about activating "smart mode" is particularly noteworthy; it's crucial to transition to expert mode for customized campaigns and optimal results. Your emphasis on connecting Google Analytics (#2) is a crucial reminder of the interconnectedness of data for a comprehensive view.

Mistake #3, focusing on conversions without the right setup, highlights the importance of strategic measurement for ROI. The example of tying conversions to specific business goals is a practical approach. Similarly, your caution against using too many general keywords (#4) and the importance of negative keywords (#5) for precise targeting are golden nuggets for effective ad campaigns.

Mistake #6 about auto-applying improvements is an eye-opener. It's essential to resist the seemingly convenient "turn on" solutions and maintain control over the campaign. Lastly, the reminder to continually assess and improve ads (#7) is crucial; complacency can lead to wasted budgets.

Your comprehensive guide not only identifies pitfalls but offers actionable strategies, making it a valuable resource for businesses navigating the intricacies of Google Ads. I appreciate your practical approach, and I look forward to more insights from your experience.