What happens if I add a keyword to the campaign level?

Adding a keyword at the campaign level means that the keyword will not be visible within the campaign itself but will appear at the overall account level. Typically, campaign-level keywords are used for locations such as cities, and you can also add negative keywords here to control where your ads do not show.

Full Explanation

When you add a keyword to the campaign level, it behaves differently than if added at the ad group level. Instead of showing as an active keyword within the specific campaign, it is organized at the account level. The main purpose of adding keywords at this level is often to manage geographical targets, like cities.

For example, if you have a campaign set for Anaheim but want to prevent your ads from showing for searches in Dana Point, you’d add Dana Point as a negative keyword at the campaign level. This helps refine where your ads appear and ensures more precise targeting.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Add the keyword at the campaign level instead of the ad group level.
2. Understand that this keyword won’t appear directly within the campaign’s keyword list, but rather at the broader account level.
3. Use campaign-level keywords primarily to include locations such as cities.
4. Apply negative keywords at the campaign level to exclude certain locations from triggering your ads.

Real Examples

Imagine managing a campaign that targets Anaheim. If you do not wish for your ads to display in Dana Point, adding “Dana Point” as a negative keyword at the campaign level will ensure that your ads do not show there. This helps concentrate your ad spend on relevant locations and prevents wasted impressions.

Common Mistakes

• Expecting keywords added at the campaign level to be visible within the campaign keyword list directly.
• Not using campaign-level negative keywords to exclude unwanted cities or locations, which can waste ad budget.
• Confusing the function of campaign-level keywords with ad group keywords regarding where they appear and their impact.

FAQs

Q: Will a campaign-level keyword show in my campaign report?
A: No, campaign-level keywords do not show inside the campaign keywords but are visible at the account level.

Q: Can I add negative keywords at the campaign level?
A: Yes, adding negative keywords at the campaign level is a common method to exclude specific locations or other undesired search terms.

Key Takeaways

• Keywords added at the campaign level do not show on the campaign itself but appear at the account level.
• Campaign-level keywords are generally used for targeting locations like cities.
• Negative keywords at the campaign level help exclude locations or terms you don’t want your ads to trigger for.