Add keywords

You can easily add keywords to your Google Ads campaigns for Search, Display, and Video. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to help you target the right customers effectively.

On this page

• How to add keywords
  • Add keywords to Search campaigns
  • Add keywords to Display and Video campaigns
• Choose match type for Search campaign keywords

How to add keywords

The steps to add keywords to your ad group vary based on your campaign type. If you’re not sure what your campaign type is, check the top of the campaign page in Google Ads. You’ll find the campaign type, along with the campaign status and average daily budget.

Add keywords to Search campaigns

1. Go to Keywords within the Audiences, keywords and content menu.
2. Select the plus button .
3. In the “Select an ad group” window, search for your campaign by name or campaign ID, then choose the ad group where you want to add your keywords.
4. Expand the “Keywords” section in the slider panel. You can add keywords by typing or pasting them one per line, or generate relevant keywords in the “Get keyword ideas” on the right hand side.
5. After you create your keywords list, select Save.

Add keywords to Display and Video campaigns

1. Go to Content within the Audiences, keywords and content menu.
2. On the upper right corner of the “Content” card, select Add content.
3. In the “Select an ad group” window, search for your campaign by name or campaign ID, then choose the ad group where you want to add your keywords.
4. Expand the "Keywords" section in the slider panel. You can add keywords by entering or pasting them one per line, or generate relevant keywords in the “Get keyword ideas” on the right hand side.
5. Select either “Audience” or “Content” for your keyword setting, then select Save.

Choose match types for Search campaign keywords

When you add a keyword to ad groups for search campaigns, you can choose the match type you want by entering the keyword in one of the following formats.

• For broad match, enter keywords with no formatting (for example, women’s hats)
• For phrase match, enter keywords in quotations (for example, "women's hats")
• For exact match, enter keywords in brackets (for example, [women's hats])

By layering broad match with Smart Bidding, you can increase the volume of relevant queries while achieving your goals. Learn more about how to Grow your Smart Bidding campaigns with broad match.

Related links

• Basic tips for building a keyword list
• Edit, remove, or download negative keywords
• Edit or permanently remove negative keyword lists
• About keywords in Search Network campaigns