I Made the "Top 100 PPC" List. Here Is What That Actually Means for Your Business.

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Being named a Top 100 PPC Influencer doesn’t just signal visibility — it signals public accountability, deep industry connections, and a commitment to transparent, ethical strategy. Unlike agencies that operate behind closed doors, I publish my thinking daily, collaborate with top PPC experts, and use my influence to help clients make smarter decisions. For business owners, this means faster problem‑solving, higher‑quality strategy, and a partner whose reputation depends on delivering real results.

TL;DR

Influence isn’t about popularity — it’s about accountability. Being named a Top 100 PPC Influencer means my work is constantly scrutinized by the smartest people in the industry, my strategies must hold up publicly, and I have access to a network that solves problems faster than any siloed agency. It doesn’t make me too busy — it makes me more invested in doing right by your budget.

Why "Influence" isn't a substitute for ethics, kindness, or results.

The annual "Top PPC Influencer" lists are out, and I am honored to be included again.

But when a business owner sees a badge like "Top 50 Worldwide," they often think one of two things:

  1. "She’s probably too expensive and busy for me."

  2. "Is she actually good at ads, or is she just good at LinkedIn?"

These are fair questions. I want to pull back the curtain on what "Influence" actually looks like in my day-to-day, and why I believe it makes me a safer bet for your marketing budget than a silent agency.

1. "Influence" is Just "Public Accountability"

Influence isn’t about being loud — it’s about being visible enough that you can’t hide. When your peers watch everything you publish, you’re forced to test your ideas, stay current, and be willing to be wrong in public. That level of scrutiny creates safer, more reliable strategy for clients.

To stay on these lists, I have to produce a massive amount of content. I write for Search Engine Land and Search Engine Journal. I post daily. I speak on podcasts.

Why this matters to you:

To be an expert in public, I have to be willing to be wrong in public.

If I post a bad strategy or incorrect advice on LinkedIn, my peers (the other 49 people on that list) will call me out immediately. This forces a level of rigor and research that doesn't exist in a "black box" agency.

  • I can’t hide behind jargon.

  • I have to test my theories before I speak.

  • I am constantly studying changes in the platform so I don't look foolish.

When you hire me, you are hiring someone whose reputation is literally on the line every single day.

2. The Network Effect (My "Bat-Phone")

Most account managers operate alone. I don’t. When something breaks, I can tap into a private network of the smartest PPC minds in the world. This collective intelligence solves problems faster and more accurately than any single strategist could.

In the video, I talked about my "industry friends"—people like Julie Bacchini or Boris Beceric. These aren't just internet acquaintances; they are the best minds in the world.

Why this matters to you:

Google Ads breaks. Strategies stop working. Algorithms change overnight.

When a generic account manager gets stuck, they guess.

When I get stuck, I open a DM.

I have direct access to a brain trust of the smartest people in the industry. We troubleshoot together, we share data, and we solve problems faster than anyone working in a silo can. You aren't just hiring Sarah; you are hiring the network Sarah has built over 15 years.

3. The "Anti-Sales" Pitch

I don’t “sell.” I teach. My content does the filtering for me — by the time you reach out, you already know my values, my approach, and my standards. That means our first call is about you, not me.

I will be honest: I am a terrible salesperson. I don't like convincing people.

This is actually why I create so much content. I want you to know exactly how I think, how I audit, and what I value before we ever get on a call.

Why this matters to you:

By the time you reach out to me, we don't have to waste time on a sales dance. My content has already done the "proving." We can spend our first conversation talking about your business, your margins, and your goals.

4. The "Too Busy" Myth

Influence doesn’t equal volume. It equals choice. I’m not scaling an agency; I’m choosing the right clients. My visibility gives me the freedom to work closely with a small number of businesses that value partnership over transactions.

Finally, let’s address the elephant in the room. "If she’s on a list, she’s probably drowning in clients and won’t have time for me."

The Truth: Influence does NOT = Client Acquisition.

Being on a list doesn't mean it’s "raining clients." It means I have the luxury of looking for the right clients.

I am not trying to scale an agency to 500 employees. I am trying to work with a select group of business owners who want a true partner. I don’t use my influence to become untouchable; I use it to become transparent.

The Bottom Line

I am incredibly grateful to be recognized by my peers. But a badge doesn't optimize an account.

  • Don't hire the badge.

  • Hire the humanity. Hire the person who cares enough to show up, debate the hard topics, and treat your budget with the same ethics I treat my own reputation.

If you are looking for a partner who is plugged in, publicly accountable, and ready to skip the sales pitch—let’s chat.

Key Takeaways

  • “Influence” is really public accountability — I can’t hide behind jargon or bad strategy.

  • My content forces me to stay current, accurate, and transparent.

  • I have direct access to top PPC experts for troubleshooting and insights.

  • My anti‑sales approach means you already know how I think before we ever talk.

  • Being on a list doesn’t mean I’m unavailable — it means I choose clients intentionally.

  • A badge doesn’t optimize your account; ethics, rigor, and humanity do.

Work With a Google Ads Coach Who’s Actually Accountable

Influence isn’t about popularity — it’s about transparency. If you want a partner who publishes their thinking, stays current, and treats your budget with integrity, I’m here to help.

Google Ads Coaching gives you:

  • Clear, honest strategy

  • Direct access to my expertise

  • Faster problem‑solving

  • A partner who’s invested in your success

If you’re ready to skip the sales pitch and get straight to strategy, let’s talk.

Learn more
Sarah Stemen

Bio written by Sarah Stemen

Sarah Stemen is your leading resource for PPC help and AI-powered campaign optimization. As the President of the Paid Search Association (PSA) and a globally recognized Top 100 PPC Strategist, she leverages her 17 years of Google Ads experience to deliver enterprise-level strategy and audits that generate 30%+ ROI improvements. A trusted contributor to Search Engine Land and Search Engine Journal, Sarah's insights are frequently shared on industry podcasts, YouTube, and Reddit. Find her data-driven strategy at thesarahstemen.com.

https://www.thesarahstemen.com
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