Google AdsGOOGLE ADS
Is Your Google Ads Budget Going Down the Drain?
Google Ads has the power to transform your business—but only when it’s done right. All too often, Kiwi businesses pour money into campaigns without seeing a return. The good news? Most of the issues we see are completely fixable.
At Divergent Digital, we’ve audited hundreds of Google Ads accounts across New Zealand. This guide uncovers the most common (and costly) mistakes we see every day—and shows you how to fix them fast.
Let’s get into it.
Mistake 1: Neglecting Negative Keywords
The Problem:
Without negative keywords, your ads show for irrelevant or misleading searches. For example, your Christchurch-based B2B software firm might be paying for clicks from people searching “free software tutorials” or “software jobs NZ.”
The NZ Context:
We often see ads triggered by NZ-specific slang or terms like “free,” “cheap,” or “DIY,” which don’t align with the brand’s goals.
The Fix:
Negative keywords prevent your ads from showing on unwanted searches. Use the Search Terms Report to spot irrelevant queries and build a negative keyword list. Update this regularly—it’s not a one-and-done task.
Explore our Google Ads Services to see how we keep client budgets razor-focused.
Mistake 2: Poor (or No) Conversion Tracking
The Problem:
You’re running ads but don’t know what’s working. No tracking = no optimisation. That’s like trying to steer a waka with your eyes closed.
The Fix:
Track conversions like:
Form submissions
Phone calls
Purchases
Quote requests
Set up conversion tracking in Google Ads, and link it with Google Analytics. This data helps you allocate budget to what actually drives results.
If you’re not tracking conversions yet, get in touch—we’ll set you up properly.
Mistake 3: Sending Traffic to the Homepage
The Problem:
Your ad says “Free Roof Inspection in Auckland,” but users land on your generic homepage with no mention of roofs or inspections. Confusing, right?
The Fix:
Create dedicated landing pages for each ad group. Match the message, highlight your offer, and include a clear CTA like “Book Your Free Inspection.” Strong message match leads to higher conversions and lower cost-per-click.
Mistake 4: Broad Keyword Targeting Without Strategy
The Problem:
You’re using broad match keywords like “accounting services” without understanding how Google interprets them. You could be showing for searches like “free accounting apps” or “how to become an accountant.”
The Fix:
Use match types strategically:
Exact match for full control
Phrase match for tighter relevance
Broad match only when paired with strong audience signals or conversions
Start narrow, test, and expand once you see what performs.
Mistake 5: Weak Ad Copy & Ignoring Ad Extensions
The Problem:
Your ads are bland, generic, and easily ignored. No USPs, no urgency, no trust signals.
The Fix:
Craft compelling ad copy that highlights what makes you different. Think:
“Rated NZ’s #1 Car Dealership”
“Book Now – Free Same-Day Quotes”
“Trusted by 300+ Christchurch Homeowners”
Use all available ad extensions to increase ad real estate and clickability:
Sitelinks (link to service pages)
Callouts (“No Hidden Fees”, “24/7 Support”)
Call Extensions (mobile click-to-call)
Location Extensions (essential for local SEO)
Structured Snippets (“Services: Heat Pumps, Ducted Systems, Maintenance”)
Mistake 6: “Set It and Forget It” Mentality
The Problem:
You set up a campaign six months ago—and haven’t touched it since. Results stagnate, competition increases, and your return plummets.
The Fix:
Google Ads is not passive. Regularly:
A/B test ad copy
Adjust bids based on performance
Refine keyword lists
Monitor Quality Score and CTR
Allocate budget toward best-performing areas
Your competitors are optimising weekly—are you?
Bonus Mistake: Not Tailoring Campaigns to NZ Regions
The Problem:
You’re targeting “New Zealand” but only operate in the North Island. Or worse—you’re running one generic campaign for all regions.
The Fix:
Tailor campaigns by location. A search for “wedding photographer Wellington” has different intent than “wedding photographer Dunedin.” Regional ads, landing pages, and bidding strategies help capture more relevant leads and avoid wasted spend.
Turn Your Google Ads into a Lead-Generating Machine
Avoiding these common mistakes can make the difference between wasted spend and profitable growth. Google Ads is an incredibly powerful tool for NZ businesses—but only if it’s managed with precision.
At Divergent Digital, we don’t just run ads. We build high-converting campaigns, tailored for Kiwi markets, backed by 10+ years of hands-on experience.
Overwhelmed by Google Ads?
Let Divergent Digital’s NZ experts audit your account and fix these costly mistakes. See the kind of results we can achieve for you.
