Google Ads is a powerful tool for driving traffic, leads, and sales. However, if not optimised correctly, it can drain your budget without delivering the expected results. Many businesses unknowingly overspend due to hidden settings that impact ad performance and ROI.
At Straight Up Digital, a leading SEO Gold Coast agency, we help businesses refine their Google Ads strategies to maximise efficiency and reduce wasted spend. In this blog, we’ll uncover the hidden Google Ads settings that might be costing you money—and how to fix them.
1. Default Broad Match Keywords
When setting up a Google Ads campaign, the platform automatically applies Broad Match to your keywords. This means your ads could be triggered for irrelevant searches, leading to wasted clicks.
How to Fix It:
- Use Phrase Match or Exact Match to ensure your ads appear only for relevant queries.
- Regularly check your Search Terms Report to identify and exclude irrelevant searches.
2. Automatic Placements in Display & Search Networks
By default, Google Ads enables Search Partners and Display Network, meaning your ads may appear on low-quality websites or irrelevant search partner sites. This can lead to high impressions but low conversions.
How to Fix It:
- Disable Search Partners and Display Network in your campaign settings.
- Focus on Google Search only for more targeted traffic.
3. Poorly Managed Location Targeting
Many businesses unknowingly run ads in locations where they don’t operate, leading to wasted ad spend. Google’s default setting targets people interested in your location, not just those physically present there.
How to Fix It:
- In campaign settings, choose ‘Presence: People in your targeted locations’ instead of including people who show interest in your location.
- Regularly review the Geographic Report to see where your clicks are coming from.
4. Not Using Negative Keywords
If you’re not using negative keywords, you might be paying for clicks from completely irrelevant searches. For example, a business targeting “SEO Gold Coast” might get clicks from searches like “free SEO tools,” leading to wasted ad spend.
How to Fix It:
- Identify and add negative keywords to block unwanted traffic.
- Use Google’s Search Terms Report to find irrelevant queries and exclude them.
5. Smart Campaigns with No Manual Control
Google often promotes Smart Campaigns, which rely on automated settings to run ads. While convenient, these campaigns lack control over keywords, bids, and placements, often leading to inefficient spending.
How to Fix It:
- Switch to Manual CPC or Enhanced CPC for better budget control.
- Use Google Ads Expert Mode to customise your campaign settings.
Final Thoughts
Google Ads can deliver excellent results, but only if properly optimised. By adjusting these hidden settings, you can reduce unnecessary spending and improve your campaign’s efficiency.
At Straight Up Digital, we help businesses refine their Google Ads and SEO Gold Coast strategies to ensure maximum ROI. If you’re unsure whether your ad spend is being used effectively, let our experts help!
Contact us today or visit Straight Up Digital to optimise your advertising strategy and stop wasting money!