Google Ads Advice for Beginners – #3: Add Negative Keywords to Stop Waste & Get Results

How to Use Negative Keywords in Google Ads (Stop Wasting Budget) 

In a previous tutorial, we covered how to see what people are actually searching when they trigger your Google Ads. In this video, we go one step further and show you how to stop wasting money on irrelevant clicks using negative keywords. 

Step 1: Check Your Search Terms 

Start by going to the Keywords section in your Google Ads account. 

1. Click on any keyword. 
2. Then click on Search Terms to see what actual queries triggered your ad. 

You can also undo the filter to see all the search terms across your account. 

Make sure to look at data from All Time (not just the last 7 or 30 days), so you catch recurring issues. 

Step 2: Identify Irrelevant Terms 

You’ll likely notice a bunch of queries that have nothing to do with your business. 

Example from the video: 

• A keyword triggered the search term “double click” 
• That’s not relevant, but it cost $2 anyway 

When you spot something like this, it’s time to add it as a negative keyword. 

Step 3: Add Negative Keywords the Right Way 

Let’s say you want to block the term double click: 

✅ Add “double click” as a phrase match negative keyword 
❌ Don’t just add it as a broad match—because that can still allow variations (like “double click” with extra spaces) to sneak through. 

Using phrase match gives you a better block while still being specific. 

Step 4: Brainstorm and Block Unqualified Intent

Now let’s apply this to a real-world scenario. 

If you’re in lead generation, and you start seeing search terms like: 

• “apply for [your service]” 
• “resume for [your industry]” 
• “job openings for [your niche]” 

You know these people are job seekers, not potential customers. 

So you can proactively add negative keywords like: 

• apply 
• applying 
• application 
• resume 
• job openings 

Go on a short brainstorm session. Think about the intent behind irrelevant queries you’ve seen—and block those root words. 

Final Thoughts 

Negative keywords are one of the most powerful tools to improve your ROI. They: 

• Cut out wasted ad spend 
• Improve your CTR and Quality Score 
• Make sure you’re only paying for traffic that’s likely to convert 

If you’re not regularly updating your negative keywords list, you’re leaving money on the table—and letting unqualified clicks drain your budget.