The Most Common Google Ads Errors

Conquering the Errors: A Field Guide to Common Google Ads Mishaps

The world of Google Ads can be a treasure trove of opportunity, but even the most seasoned campaigners occasionally stumble upon pesky errors. Fear not, intrepid advertisers! This field guide sheds light on some of the most common Google Ads errors you might encounter, along with solutions to get you back on track.

Campaign Creation Errors:

• “Could not find the entity”: This cryptic error often boils down to typos in entity IDs (campaigns, ad groups, keywords), accessing entities you don’t have permission for, or targeting options incompatible with the entity. Double-check IDs, review permissions, and ensure your targeting settings align with the chosen entity.
• “Billing setup required”: You haven’t set up a valid payment method! Head to your “Billing” settings, choose your preferred payment option, and enter your details. Remember, no payment, no advertising!
• “Campaign name already in use”: Originality is key! Choose a unique name for your campaign, one that doesn’t clash with existing names. Consider adding a date or descriptive keywords to avoid duplicates.

Targeting & Bidding Errors:

• “Targeting error: targeting expression is invalid”: Your targeting settings might be conflicting or incomplete. Review your location exclusions, audience choices, and device targeting options to ensure everything aligns and forms a valid targeting configuration.
• “Bid too low”: Google Ads might prevent setting extremely low bids to protect advertisers from accidentally spending too little. Consider raising your bid slightly or adjusting your budget if you encounter this error.
• “Daily budget exceeded”: Your campaign is spending faster than your daily budget allows! Adjust your budget settings or consider changing to a different bidding strategy for more flexible spending control.

Ad & Keyword Errors:

• “Disapproved ad”: Your ad hasn’t passed Google Ads’ review process, potentially due to violating content policies or triggering automated disapprovals. Review the specific reason for disapproval in your dashboard and revise your ad copy accordingly.
• “Keyword not eligible”: Not all keywords are created equal! Some keywords might be ineligible for various reasons, like trademark restrictions or inappropriate content. Choose alternative keywords relevant to your campaign goals and ensure they comply with Google Ads policies.
• “Keyword too broad”: Broad keywords can lead to irrelevant clicks and wasted budget. Refine your keyword choices to target specific searches more effectively and maximize your clicks’ value.

Pro Tips for Error-Free Adventures:

• Proofread thoroughly: Typos can wreak havoc! Double-check all IDs, keywords, and ad copy before launching your campaign.
• Familiarize yourself with Google Ads policies: Knowing the rules is half the battle. Check Google Ads’ help center for detailed information on prohibited content and targeting restrictions.
• Don’t panic, troubleshoot!: Most errors have straightforward solutions. Analyze the error message carefully, review your settings, and consult Google Ads support if needed.

Remember, encountering errors is a natural part of the Google Ads journey. By understanding these common mishaps and knowing how to fix them, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the campaign creation process with confidence and conquer any error that stands in your way. So, keep calm, keep testing, and keep learning, and your Google Ads endeavors will soon be sailing in smooth waters!

J

I assist individuals and businesses with their PPC marketing, specifically Google Ads. With a background spanning 10 years in the marketing industry, I’ve spent far too much time on testing new ways to do things.