Google Ads, Finding the right keyword
When it comes to Google Ads, using broad, generic keywords can be a costly mistake—especially if you’re in a niche industry. For example, let’s say your ad agency picks a pay-per-click keyword like “axles.” At first glance, this seems like a great choice. After all, the term has high search volume. But here’s the problem: “axles” refers to car axles, trailer axles, or any number of other axle types.
Bad Google Ad Keywords are an Expensive Mistake
If you’re selling trailer axles specifically, you’re now paying $10 per click for anyone searching for “axles”—including people looking for car parts. With a $4,000 budget, you could get 200 clicks, but if none of them are relevant to your business, you’re throwing money away. The return on that spend? Minimal.
What’s a better google ad keyword strategy?
So, what’s the solution? Rather than targeting a broad, high-volume keyword like “axles,” focus on exact match keywords that are more specific to your product and audience. Think along the lines of “trailer axle”, “trailer axle for sale”, “trailer parts store”, or even “trailer parts store near me.” These long-tail keywords might have lower search volumes, but they target users who are much more likely to convert—because they know exactly what they’re looking for.
Using specific, relevant keywords also helps filter out random clicks, saving your budget for high-intent traffic. Additionally, don’t forget about negative keywords—terms you can exclude to prevent your ads from showing up for irrelevant searches.
It’s not just about the number of clicks—it’s about the quality of those clicks. While 200 clicks might look impressive on a report, if they’re not from people actually interested in your product, they’re not doing your business any favors. When you focus on the right keywords, you’re investing your budget in the traffic that truly matters.
Trust is Key
Work with an ad agency you trust, someone who’s more invested in strategy than artificially bloated numbers. If you’re not sure, ask for a list of keywords you’re bidding on. Easy to spot.
Questions? Contact us to get started.
