Keyword research is the foundation of a Google Ads campaign. With increasing competition, businesses need to be more strategic and innovative to outshine the market.
The latest Google Ads updates focus on relevance, user intent, and AI-driven search algorithms. It is widely acknowledged that the right and precise keyword targeting will significantly improve campaign performance. This trend is expected to continue and grow in 2025.
1. Use Google Keyword Planner
Google Keyword Planner is the best keyword-finding tool out there. You can find a high-converting keyword using keyword matching and keyword phrases. Use this to analyze cost and performance while comparing it based on search volume, competition, and CPC.
How to use it:
- Enter a keyword or website to get keyword ideas.
- Check search volume, competition, and cost-per-click (CPC).
- Use keyword-matching options like “Broaden your search” to find the best terms.
- Then, compare keywords to pick the ones that best fit your goals.
2. Competitive keyword analysis
Use tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, or SpyFu to see what keywords your competitors are bidding on.
One of the tips is to identify niche keywords that your competitors don’t have but have high potential for. These terms are lesser in competition but still have a higher search volume, which has a higher potential to convert.
Then, repurpose your best ads by looking at your ad copy and landing pages. See which keywords and phrases perform well so that you can reuse them to improve ads.
3. Focus on search intent, not search volume
Remember during your keyword research that not all high-volume keywords convert. Target commercial and transactional keywords.
In simple words, these words are used by people who are either researching products or services before making a purchase (commercial keywords) or are ready to buy and make a transaction (transactional keywords).
Examples of commercial keywords:
- Best protein powder for muscle gain
- Reviews of wireless headphones
- Cheapest gym memberships near me
- Top 10 home security systems
Examples of transactional keywords:
- Buy iPhone 16 online
- Buy laptop with free shipping
- Subscribe to Netflix
- Buy shoes with 50% discount
Also, make your keywords longer. Instead of setting your goal as “best laptop” (big volume but broad demand), set your goal as “best gaming laptop under $1000” (specific market, consumer demand).
Boost long-tail keywords, which generate 2.5x higher conversions than conventional keywords. By targeting these keywords, businesses are more likely to reach those who may convert into customers.
4. Use AI keyword research tools
AI-powered platforms like Google Performance Max, ChatGPT, and Clearscope can help identify emerging trends.
Here are some examples of how they are done:
Google Performance Max automatically tests various keyword options and ad placements across Google platforms: Search, YouTube, Display, and more. It helps to find high-performing keywords, in real-time, that maximize conversions without needing manual adjustments.
ChatGPT facilitates brainstorming with keyword ideas, including long-tail and conversational queries, based on search intent. It provides unique keyword variations and insights that competitors might miss, improving ad targeting.
Clearscope analyzes top-ranking content and suggests relevant keywords to improve ad and website optimization. It helps refine keyword strategy by focusing on high-impact terms that drive better engagement and ROI.
Smart Bidding is powered by Google’s AI and machine learning to adjust keyword bids automatically based on user intent, competition, and historical performance. It increases ROI by ensuring you spend more on high-converting searches and less on low-performing ones.
5. Optimize using Negative Keywords
Add your own negative keywords list. This means that your ads will not show up when people search for “cheap luxury watches” or “affordable luxury watches” when you are selling luxury watches.
This way, you will stop wasting your ad spend by removing all irrelevant traffic from your site.
For example, instead of using “cheap” or “affordable” for your luxury watches, use “luxury watches,” “premium watches,” or “high-end watches.”
To add more, you have to review the search term report regularly for refinements.
6. Use a Keyword related to the Voice Search Query
To increase voice searches, you will be using keyword variations of the query.
By 2025, voice search will be 50% of all searches.
Target native language phrases, such as “Where can I buy shoes near me?”
Use query-related keywords to match user preferences, like “How to find keywords for Google Ads.”
Final Words
In 2025, finding the best keywords for Google Ads will be all about smart research, AI help, and ongoing adjustments. Instead of just focusing on popular keywords, businesses should go for keywords that match what people are really thinking, with AI to guide them.
By using these advanced methods, you can improve your campaigns, cut down on unnecessary spending, and get better results.
