Effective ad targeting uses a structured four-stage system. This approach involves keyword research, testing and harvesting, performance analysis, and categorization based on relevance and conversion rates. The system requires regular maintenance to remain effective.
๐ Our Ad targeting is effective for a reason:
We use a structured system
๐ช It not only helps to maximize reach, but also the impact,
through better engagement and ROI.
Over the years, a system like this has been instrumental in our accounts' Ad success, and a key contributor in the case studies and wins I keep sharing. I call this a flow.
โก๏ธ At a high level, it involves 4 stages:
โค Stage 1 - Keywords (KW) research
At this stage, there is initial judgment on KW relevancy, assuming no prior data. These are KWs likely to perform well.
โค Stage 2 - Testing & Harvesting
This can be split into:
2.a - Testing
the initial list of KWs deemed relevant but unsure of the conversion, targeting with Exact match
2.b - Harvesting
There could be various diff. search expressions, not fully captured in the initial KW research.
The harvesting KWs are a mix of diff. terms, targeted via broad (preferably broad modifier) & phrase match.
โค Stage 3 - Analysis
Analyzing KW performance to determine effectiveness.
โค Stage 4 - KWs categorization based on performance analysis
KWs with enough data can be moved into the following macro lists:
4.a. High relevance & high conversion (CVR)
โช๏ธ These are the specific & long-tail KWs with high CVR
โช๏ธ Worth ranking for with high spend, for sales growth
โช๏ธ Must set up small KW list campaigns (up to 5 KWs), with placement adjustments
โช๏ธ Worth including them in the listing search terms for organic push
4.b High relevance and low CVR
โช๏ธ Specific & long-tail KWs, but have low CVR
โช๏ธ Could still be worth ranking for with lower spend allocation and bid
โช๏ธ Useful to analyze why if listing not converting for these and look to make changes
โช๏ธ Small KW list campaigns (up to 5 KWs) with placement adjustments
โช๏ธ Worthwhile including in the listing search terms
4.c Generic KWs
These are less specific KWs
4.d Less relevant or somewhat related KWs
For General and less relevant KWs,
โช๏ธ It's worth setting up separate campaigns with less competitive bids. They usually have a higher search volume and help get more traffic & sales.
โช๏ธ For bigger KW list, splitting into 10-15 KWs, in separate campaigns, is effective; split based on relevancy & CVR.
โช๏ธ They're also useful for upper-funnel strategies like awareness.
4.e Not relevant KWs
โช๏ธ These are often bleeding keywords causing wasted spend.
โช๏ธ Mainly an exclusion list; negative KWs.
โ๏ธexcept for some KWs still getting sales. Those can be moved into less relevant lists but excl. from other campaigns.
๐ The Flow
Though this system requires a one-time setup for a product, it needs to be maintained regularly to stay effective, with a constant flow:
โ๏ธ Continuous KW research & testing
โ๏ธ Regular analysis of harvesting campaigns and adding new KWs into the respective lists
โ๏ธ Moving low data keywords -> testing -> appropriate list
โ๏ธ Moving irrelevant and not converting KWs into separate campaigns with low bid and excl. from all other broad and phrase campaigns.