How to Use Negative Keywords in Google Ads (2024 Guide)
Negative keywords are a powerful tool in Google Ads that help you exclude irrelevant searches from triggering your ads. By adding negative keywords, you can refine your targeting, reduce wasted ad spend, and improve your campaign's overall performance. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to set them up.
What Are Negative Keywords?
Negative keywords prevent your ads from showing for specific search terms. For example, if you sell premium laptops, adding "cheap" as a negative keyword ensures your ads don’t appear for searches like "cheap laptops."
How to Add Negative Keywords in Google Ads
Step 1: Sign in to your Google Ads account.
Step 2: Navigate to the "Keywords" section under "Campaigns" or "Ad Groups."
Step 3: Click on "Negative Keywords" and select the level (campaign or ad group).
Step 4: Enter your negative keywords (one per line or comma-separated).
Step 5: Click "Save" to apply the changes.
Types of Negative Keyword Match Types
Just like regular keywords, negative keywords support match types:
- Broad Match: Excludes variations (e.g., "free" excludes "free trial").
- Phrase Match: Excludes exact phrases (e.g., "free laptops").
- Exact Match: Excludes only the exact term (e.g., [free laptops]).
Best Practices for Negative Keywords
1. Review Search Terms Report: Identify irrelevant queries to add as negatives.
2. Use Negative Keyword Lists: Apply the same negatives across multiple campaigns.
3. Regularly Update: Continuously refine your list based on new search data.
4. Avoid Overblocking: Ensure you don’t exclude potential customers.
Conclusion
Negative keywords are essential for optimizing Google Ads campaigns. By strategically excluding irrelevant searches, you can improve click-through rates (CTR), lower costs, and boost conversions. Start refining your campaigns today!