[afox716]

Hi everyone,

I’ve been working on PPC campaigns recently, and one thing I’ve noticed is how quickly a budget can disappear when the wrong keywords are being targeted.

Start With Relevant Keywords​

I think it’s better to focus on keywords that closely match your actual product or service instead of simply choosing terms with high search volume.

A keyword might get thousands of searches, but if most of those people aren’t interested in buying, you could end up paying for a lot of useless clicks.

Pay Attention to Search Intent​

Search intent is another thing I try to consider before adding a keyword.

For example, someone searching for “what is PPC advertising” may only be looking for information, while someone searching for “PPC agency for small business” could be much closer to becoming a customer.

Understanding the reason behind the search can help you choose better keywords.

Use Negative Keywords​

Negative keywords are really useful for avoiding irrelevant traffic.

Depending on the business, searches containing words like “free,” “jobs,” “training,” or “course” might not be useful. Adding them as negative keywords can help prevent ads from showing for searches that aren't relevant to your offer.

Check Your Search Terms Regularly​

I also think keyword research shouldn't stop after launching the campaign.

Checking the actual search terms that triggered your ads can reveal both useful new keywords and irrelevant searches.

If I notice a search term repeatedly spending money without bringing useful traffic, I’d rather exclude it than keep paying for the same mistake.

Don’t Focus Only on Search Volume​

High search volume can look attractive, but it doesn't always mean better results.

A more specific keyword with lower search volume can sometimes bring better-quality visitors because it matches the customer's needs more closely.

For me, relevance and intent are more important than simply chasing popular keywords.

Final Thoughts​

PPC can become expensive when keyword targeting isn't monitored properly. Starting with relevant keywords, understanding search intent, using negative keywords, and regularly checking search terms can help reduce wasted clicks.

I’d love to hear from others who are running PPC campaigns.

How do you normally choose your PPC keywords, and what methods have worked best for you to avoid irrelevant clicks and wasted budget?

 

[Carolineadams]

Negative keywords have made a big difference in my campaigns. They help remove a lot of searches that look relevant at first but aren't actually useful.