Ever wondered how small advertisers navigate the labyrinth that is Google Ads? We dive into the thick of this challenge with Collin Slattery, founder of Taikun Digital, as we address the growing complexities of mid-funnel marketing. From Google's demand-gen campaigns and YouTube Shorts to the rise of Google's automation - we scrutinize it all.  Discover the ins and outs of Google's automation platform, its pros and cons, and how it's changing the landscape for advertisers both big and small. Colin, a veteran in the industry, brings his unique insights to the table, as we explore the diminishing transparency and control stemming from increasing automation. We'll compare Google's demand-gen campaigns with Meta's and Facebook's ad-to-cart optimization, pitting the tech giants against one another. In the final leg, we zoom out to the larger picture, examining the impact of VC-backed brands overspending on acquisition and the influx of Chinese investments. Brands like Allbirds and shopee are under the microscope as we assess their aggressive marketing strategies. As we round off, we'll also touch on the recovery of Facebook's attribution data through modeling, and the current attitudes towards Google and Facebook. So why wait? Tune in for an episode packed with insights from the ever-evolving world of digital marketing.