Google Ads Negative Keywords Not Working

If the goal of a company is to increase its online presence and generate leads, Google Ads is an excellent option. However, there is a case when users discover that negative keywords are not working as intended. If you can address these questions, you will be able to optimize your advertising results significantly. In this article, we will explain why negative keywords don’t work and how Google Ads Management Services can improve your campaigns.

What are Negative Keywords in Google Ads?

Negative keywords are those which you do not wish your ads to appear for. It is important to use negative keywords to block out unwanted and irrelevant traffic. It assists you in enhancing the quality of leads and the ad spend.

Why Might Negative Keywords Not Work?

Incorrect Match Type Selection

In case, you select the wrong match type for your negative keywords, they will not function as you desired.

Broad vs. Phrase vs. Exact Match

Negative keywords can be set to broad, phrase, or exact match. Negative keywords of various kinds affect your ads in different ways. If you are not careful you will use the wrong match type and your ads will appear to people searching for things that are not related to your business.

Broad Match

Broad match negative keywords mean that your ads will not appear in the search queries containing the keyword in any form. This is the most general exclusion type, and the most extensive one.

Phrase Match

The phrases that contain negative keywords or variations of it will be blocked from searches. This provides better control over exclusion.

Exact Match

The exact match negative keywords are words that your ads will not appear for if the keyword is an exact match. This is the least broad exclusion of the three.

Negative Keyword Conflict

Wrongly chosen negative keywords can work against your ad targeting and become a source of issues.

Conflicts Within Ad Groups or Campaigns

Negative keywords can sometimes compete with other keywords in the same Ad group or campaign and thus prevent your ads from showing. Be sure to select the right negative keywords to avoid issues.

List Level Application Errors

There can be mistakes if you do not use negative keywords at the list level either.

Misapplication Across Campaign Types

To use negative keywords properly, you need to do that across different campaign types. For that, use negative keyword lists to apply the same negative keywords to multiple campaigns at once.

How to Check if Negative Keywords are Working?

Reviewing Search Terms Report

The information that the search terms report provides is the actual search queries that are driving your ads. This report will assist you in determining whether your negative keywords are effective.

Identifying Unexpected Ad Impressions

If you see your ads in irrelevant searches then this could mean that your selected negative keywords are not effective.

Using the Negative Keyword List Report

This report enables you to view which negative keywords have been used and if they are effective.

Spotting Unused Negative Keywords

The negative keywords which were not used might be the ones needed to exclude yourads from irrelevant searches.

How to Fix Non-Working Negative Keywords?

Adjusting Match Types

It is also important to check on the match type you are using for your negative keywords.

Switching Between Broad, Phrase, and Exact

Use different match types to discover which one would be most effective for your campaign objectives.

Resolving Conflicts Between Negative Keywords

If there are any conflicts between keywords and negative keywords groups, then make sure you address them.

Removing or Reassigning Conflicting Keywords

The negative keywords that are conflicting with the bidding on the ad targeting should be either excluded or reassigned.

Ensuring Correct List Level Application

It is important to ensure that negative keywords are assigned in the right manner on the list level.

Verifying Application at Campaign or Ad Group Level

It is also important to ensure that negative keywords are used in the right campaign, ad group and so on.

Best Practices for Managing Negative Keywords

Regularly Updating Negative Keyword Lists

Make sure to update your negative keyword lists as you make changes to your business and as the market behaviour changes.

Google Ads Editor and Keyword Planner

Utilize tools like Google Ads Editor and Keyword Planner to manage and optimize your negative keywords effectively.

Avoiding Overuse of Broad Match Negatives

Broad match negatives are helpful, but if you apply them too often, you will reduce your ad exposure. Balance is key.

Balancing Specificity and Reach

It usually involves an ideal spot between targeting and coverage to ensure that your ads are being displayed to the right people.

Last but not the least; using negative keywords should be fine-tuned in order to enhance your Google Ads campaigns. If negative keywords are not working for you then it is advisable to hire help from Google Ads Management Services. With these experts, a Google Ads account audit will help the experts to identify problems and come up with ways to improve your lead generation. This way, you will be sure that your ads are targeting the right people and that they are giving you the results you expect.