Anyone still finding success with Google Ads in 2026

I will say though you need to burn a lot more money these days than you used to collecting data, and automated bidding actually works. PMAX is getting there but AI max is trash (for the most part) my rule is anytime Google launches a new product give it a year or two before you even start testing

There will always be demand for Google Ads expertise, but the competition among specialists is fierce. If you can land at least an internship role at a media buying or product company, then it is worth it. I wouldn't learn it with the goal of becoming a freelancer though.

people still making money with google ads, but the easy wins are mostly gone now. Optimization and tracking matter way more than before.

It's definitely worth it, but before you dive in, you should consult with a PPC expert who works in your specific niche. If you go into this naively without any real knowledge, you will get stripped clean before you even make 2 dollars. Otherwise, yes, it’s worth it, but it’s a constant, hard battle and continuous learning. It is definitely not for lazy people.