Understanding Keyword Restrictions in Google Ads: A Guide for New SEO Enthusiasts
As a newcomer to the world of Search Engine Optimization (SEO), you may encounter some challenges that can be quite perplexing, especially when it comes to Google’s Keyword Planner. Recently, I faced a situation that many may find themselves in, particularly in the health sector, and I’d like to share my experience and seek guidance from fellow enthusiasts.
My website enjoys organic traffic for a specific long-tail keyphrase related to a common health issue. This phrase has not only helped individuals find valuable information but has also established my site’s authority in this niche. With the intention of creating an advertisement targeting this keyword and exploring additional relevant phrases, I turned to Google Keyword Planner for assistance. However, I was met with an unexpected hurdle—each time I attempted to search for the keyphrase, I received an alarming message: “All keywords were removed. Try different keywords or a URL.”
It appears that Google may have restricted access to this particular keyphrase for reasons that are not immediately clear. As a health professional, I find this restriction frustrating, as there is nothing inherently inappropriate or offensive about the terms at hand.
If you’re in a similar situation, or if you have insights into navigating around these restrictions, your advice would be greatly appreciated. Here are a few strategies I’m considering while navigating this challenge:
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Explore Related Keywords: Instead of directly searching for the blocked keyphrase, consider brainstorming variations or synonyms that are still relevant to your topic.
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Utilize Other Tools: While Google Keyword Planner is a powerful tool, there are numerous alternative keyword research tools available, such as SEMrush or Ahrefs, that might offer different insights.
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Focus on Content Quality: Ensure that your website content is rich, informative, and adheres to all guidelines. This could boost your natural ranking for related terms, potentially surfacing alternatives that are not blocked.
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Seek Community Insight: Engaging with SEO forums and communities like Reddit or specialized Facebook groups can yield fresh perspectives and advice from practitioners who may have faced similar challenges.
Navigating the intricacies of SEO can be daunting, especially when you encounter obstacles like keyword restrictions. However, with persistence and the support of the community, we can find effective strategies to overcome them. If you have any tips or specific experiences related to this situation, I would love to hear from you!