Google Ads is a powerful tool for driving immediate local leads, but it is also incredibly easy to waste money if campaigns are set up incorrectly.
Mistake 1: Relying on Broad Match
Using broad match terms like 'plumbing' or 'lawyer' will display your ads for queries like 'free plumber training' or 'lawyer salaries'. Switch to phrase or exact match.
Mistake 2: Missing Negative Keywords
Add negative keywords such as 'jobs', 'salary', 'cheap', 'free', and competitor names to prevent irrelevant clicks.
Mistake 3: Homogenous Ad Destinations
Never send ad traffic to your homepage. Create tailored landing pages that match the specific keyword or service being advertised to increase conversions.