10 Common Mistakes Beginners Make in Google Ads (and How to Avoid Them)

Introduction

Google Ads is one of the best ways to promote any business online.

It helps your product or service reach people who are already looking for what you offer.

But when someone starts using Google Ads for the first time, they often make small mistakes.
These small mistakes can waste money and stop the ad from giving good results.

If you are new to Google Ads, don’t worry
This blog will help you understand 10 common mistakes beginners make and how you can easily fix them.

Let’s get started!

⚠️ 1. No Clear Goal

Many people create ads without knowing what they really want to achieve.
They just make ads because others are doing it.

But Google Ads works best when you have a clear goal — like more website visits, more sales, or more calls.

✅ How to Avoid This:

• Think first: What do you want from this ad?

• If you want sales, choose the “Sales” campaign.

• If you want calls, choose the “Call” campaign.

• If you want visitors, go for “Website Traffic.”

Example: A bakery owner should create an ad for “cake orders” not just “bakery shop.”

2. Spending Wrong Amount of Money

Some beginners spend too much money on the first day.
Some spend so little that their ad doesn’t even reach people.

✅ How to Avoid This:

• Start with a small budget (₹300–₹500 daily).

• Watch which ad is working best.

• Increase your budget slowly on ads that give results.

Tip: Don’t spend more — spend smartly!

3. Choosing Wrong Keyword

Keywords are the words people type in Google search.

If you choose very common or wrong words, your ad may reach the wrong people.

✅ How to Avoid This:

• Use long-tail keywords (longer, more specifice
  Example: Instead of “shoes,” use “buy running shoes online.”

• Use negative keywords to stop wrong traffic.
  Example: Add “free” or “cheap” as negative keywords if you sell premium products.

Tip: Use Google Keyword Planner — it’s free and very helpful.

4. Targeting the Wrong Audience

Sometimes ads show in cities where you don’t sell or to people not interested in your product.
This wastes your ad money.

✅ How to Avoid This:

• Choose the right location and audience in settings.

• Use age, interest, and location filters.

• Check the “Audience” report every week.

Example: If your shop is in Lucknow, don’t run ads for all of India.

5. Ignoring Mobile Users

 

Most people use Google on their phones.
If your website or ad doesn’t look good on mobile, people will leave quickly.

✅ How to Avoid This:

• Always check how your ad looks on mobile.

• Make your website fast and mobile-friendly.

• Keep your ad text short and clear.

Tip: Over 70% of clicks come from mobile phones!

6. Not Using Negative Keywords

Negative keywords stop your ad from showing for searches that are not useful.
Without them, your ad may get clicks from people who don’t want to buy.

✅ How to Avoid This:

• Add words like “free,” “cheap,” or “used” as negative keywords.

• Keep updating this list every few days.

Example: If you sell new laptops, block “second-hand” or “old laptops.”

✍️ 7. Weak Ad Copy

Your ad text is the first thing people see.
If it is boring or confusing, they won’t click.

✅ How to Avoid This:

• Write clear and catchy lines.

• Use words that grab attention — like “Save,” “Offer,” or “Limited Time.”

• Always add a Call to Action (CTA) — like “Buy Now,” “Learn More,” or “Call Today.”

Example:
❌ “Shoes for sale.”
✅ “Buy Stylish Shoes – 30% Off Only Today!”

8. Sending Visitors to the Wrong Page

 

Many beginners send people to their homepage.
Visitors then get lost and leave without buying anything.

✅ How to Avoid This:

• Send them directly to a landing page related to your ad.

• Keep the page clean and easy to use.

• Add clear buttons like “Buy Now” or “Contact Us.”

Example: If your ad is about “digital marketing course,” send users to that course page — not your homepage.

9. Not Tracking Results

S

✅ How to Avoid This:

• Turn on conversion tracking in Google Ads.

• Track actions like:

  • Calls

  • Form fills

  • Purchases

  • Sign-ups

Example: If your ad gets clicks but no calls, change the ad or keywords.

10. Not Testing or Improving Ads

Running one ad forever is a bad idea.
You must test and improve regularly.

✅ How to Avoid This:

• Try A/B testing — make two ads and see which one performs better.

• Change headlines, keywords, or images to find what works.

• Keep improving every week.

Tip: Testing helps you save money and increase results over time.

Bonus Tip: Use AI Tools

Google Ads now has smart AI features that can help you improve your ads automatically.

✅ How to Use Them:

• Try Smart Bidding to let Google set bids for better conversions.

• Use Performance Max campaigns for multi-channel reach.

• Use tools like ChatGPT or Copy.ai for writing ad text ideas.

But remember: Always review what AI creates — you know your audience best!

Summary Table

Conclusion

Google Ads can bring amazing results if you use it correctly.
Most beginners make mistakes like using wrong keywords, not tracking ads, or not setting goals.

Now, you know how to fix them easily:
✅ Set a clear goal
✅ Use smart keywords
✅ Target the right people
✅ Track your ads
✅ Keep testing and improving