Why You Shouldn’t Search for Your Own Google Ads
Many Google Ads clients wonder why their ads don’t appear when they search for their keywords. Initially, this might seem like a straightforward way to assess performance, but it can lead to misunderstandings. Here’s why searching for your own ads is counterproductive and what you can do instead.
1. It Lowers Your Click-Through Rate (CTR)
When your ad is displayed but not clicked, it reduces your CTR. A low CTR indicates to Google that your ads may not be relevant or of high quality, affecting your ad’s visibility and increasing your cost per lead.
2. You Waste Clicks
Clicking on your own ad to avoid lowering CTR isn’t a solution. It costs you money and deprives potential customers of those clicks, especially critical for businesses with limited budgets.
Why Aren’t My Ads Showing on Google?
If you’ve searched for your ads and not found them, several factors could be at play.
1. Your Target Audience
Google personalizes search results based on various factors like location, browsing history, and device. If you’re not part of your target audience, Google may not display your ads to you.
2. Lack of Interest
Google prioritizes showing relevant content. If your ad isn’t clicked despite being displayed to you multiple times, Google may stop showing it to you.
3. Limited Budget
Campaigns labeled as “Limited by budget” may not reach their full potential due to high search volume, competition, or low keyword bids.
How Can I Check on My Ad Placement Without Hurting My Performance?
Use Google’s Ad Preview and Diagnosis Tool instead of searching for your ads. This tool allows you to see how your ads will appear to users without impacting your ad performance. Here’s how to access it:
- Log into your Google Ads account.
- Navigate to Tools and Settings > Planning > Ad Preview and Diagnosis Tool.
- Enter your keywords and specify search parameters like location, language, and device to see how your ads will display.
By using this tool, you can assess your ad’s visibility accurately and make informed optimizations without negatively affecting your campaign’s performance.
