This is one of the best Google Ads breakdowns I've read because it focuses on fundamentals instead of "secret hacks." Most successful campaigns I've seen weren't built on clever tricks—they were built on getting the basics right consistently.
I completely relate to your experience with broad match keywords. Early in my PPC journey, I assumed Google would understand exactly what I meant. Instead, I ended up paying for clicks that had nothing to do with my business. Reviewing search terms became a weekly habit after that.
The landing page lesson is something I wish more businesses understood. They spend weeks writing ad copy but send visitors to a homepage filled with menus, blog posts, and distractions. A focused landing page usually outperforms a general website every time.
I've learned that reducing wasted spend often has a bigger impact than increasing conversions. Before trying to generate more leads, it's worth making sure your budget isn't leaking through irrelevant traffic.
Your point about location targeting really resonated with me. I worked with a dentist who was accidentally advertising across the entire state instead of just nearby suburbs. Tightening the targeting dramatically improved both lead quality and return on ad spend.
One thing I'd add is making sure phone numbers and contact forms are easy to find on landing pages. If someone is ready to contact you but has to search for your details, you've already introduced unnecessary friction.