Guides

Short, sourced guides on the Google Ads search terms report and negative keywords. Written by Abhishek Pal.

• Negative keywords not working? The checks, in order Check negative match types, campaign scope, list attachments, variants and reporting dates before deciding a Google Ads exclusion has failed.
• What a search-terms review finds: a worked example A fictional lamp store's search-terms review: flagged spend, suggested negatives, watchlist decisions and the file to check before adding exclusions.
• Search terms missing from your Google Ads report: what is hidden and why Understand missing search terms, privacy limits and reporting gaps. Learn what a CSV review can recover, plus Performance Max and AI Max reporting checks.
• How to export the Google Ads search terms report (2026) Export Google Ads search terms as CSV. Set the last 30 days, keep review columns, separate Performance Max, and check spend before excluding terms.
• How many negative keywords per month: a review routine, not a quota Build a monthly search-terms review without a keyword quota. Protect converting, brand and live keyword traffic, and keep uncertain terms on a watchlist.
• Negative keyword match types explained, with examples Learn negative broad, phrase, and exact match with examples. Review close variants, shared lists, Performance Max, and mistakes that can block searches.
• Negative keyword tools compared: free generators, suites, and a reviewed report Compare free negative keyword generators, account tools and a $39 report by price, input, output and review workflow. Choose what your account needs.
• Starter negative keywords by industry, with the exceptions Review starter negatives for plumbers, dentists and ecommerce. Each intent group includes exceptions so you can avoid blocking customers you serve.