Top 10 Google Ads Mistakes Beginners Make (2025 Guide)

Top 10 Google Ads Mistakes Beginners Make (and How to Fix Them)

If you’re doing it correctly, using Google Ads can revolutionise your company. It’s simple for beginners to fall into a few common pitfalls that ultimately deplete your cash without producing the desired outcomes. For that reason, we have compiled this list of the top 10 Google Ads mistakes that most beginners advertisers make, along with solutions.

These issues, which range from using broad match keywords that target the wrong audience to neglecting the daily budget, can significantly increase your marketing spend. You’ll also learn why ignoring negative keywords, writing dull ad copy, and sending people to a slow or confusing landing page can hurt your performance more than you think.

We also discuss the small things people often overlook — like not using ad extensions, targeting far too many locations, or forgetting how important mobile users are. And let’s not forget the biggest one: running the same ad for months without testing anything new.

If you’re serious about getting real results from Google Ads, common mistakes to avoid in google ads and make smarter decisions. Let’s help your ads work harder—and smarter—for you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Google Ads are:

1. Using Broad Match Keywords Without Control

The mistake:
You want your ads to reach a wide audience, so you choose broad match keywords. But that means Google might show your ad for searches that aren’t even close to what you offer. For example, if you’re selling “red shoes,” your ad could show for “red paint” or “red apples.” That’s wasted money. This is the first Google ads mistakes to avoid.

The fix:
Use phrase match or exact match instead. These match types are more targeted, showing your ad only when users search terms closely related to your product. Additionally, add unrelated keywords as negative keywords and review your search terms report often.

2. Not Setting a Daily Budget

The mistake:
It’s easy to overlook setting a daily limit — until you get a shockingly high bill. Without a daily budget, Google can spend more than you expect, especially if your ads start gaining traction.

The fix:
Start small. Set a comfortable daily budget, track how your ads perform, and adjust gradually. You want your ad spend to be a strategic investment, not a guessing game.

3. Ignoring Negative Keywords

The mistake:
Many new advertisers skip adding negative keywords, thinking they’re not essential. But without them, your ads could show for totally irrelevant searches, burning through your budget quickly.

The fix:
Include negative keywords to exclude the incorrect audience. For example, if you sell high-end watches, you might want to block words like “cheap” or “free.” This ensures your ads reach people who are actually looking for what you offer.

4. Weak or Boring Ad Copy

The mistake:
You’ve set everything up — but your ad isn’t getting clicks. Why? Because your copy isn’t grabbing attention. It doesn’t clearly show why someone should care. If you’re a media buyer, it’s really important to know the common mistakes to avoid in Google Ads so you can get better results and make the most of your budget.

The fix:
Write strong, benefit-focused ad copy. Make use of language that directly addresses the demands of your audience. Add a compelling CTA (like “Shop Now,” “Get a Free Quote,” or “Limited Offer”). Make sure that the advertisement content aligns with the keywords’ objectives.

5. Not Using Ad Extensions

The mistake:
Ad extensions are often ignored, especially by beginners. But skipping them means you’re missing out on valuable real estate on the search results page.

The fix:
Use sitelinks, callouts, phone numbers, or structured snippets — anything that gives extra info and encourages clicks. Ad extensions make your ad more visible and more useful to the person searching.

6. Sending Users to a Poor Landing Page

The mistake:
Your ad worked. Someone clicked. But the landing page they arrive on is slow, messy, or doesn’t match the ad — so they bounce.

The fix:
Make sure your landing page is clear, fast, and directly related to the ad they clicked. It should have relevant content, a strong headline, and a call-to-action. Keep it simple and mobile-friendly.

7. Not Tracking Conversions

The mistake:
You’re getting clicks, but you don’t know if those clicks are turning into actual leads or sales. This is similar to firing in the dark.

The fix:
Establish an account with Google Ads and establish conversion monitoring. Whether it’s purchases, form submissions, or phone calls — you need to know what’s working and what isn’t. This data helps you optimize smarter.

8. Targeting Too Many Locations

The mistake:
You think more is better to ignore google ads mistakes, so you target all of India — or worse, the entire world. But your audience may be local or region-specific, and you’re wasting money on the wrong people.

The fix:
Be specific with your location targeting. Focus on cities or areas where your potential customers actually are. This increases the relevance of your adverts and optimises your spending.

9. Forgetting to Optimize for Mobile

The mistake:
Most people use their phones to search these days. If your ad or website looks bad on mobile, they’ll leave in seconds.

The fix:
Preview your ads on mobile, and test your website across devices. Make sure it loads fast, looks clean, and is easy to navigate on small screens. A mobile-friendly experience = more conversions.

10. Not Testing or Updating Your Ads

The mistake:
You run one version of your ad and forget about it this is one of the common mistakes to avoid in google ads. Meanwhile, your competitors are constantly testing and improving theirs.

The fix:
Create at least two to three versions of each ad. Try different headlines, CTAs, and descriptions. Let them run, then see which performs best. Update regularly so your ads stay fresh and effective.