When running Google Ads campaigns, few things are as frustrating as seeing your ad budget drained by irrelevant placements. For advertisers, one common issue is when YouTube ads appear in search queries. While YouTube ads can work wonders in video campaigns, they don’t belong in your search efforts where user intent might differ drastically.
Want to stretch your ad dollars and boost your click-through rate? Here’s a pro tip: kick YouTube ads out of your search campaigns. This guide breaks down why they sneak in and how to block them like a boss.
Why Do YouTube Ads Appear in Search Queries?
By default, Google Ads allows your search campaigns to extend onto Display and YouTube placements unless specified otherwise. This means your ads may appear to users scrolling through YouTube, even though it’s not the intent-driven audience you’re targeting in search queries.
While YouTube offers an excellent channel to reach visual-first audiences, its value in search campaigns is limited. Most clicks in this context are unlikely to convert, as users exploring YouTube aren’t usually in a purchase-focused mindset. Furthermore, this placement may lead to inflated CPCs (cost-per-click), reducing your overall campaign efficiency.
Excluding YouTube Ads from Search Queries in Google Ads
Fortunately, excluding YouTube ads from your search campaigns can be handled in just a few clicks, ensuring your budget is spent on impactful placements.
1. Sign in to Google Ads
Log into your account and head to the campaign you wish to update. This process works best if you have your campaign placement data handy.
2. Navigate to ‘Placements
Under the campaign settings tab, locate “Placements.” This is where you’ll modify where your ads appear.
3. Exclude YouTube Domains
To specifically exclude YouTube placements, add certain YouTube domains to your exclusion list. This will prevent your ads from appearing on any videos or channels within those domains.
4. Save Your Changes
Confirm your exclusions and hit save. Your campaigns will now steer clear of YouTube placements.
This adjustment helps allocate your budget to high-intent queries and reduces impressions and clicks that are unlikely to yield conversions.
Why Third-Party Exclusion Lists Are a Game Changer
Beyond manually excluding YouTube domains, using curated third-party exclusion lists is an excellent practice for advertisers running multiple campaigns. These lists are often created by industry experts and include a comprehensive set of domains and apps that could potentially sap your budget without adding value.
The benefit? It streamlines the process of managing exclusions, saving you time while ensuring no irrelevant YouTube ad placements are left unaccounted for. Many digital marketing agencies and platforms regularly update their exclusion lists, keeping pace with trends in audience behavior and platform usage.
Maximize Your Ad Spend Efficiency
Pay-per-click advertising offers one of the most direct ways to engage audiences, but only if placements align with user intent. By excluding YouTube ads from your search queries, you can refine your campaigns and ensure every dollar you spend drives results. Use the guide above to implement these changes and consider third-party exclusion lists to elevate your strategy further.
It’s time to focus on where it counts. Exclude irrelevant placements, optimize your budget, and drive conversions that truly matter within your target audience.
