Navigating Negative Keywords: How to Prevent Wasted Ad Spend on Amazon PPC

Introduction

Running successful Amazon PPC campaigns requires more than just setting up keywords; it demands a strategic approach to ensure your ad spend is utilized efficiently.
Most sellers ignore the implementation of negative keywords in their listings, which ends up costing them time, money, and energy in the long run.
Through this post, we’ll look into all there is to know about negative keywords and how they can save you from wasting your precious ad spend on irrelevant clicks.

Understanding Negative Keywords

Negative keywords are search terms that you deliberately exclude from your listings to avoid getting clicks that won’t convert. While conventional keywords help your ads appear in relevant searches, negative keywords prevent your ads from showing up in irrelevant searches.
This proactive approach ensures that you’re not spending money on clicks that will not translate into sales.

The Power of Relevance

Relevance is at the heart of any successful Amazon PPC campaign. By using negative keywords, you’re refining your targeting to reach the most relevant audience, ultimately leading to boosted conversion rates.
Let’s learn how to smartly use negative keywords in a listing:

1. Analyze Search Terms Report

Regularly reviewing your search terms report is essential for identifying irrelevant keywords that trigger your ads. Look for keywords that generate clicks but don’t result in conversions.
These are prime candidates for negative keywords. For instance, if you’re selling premium skincare products and notice clicks from users searching for “cheap skincare,” then adding “cheap” as a negative keyword can prevent wasteful spending.

2. Leverage Broad and Phrase Match Negatives

Amazon offers 2 types of negative keyword match types: exact and phrase.
Phrase match negatives prevent your ads from showing up for any search containing the specified term, while exact match negatives restrict your ads from appearing when the exact term is present.
Utilizing both types can provide comprehensive coverage against irrelevant searches.

3. Be Specific

Instead of using overly general terms like “free” or “cheap,” opt for terms directly related to what you’re selling.
For instance, if you’re selling high-quality headphones, consider using negative keywords like “used headphones” or “low-quality headphones” to avoid attracting the wrong audience.

4. Monitor and Refine

Amazon PPC campaigns are dynamic and require constant monitoring. Regularly assess your campaign performance and adjust negative keywords as needed. New trends, product launches, or shifts in consumer behavior may call for updates to your negative keyword list.

Final Word

When it comes to Amazon PPC advertising, the importance of negative keywords cannot be overstated. They serve as a shield, protecting your ad spend from being squandered on clicks that won’t contribute to your bottom line.
So make sure you are consistently using them in the right way for your e-commerce store.