Weird things going on

Ads not showing

[rich_b]

Adwords isn't showing my ad for many of the keyword phrases I think it should. I've checked using the Adwords checking tool and get the same thing. I've checked the status of the keywords and all is fine.

Here is an example of weird behaviour. I have two keyword phrases like this:

Word1 Word2 - Google estimated 14 clicks per day
Word1Word2 - Google estimated 0.8 clicks per day

Word1 Word2 isn't getting any impressions at all but Word1Word2 is getting quite a few. This is totally at odds with the estimates. I also find that if I type other keywords into the checking tool (that I do have in the campaign) then it says that those ads won't be shown. It says that this could be due to:

Is deleted, on hold, disabled, or disapproved.
Is in a paused or deleted Ad Group or campaign.
Doesn't exist in your account.

I've checked all three on none of those are true in this case. I've been around all the settings, like regional settings, to double-check but nothing. Can anyone suggest a possible cause? Thanks.

[Frequent]

If you are an affiliate doing PPC direct to merchant you may be loosing the keyword auction to a higher bidding affiliate aimed at the same merchant. In that case you wouldn't get the impressions.

I don't think the traffic estimator takes the affiliate auction into consideration.

[rich_b]

Hi, thanks for your reply. I'm not doing any affiliate stuff or anything like that.

And to add to the weirdness, today I have a keyword that has had zero impressions and zero clicks but is not performing well so is 'In trial'. I have other words like that but are still normal. Okkkkaaaayy....

[nickg]

I been having this exact problem with a clients adwords campaign - and now hes getting upset. I think its time to talk to Mr Google and see what they say...

[christh]

I'm getting this on a new campaign I set up yesterday too. No impressions whatsoever. It's only happening on an adgroup with some 'sensitive' keywords/ad text though, so perhaps my ad has been sandboxed or something.

Ho hum, I'll try creating a new adgroup.

[eWhisper]

If it's a new group, and contains 'sensitive keywords', then your ad and/or keywords is most likely under review, and if approved, will be shown when the review is finished.

Creating another group with the same keywords (if the above is the problem) won't speed the process. Better to write G a quick email than to spend your time making groups that may not matter.

In regards:

Word1 Word2 isn't getting any impressions at all but Word1Word2 is getting quite a few.

Are you broad matching both keywords? Since the above two combinations are really the same in regards to broadmatching, that's most likely where the issue starts.

Try phrase matching the keywords and see if the clicks fall more in line with your estimates.

I also find that if I type other keywords into the checking tool (that I do have in the campaign) then it says that those ads won't be shown. It says that this could be due to:

Is deleted, on hold, disabled, or disapproved.
Is in a paused or deleted Ad Group or campaign.
Doesn't exist in your account.

I'm beginning to notice that your "behind the scenes" settings are updated faster than the Google interface is.

A notice from the ad diagnostic tool saying a keyword is :disabled, slowed, or account slowed, etc -- is actually checking w/ Google's system, and not what you're seeing in your account. Although, usually within 24 hours, your account reflects what the tool stated.