6 Google Ads Mistakes To Avoid When Targeting Search Keywords

*Wasting Money On Google Ads? My UPDATED Google Ads Course Will Help You Drive More Customers:
**Watch My Inbound Marketing Course:
***Join my FREE Newsletter For Bonus Content:

6 Google Ads Keyword Targeting Mistakes to Avoid

Google Ads can be a powerful tool for attracting customers. But if you're not careful, you can waste money on ineffective campaigns. Here are six common keyword targeting mistakes to avoid:

1. Not Having Enough Ad Groups

Many people lump all their keywords into one or two ad groups. This is a big mistake. Each ad group should focus on a specific theme or product. This way, you can create ads that match the keywords closely. More relevant ads lead to better click-through rates and lower costs.

2. Bidding on Multiple Keyword Match Types

It's tempting to use broad, phrase, and exact match types for the same keyword. Don't do this. It creates unnecessary competition within your own account. Pick one match type per keyword. Use exact match for your best-performing keywords and phrase or broad match modified for research.

3. Bidding on Too Many Keywords

More isn't always better. Bidding on hundreds of keywords makes your account hard to manage. It also spreads your budget thin. Focus on a smaller set of high-performing keywords.

4. Using Keywords with Broad Search Intent

Broad keywords might get lots of clicks, but they often don't convert well. For example, "shoes" is too broad. People searching for this could want anything from kids' sneakers to women's high heels. Use more specific keywords like "men's running shoes" to attract customers ready to buy.

5. Targeting Broad Keywords Without Enough Data or Negative Keywords

If you must use broad keywords, do it carefully. You need lots of data to make them work. Track which search terms actually lead to conversions. Use this info to add negative keywords. Negative keywords prevent your ads from showing for irrelevant searches. Without them, broad keywords will waste your budget.

6. Not Bidding High Enough

Low bids might seem like a good way to save money. But if your bids are too low, your ads won't show up often. This means fewer clicks and conversions. Don't be afraid to bid higher on your best-performing keywords. The extra cost is often worth it for more visibility and sales.
By avoiding these mistakes, you'll create more effective Google Ads campaigns. This means better results and less wasted money. Remember, successful Google Ads management is about constant testing and improvement. Keep refining your approach, and you'll see better returns over time.