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Negative Keyword Generator

Build a negative keyword list tailored to your industry and business model. Preview instantly, then copy or download a Google Ads Editor CSV with match types.

Reviewed by PPC specialistsUpdated

47 businesses audited this month — 89% had fixable waste

Why a tailored list beats a generic one

Most negative keyword lists are one-size-fits-all. The problem: the same term can be wasted spend in one industry and a converting search in another. "Free trial" is junk traffic for a plumber and gold for a SaaS company. "Near me" is irrelevant for a national e-commerce store and the best traffic a local service business gets.

This generator starts from your industry's specific waste patterns, then layers on the universal categories that fit your business model, and flags the terms you should not block. If you want to hand-pick categories instead, use our full negative keyword list with 500+ terms organised by category.

Negative keyword generator FAQs

What does the negative keyword generator do?

It builds a tailored negative keyword list for your Google Ads account based on your industry and business model. You get industry-specific negatives (terms that waste budget in your sector) combined with universal categories like jobs, free-seekers, and DIY searches, exported with your chosen match type.

How is this different from a generic negative keyword list?

Generic lists treat every account the same. This generator adjusts for your industry (a plumber needs to block 'how to unblock' searches; a SaaS company should not block 'free trial') and your business model, so you exclude wasted clicks without blocking searches that actually convert for you.

How do I add the generated list to Google Ads?

In Google Ads go to Tools > Shared Library > Negative keyword lists, create a new list, and paste the copied keywords. Then apply the list to your campaigns. If you use Google Ads Editor, import the downloaded CSV which includes the match type column.

What match type should I export negative keywords in?

Phrase match is the safest default: it blocks any search containing the term in order. Use exact match when you only want to block one precise query, and broad match negatives sparingly because they can over-block related searches you still want.

Can negative keywords hurt my campaign performance?

Yes, if you over-block. Terms like 'cheap' or 'reviews' carry buying intent in some industries. Review the industry and model notes the generator shows, and check your search terms report after two weeks to confirm you have not excluded converting queries.

Negative Keywords Stop Future Waste. What About Past Waste?

If you have been running Google Ads without a solid negative keyword strategy, part of your budget has already leaked. Our free wasted spend analysis shows you exactly how much, and where.