Q: Regarding Google Ads, should I configure both "IP Exclusion" and "Audience Exclusion," or is just one of them sufficient?
A: Spider AF recommends configuring both "IP Exclusion" and "Audience Exclusion."
To understand why, here is a breakdown of how each exclusion method works:
IP Exclusion: This excludes specific IP addresses identified as source of invalid clicks from being served your ads.
Audience Exclusion: This excludes specific audiences (essentially Cookies) identified as source of invalid clicks from being served your ads.
By enabling both, you significantly broaden the coverage of your invalid click detection and prevention.
When each method is most effective:
When IP Exclusion works best: If a user at home uses a single IP address but accesses your ads through multiple different devices (e.g., a PC and a smartphone).
When Audience Exclusion works best: If a user moves from their home to a public location—meaning their IP address changes—but continues to use the same browser on the same device.