Negative keywords are an important part of a good Google Ads campaign set up as well as an essential part of managing a Google Ads account.
So what are negative keywords?
Negative keywords are keywords that stop your ad from being triggered in Google. This helps you to stop getting clicks for search terms that are not relevant to your business.
An example of great negative keyword is “free.” Unless you are offering a free introductory offer, I am pretty sure you won’t want someone who is looking for a freebie calling you for help.
So it’s a good idea to add negative keywords to your campaign. The more you have the better. In a well run campaign, it is not uncommon to have hundreds if not thousands of negative keywords.
Here are a few negative keyword lists to get you started (emphasis on the word started):
Negative Keywords To Use in Almost Every Campaign
- free
- pro bono
- budget
- cheap (include if you are)
- diy
- second hand
- 2nd hand
- used
- dodgy
- scam
- scams
- review
- reviews
- scammy
- spammy
- ebay
- gum tree
- games (especially if you don’t sell them)
- apps (especially if you don’t have em)
- software (especially if you are not a software company)
- sex
- porn
- pornographic
- nude
- erection (I know I have seen it before)
- locations for areas you don’t service
Education Related Keywords
Tip: use if you are not providing Education related services
- learn
- lesson
- lessons
- class
- classes
- course
- courses
- degree
- degrees
- diploma
- diplomas
- certificate in
- institute
- school
- schools
- train
- training
- university
- universities
- college
- colleges
- education
- workshop
- workshops
- seminar
- seminars
Employment Related Keywords
Tip: Use if you are not a recruitment firm or advertising for jobs
- job
- jobs
- role
- roles
- position
- positions
- salary
- salaries
- wage
- wages
- earn
- employment
- employers
- career
- careers
- apprenticeship
- apprenticeships
- traineeship
- traineeships
- graduate
- entry level
- recruitment
- recruiters
- recruiting
- work
- occupation
- occupations
- cv
- cvs
- resume
- resumes
- work experience
- opportunities
Research Related Keywords
Tip: Use if you are on a tight budget.
- rating
- ratings
- review
- reviews
- how to
- how do I
- what size
- why
- what dimensions
- photo
- photos
- picture
- pictures
- pics
- trends
- tip
- tips
- info
- information
- example
- examples of
- idea
- ideas
- book
- books
- handbook
- handbooks
- template
- templates
- statistics
- wiki
- news
- forums
Remember, these lists are far from exhaustive. It really pays to check your search terms report in Google Ads account at least weekly. You should add negative keywords to your campaign or ad group regularly as this will help you avoid wasting money on keywords that are not relevant for your business.
Have I missed any other major keywords out? Feel free to comment and add in any keywords you think should be an essential part of this list?