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Search terms
The weekly check that stops wasted clicks
Every account has leaks — searches that cost money but never bring a call. A weekly 20-minute review of search terms is one of the easiest ways to save budget.
Published Aug 04, 2026 · 5 minute read
Key takeaways
- Check the search terms report every week.
- Block jobs, DIY, parts and out-of-area searches.
- Look for patterns, not single searches.
Open the search terms report
This shows what people actually typed before clicking your ad. It is often surprising — and it is where most wasted money hides.
What to block
Add these as negative keywords when they show up:
- Jobs, hiring, salary, apprentice
- How to, DIY, video, tutorial
- Parts, supplies, wholesale
- Towns and areas you don't serve
- Services you don't offer
Be careful with broad blocks
Blocking a word like 'cheap' may remove some good searches too. Look at the pattern over a few weeks before blocking common words.
FAQ
How much budget do wasted clicks usually cost?
In accounts we review, it is common to find 15–30% of spend going to poor searches.
Can I block searches before they happen?
Yes. Start every new campaign with a basic negative keyword list.