In the ever-evolving landscape of online advertising, every click on your ad is a potential customer. However, not all clicks are created equal. In fact, using the wrong keywords in your ads can be the quickest way to attract unqualified leads and drain your advertising budget. Why isn’t it possible for me to just delete keywords from my advertisements? may be you’re thinking about. You may still get results from related searches even if it’s a technique.
Let’s illustrate this with an example. Suppose you’re in the business of selling jewelry online, and your keywords include “Cheap jewelry online.” Now, imagine you decide to raise your prices and remove the term “cheap” to attract a different clientele. The challenge arises when your ads still show up for searches like “cheap jewelry,” “affordable jewelry,” or even worse, “free jewelry!”
So, how do you ensure your ads aren’t triggered for every related search? The answer lies in turning those keywords into negative keywords and strategically adding them to your Google Ads account.
Understanding Negative Keywords
In the ever-evolving landscape of online advertising, every click on your ad is a potential customer. However, not all clicks are created equal. In fact, using the wrong keywords in your ads can be the quickest way to attract unqualified leads and drain your advertising budget. Why isn’t it possible for me to just delete keywords from my advertisements? may be you’re thinking about. You may still get results from related searches even if it’s a technique.
Let’s illustrate this with an example. Suppose you’re in the business of selling jewelry online, and your keywords include “Cheap jewelry online.” Now, imagine you decide to raise your prices and remove the term “cheap” to attract a different clientele. The challenge arises when your ads still show up for searches like “cheap jewelry,” “affordable jewelry,” or even worse, “free jewelry!”
So, how do you ensure your ads aren’t triggered for every related search? The answer lies in turning those keywords into negative keywords and strategically adding them to your Google Ads account.
What is a Negative Keyword?
In the realm of Google Ads, a keyword is like a beacon that triggers your ad to show up. On the flip side, a negative keyword is the guard at the gate, preventing your ad from displaying when someone searches using those specific terms. It might seem counterintuitive at first—why wouldn’t you want to show up on Google? The primary reason is to avoid unwanted clicks from users who are not genuinely interested in your offerings.
The Need for a Negative Keyword List
Google emphasizes the essence of a highly targeted campaign, stressing the importance of choosing what not to target. Ignoring negative keywords can lead to unwanted clicks from unqualified leads, resulting in a rapid and expensive drain on your ad spend. In essence, the absence of a negative keywords list doesn’t enhance your campaign’s performance; instead, it impairs it.
Benefits of Adding Negative Keywords
Attracting the Right Audience: Negative keywords act as a sculptor, refining your target audience. They ensure your ads reach people actively seeking your products or services.
Eliminating Irrelevant Ad Searches: Bid farewell to clicks from users unlikely to convert. Negative keywords act as a filter, allowing your ad to appear only in relevant searches.
Improved Lead Quality: By strategically adding negative keywords, you enhance the quality of your leads, increasing the likelihood of conversions.
Reduced Ad Costs and Increased Conversion Rates: Precision targeting results in fewer wasted clicks. This not only saves money but also boosts conversion rates as your ad reaches a more interested audience.
Adding Negative Keywords: Account-level or Campaign-level?
Before delving into the how-to, it’s crucial to decide where to add negative keywords. Some advertisers add them at the account level, automating the setting across all campaigns. This is a time-saving approach, especially if you manage multiple campaigns. However, if negative keywords are campaign-specific, adding them directly to the relevant campaign ensures precision.
How to Add Negative Keywords
Account-level Addition:
Navigate to your Google Ads dashboard.
Click on “Tools” and select “Negative Keyword Lists” under Shared Library.
Click the “+” button to add negative keywords.
Enter or paste your negative keywords, and don’t forget to hit “save.”
Campaign-level Addition:
Go to your Google Ads dashboard.
Find the campaign that needs negative keywords and put them there.
In the campaign settings, find “Negative Keywords” and click on it.
Add new keywords using the “+” button and save your changes.
Tips for Better Results
Use Broad Match: Opt for broad match types when adding negative keywords. It helps in making informed decisions about whether a keyword is relevant or not.
Regularly Update Your List: Keep an eye on search terms and update your negative keyword list. A regular check every few days ensures you stay ahead of the curve.
Invest Time in Keyword Sculpting: While it may not seem urgent, sculpting your keywords is crucial for long-term campaign success. Each added negative keyword refines your strategy.
Seek Ideas from Online Resources: Identify potential negative keywords by exploring online resources. Consider common ones like “jobs,” “free,” and “cheap,” but tailor your list to your business and niche.
Conclusion
Adding negative keywords to your Google Ads Search Campaign is not just a strategy; it’s a necessity. It’s the key to improving performance, saving precious ad dollars, and ensuring your ad resonates with the right audience. As you delve into the world of Google Ads, remember that negative keywords are your allies in the quest for a more targeted and efficient advertising campaign. So, sculpt your keywords wisely and watch your campaign performance soar!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Negative Keywords in Google Ads
Would Like to go back to the landing page? Click on Just Lead Market | Google Ads Agency.
