Hello! If you’re starting with Google Ads, it can be challenging, and mistakes are easy to make. Whether you’re new to advertising or have some experience, avoiding these common errors can save you time and money. In this post, we’ll go over 7 mistakes to avoid in Google AdWords. Let’s get started! While I can’t cover every mistake, I’ll focus on the most common ones I see.
1. Selecting the Wrong Campaign Type
One of the first steps in setting up your Google Ads is choosing the right campaign type. Many people confuse the Search Network with the Display Network. If you want to reach users actively searching for your products or services, stick with the Search Network.
The Display Network targets users browsing websites, not those searching for specific ads. Focusing on the Search Network connects you with users already interested in what you offer.
2. Negative Keywords
Next up is negative keywords. These are words that tell Google not to show your ads for. Adding negative keywords helps you target the right audience by filtering out irrelevant searches.
For example if you’re advertising a “PPC agency” but don’t want people searching for “LinkedIn” just add “LinkedIn” as a negative keyword. It’s that easy! You can also use Tech Wise’s negative keywords list to get started.
3. Not Tracking
Now let’s talk about conversions. This is how you measure success in Google Ads. You need to know what counts as a conversion for your business—whether it’s a purchase, sign-up or app install.
To track conversions go to Goal > Conversions > Summary in your Google Ads account and set it up there. Knowing how many conversions you get helps you know what’s working and what needs to be tweaked.
4. Not Doing Keyword Research
Keyword research is so important! Use the Google Keyword Planner to find the best keywords for your campaign. Avoid broad match keywords as they can attract a lot of irrelevant traffic.
Instead focus on phrase match or exact match keywords that target specific searches. You can also check out Ubersuggest for more keyword ideas.
5. Not Trying Different Bidding Strategies
When it comes to bidding strategies don’t be afraid to try! Start with Manual CPC so you have control over your bids then try out Maximize Conversions later on.
This lets Google do some of the heavy lifting for you by finding the best keywords and placements based on your budget. Once you have enough data- 15 conversions in 30 days-then you can try out advanced strategies like Target CPA and Target ROAS.
6. Only One Ad Variation
Creating just one ad variation? That’s a waste! Create multiple ads for each ad group so Google can test which one performs best.
This way you’ll get better results over time. And don’t forget about ad extensions! Adding sitelinks and callouts gives customers more info and increases ad visibility.
7. Losing Sight of Your Goals
Finally remember why you’re using Google Ads in the first place: to get conversions! It’s easy to get caught up in clicks and impressions but those numbers mean nothing if they don’t lead to sales or sign-ups.
Keep your campaigns organized with ad groups, relevant keywords and well designed landing pages that match what users are searching for. Always test and refine your strategy to get the best return on your investment.
Conclusion
That’s it—seven mistakes to avoid with Google Ads! If you can stay away from these common problems, you’ll have a better chance of running campaigns that really work. Just remember to keep testing, making changes, and watching your data.
If you have questions or need more tips about your campaigns, feel free to leave a comment below. We’re here to help!
