How to Find Duplicate Keywords in Google Ads

Duplicate keywords in Google Ads can lead to wasted budget and inefficient campaigns. Identifying and removing them is crucial for optimizing your ad performance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you find and eliminate duplicate keywords.

Why Duplicate Keywords Are a Problem

Duplicate keywords compete against each other, driving up costs and lowering ad relevance. They can also trigger internal auctions, where your ads compete for the same search queries, reducing overall efficiency.

Step 1: Use the Google Ads Keyword Planner

The Keyword Planner is a powerful tool to identify duplicate keywords. Navigate to Tools & Settings > Planning > Keyword Planner. Upload your keyword list and review suggestions for duplicates.

Step 2: Analyze Search Terms Report

Go to Reports > Predefined Reports > Basic > Search Terms. Look for repeated search terms triggering multiple keywords. Export the data and sort to spot duplicates.

Step 3: Leverage Google Ads Editor

Google Ads Editor allows bulk management of keywords. Download your campaign data and use the Find and Replace feature to locate duplicates across ad groups or campaigns.

Step 4: Use Third-Party Tools

Tools like Optmyzr or SEMrush can automate duplicate keyword detection. These tools scan your account and highlight overlaps, saving time and improving accuracy.

Step 5: Consolidate or Pause Duplicates

Once identified, consolidate duplicates into a single ad group or pause underperforming ones. Focus on high-converting keywords to maximize ROI.

Best Practices to Avoid Duplicates

Organize keywords into tightly themed ad groups, use negative keywords, and regularly audit your account to prevent future duplicates.

By following these steps, you can streamline your Google Ads campaigns, reduce wasted spend, and improve overall performance.