Top 5 Reasons Your Google Ads Aren’t Getting Clicks (And How to Fix Them)
You’ve set up your Google Ads, launched your campaign, and crickets.
No clicks. No calls. No conversions. Just silence (and maybe a slowly draining ad budget).
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many businesses struggle with Google Ads not getting clicks, even when their campaigns look good on paper.
The truth is, Google Ads is powerful, but only when the right pieces are in place. If you’re dealing with Google Ads not getting clicks, chances are your campaign is missing a few key ingredients.
Here are the top 5 reasons your ads might be underperforming and how to fix them without needing to be a PPC expert.
1.Your Headlines Aren’t Grabbing Attention
Why Headlines Matter More Than You Think
In Google’s search results, your headline is the first and sometimes only thing people notice. If it’s vague, boring or looks like every other ad in your industry, people scroll right past it, which is a common reason Google Ads are not getting clicks.
How to Fix It
Be specific. Add your point of difference, a clear benefit, or a location cue.
Example: Instead of Affordable Electrician, try 24/7 Licensed Electrician in Brisbane, Book Today.
Make it punchy, relevant, and benefit-focused. This is your hook, don’t waste it.
2.You’re Targeting the Wrong Keywords
The Problem with Broad Match or Irrelevant Terms
Targeting keywords that are too broad like marketing or poorly aligned with your service can result in Google Ads not getting clicks or attracting the wrong audience entirely.
How to Fix It
Check your Search Terms Report in Google Ads. This shows what people actually typed in before seeing your ad.
- Add irrelevant terms as negative keywords
- Use phrase match or exact match instead of broad
- Think like your customer: what would you search to find this service?
Better keyword targeting often fixes Google Ads not getting clicks faster than increasing budget.
3.Your Ads Don’t Match the Search Intent
Mismatched Messaging Kills Clicks
Let’s say someone searches for a personal trainer near me.
If your ad talks vaguely about health benefits or branding, they’ll scroll right past it, another common reason Google Ads aren’t getting clicks.
How to Fix It
Match your ad to what they want to do, book, buy, compare, or learn.
Use direct, action-based copy like:
Book a Free PT Session Today | Local Gym in Melbourne
Intent-aligned messaging improves both click-through rates and conversion rates.
4.Your Ad Extensions Are Missing (or Misused)
What Extensions Do
Ad extensions expand your ad with extra info like links, callouts, and location. They don’t just make your ad more useful, they make it bigger, which boosts visibility and helps prevent Google Ads not getting clicks.
How to Fix It
Add:
- Sitelinks (e.g., to Services, Contact, Reviews)
- Call Extensions for mobile users
- Location Extensions to show your address
- Callouts with things like No Lock-In Contracts or Locally Owned
Use extensions to build trust and make your ad stand out, especially on competitive keywords.
5.Your Ads Aren’t Standing Out from the Competition
Same-Same Doesn’t Sell
If your ad says the same thing as the next five competitors Affordable, Local, Reliable, why would anyone click yours?
How to Fix It
Find your Unique Selling Point and lead with it:
- Same-day service
- Free consults for first-time clients
- Rated 1 by locals
- Carbon-neutral, Aussie-owned
Standing out is essential if your Google Ads are not getting clicks.
Want Better Results from Your Google Ads?
If you’re frustrated with Google Ads not getting clicks, you’re not alone, but you don’t have to keep wasting budget or guessing what’s wrong.
At The Search Republic, we help businesses optimise their Google Ads to get more clicks, more leads, and better ROI.
Book a free Google Ads review or chat with us about improving your campaign performance.