Are you running a Google Ads campaign, receiving tons of clicks, but still seeing zero conversions? You’re not alone. In fact, this is one of the most common frustrations advertisers face, especially in the early stages of a campaign. In this article, we’ll explore why this happens and what you can do to fix it with a real-life scenario.
A Real Query: 10,000 Keywords and Zero Conversions
Recently, someone reached out with this concern:
“Hi Ali, we have a service website relevant to thousands of keywords. We started a campaign with broad match and over 10,000 keywords, CTR is around 10%, over 50 clicks, but zero conversions. We’re using maximize clicks with a $20 daily budget. Is this normal or should we be concerned?”
Let’s break this down and answer it piece by piece.
1. Too Many Keywords = Poor Intent Matching
Having 10,000 broad match keywords is a major red flag, especially when using a single landing page. Here’s why:
- Each keyword has a unique intent.
- A single landing page cannot satisfy the search intent of 10,000 different phrases.
- You risk confusing or losing your audience because their expectations aren’t met.
Fix:
- Start with 20-50 highly relevant keywords.
- Use phrase match or exact match to better control traffic relevance.
2. Landing Page Experience Matters (A Lot)
Clicks mean interest, but conversions depend on experience. If your landing page isn’t aligned with what users expect, they’ll bounce.
Checklist for an Effective Landing Page:
- Clear headline with offer/value
- Trust signals (testimonials, reviews, badges)
- Visible CTA (call-to-action) above the fold
- Fast loading speed
- Mobile-optimized layout
- Heatmaps and session tracking for behavior insights
Examples: A landing page with a clear form, human face, testimonials, countdown timer, and trust badges typically performs better than a generic template.
3. Campaign Type & Budget Strategy
Using Maximize Clicks on a $20 daily budget isn’t the best approach for conversion-focused goals.
Fix:
- Start with Maximize Conversions (once you have some conversion data).
- Increase budget initially to gather enough data faster, then scale back after optimization.
4. Missing Web Analytics = No Insights
You can’t improve what you don’t measure. If you’re not tracking:
- Bounce rate
- Average session duration
- Click heatmaps
- Scroll depth
…you’re flying blind.
Tools to Use:
- Google Analytics 4
- Microsoft Clarity or Hotjar for heatmaps
5. Negative Keywords Are a Must
With broad match keywords, your ad might be showing for irrelevant queries.
Fix:
- Regularly review your Search Terms Report.
- Add unrelated or low-performing terms to your negative keyword list.
6. Optimize by Device, Location & Schedule
Your campaign might be:
- Serving ads during low-conversion hours
- Showing to irrelevant geos
- Wasting budget on poor-performing devices
Fix:
- Review Ad Schedule, Device Report, and Location Report in Google Ads.
- Run city-based campaigns for better targeting.
7. Competitor Analysis is Crucial
Ask yourself:
- Who else is bidding on my keywords?
- What do their landing pages and offers look like?
- How are they different?
Use tools like:
- Google Search (manual check)
- SEMrush or SpyFu
Conclusion: Is It Normal to Get Clicks and No Conversions?
Yes, it’s common in the beginning. But it becomes a problem if your setup is flawed. With the right strategy, data tracking, and continuous optimization, you can turn clicks into real conversions.
Take Action Now:
- Audit your keywords
- Rebuild your landing page
- Monitor analytics closely
- Improve targeting and scheduling
For more expert tips and real case studies, stay connected with AliRaza.co, your go-to source for PPC and Google Ads strategy in 2025 and beyond.