Why Your Google Ads Aren't Working (And How to Actually Fix Them)

Why Your Google Ads Aren't Working

(And How to Actually Fix Them)

You've set up Google Ads, funded your campaign, and waited. But instead of a flood of leads, you're watching money drain out of your budget with little to show for it. You're not alone — it's one of the most common frustrations we hear from business owners across Seattle, Tacoma, Pierce County, and beyond.

The truth is, Google Ads is one of the most powerful advertising platforms on the planet. But it's also one of the easiest to get wrong. A few small mistakes in setup or strategy can mean the difference between a campaign that pays for itself ten times over and one that quietly burns through your budget.

In this post, we're breaking down the real reasons Google Ads campaigns underperform — and exactly what you can do about it.

1. You're Targeting the Wrong Keywords

Most business owners start Google Ads by thinking about what they offer and guessing what people search. The problem? Potential customers rarely search the way you think they do.

Bidding on broad, generic keywords like "marketing agency" or "business help" wastes budget on searchers who aren't ready to buy, aren't in your service area, or aren't looking for what you specifically offer.

The Fix: Keyword Intent Matters

Focus on high-intent, local keywords — the phrases people use when they're ready to take action. Think:

• "Google Ads management Seattle"

• "PPC agency near me"

• "Google Ads for contractors Tacoma"

Pair these with negative keywords to block irrelevant searches from eating your budget. This alone can reduce wasted spend by 30–50%.

2. Your Ad Copy Isn't Speaking to the Right Person

Clicks don't come from having the lowest price or the most features. They come from ads that speak directly to what someone needs right now.

Generic ad copy like "We offer marketing services for your business" doesn't create urgency or relevance. It blends into the noise.

The Fix: Lead With the Problem, Then the Solution

Great ad copy follows a simple formula: acknowledge the pain point, offer a specific benefit, and include a compelling call to action. For example:

Example Ad Copy:

Headline 1: Tired of Google Ads That Don't Convert?

Headline 2: Get Real Leads in Seattle — Guaranteed ROI

Description: Altura Marketing manages your Google Ads so you can focus on running your business. Free audit. No contracts.

Notice how it leads with a problem ("Tired of ads that don't convert?"), delivers a local benefit, and ends with a low-friction offer (free audit). That structure consistently outperforms generic copy.

3. Your Landing Page Is Killing Your Conversions

This one surprises a lot of business owners: your ad might actually be doing its job. But if someone clicks and lands on a confusing, slow, or irrelevant page, they leave — and you've still paid for that click.

Google also rewards landing page relevance with a better Quality Score, which directly lowers what you pay per click. A well-optimized landing page can reduce your cost per lead by 40% or more.

The Fix: Match the Landing Page to the Ad

Every ad should point to a page that delivers exactly what the ad promised. Key elements of a high-converting landing page include:

• A headline that mirrors the ad's message

• A clear, single call to action (call now, request a quote, book a consultation)

• Fast load time — especially on mobile

• Trust signals like reviews, certifications, or a Google Verified badge

• Local context — mention your service area (Seattle, Pierce County, King County, etc.)

4. You're Not Using the Right Campaign Type

Google Ads isn't just one thing. Search Ads, Display Ads, Performance Max, and Local Service Ads (LSAs) all serve very different purposes — and using the wrong type for your goal is like using a hammer to put in a screw.

For most local service businesses — contractors, roofers, plumbers, law firms, healthcare providers — Local Service Ads (LSAs) are especially powerful. You only pay when a qualified customer contacts you directly, and your business gets the Google Guaranteed badge, which dramatically increases trust.

The Fix: Match Campaign Type to Your Business Goal

Here's a quick breakdown:

5. You Set It and Forgot It

Google Ads is not a "set it and forget it" platform. Algorithms change. Competition shifts. New search terms emerge. Without ongoing management, even a well-built campaign will decay over time.

We regularly audit campaigns for new clients and find the same things: outdated ad copy, bids that haven't been adjusted in months, and search terms bleeding budget that were never caught by the original setup.

The Fix: Consistent Optimization

Winning campaigns require weekly attention at minimum — reviewing search term reports, adjusting bids, testing new ad copy, and refining audience targeting. This is what separates agencies that generate ROI from those that just run ads.

Bonus: Are You Even Tracking Conversions Correctly?

You can't optimize what you can't measure. If your Google Ads account isn't properly tracking phone calls, form submissions, or booked appointments, you're flying blind. You might have high click volume but no idea which keywords, ads, or campaigns are actually generating customers.

Proper conversion tracking is the foundation of every campaign we build at Altura Marketing Group — it's what allows us to make data-driven decisions instead of guesses.

Ready to Stop Wasting Ad Spend and Start Getting Real Leads?

At Altura Marketing Group, we specialize in Google Ads management for businesses across Seattle, Tacoma, Pierce County, King County, and the entire Pacific Northwest. Whether you need Google Search Ads, Local Service Ads, or a full-funnel paid strategy, we build campaigns that are built to convert — not just get clicks.

We don't believe in long-term lock-in or one-size-fits-all solutions. We take the time to understand your business, your market, and your goals — and we manage your ads like they're our own.

Get Your Free Google Ads Audit

Not sure why your campaigns aren't performing? We'll take a no-obligation look at your current Google Ads account and show you exactly where the money is going — and how to get it working harder. Reach us at 253-579-3230 or Alturamarketingllc@gmail.com.