What Is Negative Keywords? Meaning, Formula and Examples
Negative Keywords explained in plain English: what it means, why it matters, how to calculate or apply it, a worked example and common mistakes.
Negative Keywords: Terms that prevent ads showing for irrelevant searches. They reduce waste.
What Negative Keywords means
Terms that prevent ads showing for irrelevant searches.
Why it matters
They reduce waste. Used alongside other metrics, it helps teams make better budget and strategy decisions.
How to calculate or apply it
Added at campaign or ad group level
Worked example
Adding 'jobs' for a service business.
Common mistake to avoid
Blocking relevant searches.
Related terms
ROAS (Return on Ad Spend)
Revenue attributed to advertising divided by ad spend.
CAC (Customer Acquisition Cost)
The average cost to acquire one new customer.
CTR (Click-Through Rate)
The percentage of impressions that lead to clicks.
CPC (Cost Per Click)
The average amount paid for each click.
Need help putting this into practice? Gravmo offers Google ads management. Get a proposal or message us on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
Is Negative Keywords the same for every business?
No. Good values depend on your industry, margins, goals and data quality. Compare against your own history first.
Where can I see Negative Keywords?
Most values come from analytics, ad platforms, marketplace dashboards or your own sales records, depending on the metric.
Written and reviewed by Gravmo's marketing team. Read our editorial policy.
Related articles
What Is A/B Testing? Meaning, Formula and Examples
A/B Testing explained in plain English: what it means, why it matters, how to calculate or apply it, a worked example and common mistakes.
What Is Statistical Significance? Meaning, Formula and Examples
Statistical Significance explained in plain English: what it means, why it matters, how to calculate or apply it, a worked example and common mistakes.
What Is Engagement Rate (Influencer)? Meaning, Formula and Examples
Engagement Rate (Influencer) explained in plain English: what it means, why it matters, how to calculate or apply it, a worked example and common mistakes.
What Is Earned Media Value? Meaning, Formula and Examples
Earned Media Value explained in plain English: what it means, why it matters, how to calculate or apply it, a worked example and common mistakes.
Ready to grow with Gravmo?
Tell us about your business and goals. We will review your current marketing and suggest a practical plan, with no obligation.