How Many Keywords Should I Start With When Setting Up a Google Ads Campaign?

Short Answer: When you start setting up a Google Ads campaign, it’s best to begin with one to three keywords. Starting with just one keyword as a phrase match can be an effective approach to keep things focused and manageable.

Full Explanation

Choosing the right number of keywords at the beginning of a Google Ads campaign is crucial for performance and analysis. Starting with just a few keywords helps you maintain better control and focus over your ads. This approach allows you to concentrate your budget and optimize your campaign more effectively. Using one to three keywords initially ensures your campaign targets relevant search queries without spreading your resources too thin.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Start with one keyword: Begin your campaign with just a single keyword to test the waters and understand how your audience responds.
Use phrase match: Selecting the keyword as a phrase match helps you target specific search queries that include your chosen keyword phrase, increasing relevancy.
Add up to three keywords: Once you observe the performance of your initial keyword, you can expand gently by adding up to two more keywords to diversify your reach without losing focus.

Real Examples

Imagine you are launching a product or service and want to maximize your ad spend’s impact. Instead of juggling many keywords from the start, focusing on a singular phrase match keyword helps you track clicks, conversions, and other metrics accurately. This example highlights why starting small can be advantageous when gathering data in early campaign stages.

Common Mistakes

Starting with too many keywords: Adding numerous keywords at the outset can spread your budget thin and make it hard to pinpoint what works.
Avoiding phrase match initially: Not using phrase match can result in ads showing for irrelevant searches, reducing the efficiency of your campaign.
Ignoring gradual expansion: Failing to slowly add keywords after initial testing can limit your campaign’s growth and optimization possibilities.

FAQs

Why start with just one keyword? Starting with one makes it easier to monitor performance and optimize accordingly.
What is phrase match? Phrase match targets search queries containing the exact phrase, allowing more precise targeting than broad match.
Can I add more keywords later? Yes, starting with a small number allows you to gather useful data before expanding.

Key Takeaways

Begin your Google Ads campaign with one to three keywords for better focus and control.
Using one keyword as a phrase match is a strong starting strategy.
Gradually add keywords after analyzing initial campaign results.
A focused approach helps optimize budget and improve campaign effectiveness.