Saphiretech Logo
Back to Blogs

10 Common Google Ads Mistakes That Waste Your Budget (and How to Fix Them)

December 31, 2025
Saphiretech Team
10-common-google-ads-mistakes

Google Ads can be one of the best tools for online growth — but it’s also easy to lose money fast if campaigns aren’t set up correctly. At SapphireTech, we’ve audited hundreds of ad accounts and found the same mistakes over and over. Here’s how to avoid them and start running profitable ads today.


Mistakes & Fixes

Mistake #1: Targeting Too Broadly

Many advertisers target entire countries instead of local audiences.

💡 Fix:

Focus your ads by city, ZIP code, or region. You’ll spend less and get better leads.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Negative Keywords

If you’re not using negative keywords, your ads show for irrelevant searches.

💡 Fix:

Add terms like “free,” “jobs,” “DIY” to your negative keyword list to filter out low-intent clicks.

Mistake #3: Weak Ad Copy

Generic ads don’t convert.

💡 Fix:

Highlight benefits, use emotional triggers, and include a clear call-to-action. At SapphireTech, our copywriters test multiple versions to find what converts best.

Mistake #4: Sending Traffic to the Homepage

Never send ad clicks to your homepage.

💡 Fix:

Build dedicated landing pages that match the ad’s message and intent.

Mistake #5: Not Tracking Conversions

Without conversion tracking, you can’t see which keywords work.

💡 Fix:

Set up Google Tag Manager or GA4 tracking to measure leads, calls, and form fills.

Mistake #6: Ignoring Mobile Optimization

Half of all clicks come from mobile devices.

💡 Fix:

Make sure your landing pages load fast and look great on phones.

Mistake #7: No A/B Testing

Running one ad version forever = wasted budget.

💡 Fix:

Always test at least two ad variations per ad group.

Mistake #8: Poor Ad Scheduling

If your ads run 24/7, you’re probably paying for unqualified clicks.

💡 Fix:

Use Google Ads reports to identify your best-performing hours — then focus spending there.

Mistake #9: Ignoring Quality Score

Quality Score affects cost per click (CPC).

💡 Fix:

Improve ad relevance, landing page experience, and click-through rates.

Mistake #10: Not Hiring an Expert

DIY ads might seem cheaper — until they aren’t.

💡 Fix:

Partner with a certified agency like SapphireTech. Our Google Ads specialists track every euro and fine-tune your campaigns for maximum ROI.

Why Businesses Choose SapphireTech

  • Certified Google Partners with years of experience
  • Transparent results — no fake metrics
  • Custom strategies for every business size
  • Dedicated account managers focused on ROI

When it comes to ad optimization, SapphireTech doesn’t just save you money — we make your ads work smarter.

Conclusion

Avoiding these mistakes can turn your campaigns from money-drainers into growth machines. Let SapphireTech audit your Google Ads account for free — and discover how to save up to 30% of your ad spend today.

Enjoyed this article?