How to Add, Edit & Remove Your Keywords From an Existing Campaign
Managing keywords correctly is one of the most important parts of optimizing a Google Ads Search campaign. Over time, some keywords may perform well, while others may waste budget. That’s why you should regularly add new keywords, edit existing ones, or remove the ones that no longer work.
Why Managing Your Keywords Is Important
✔ Improve ad relevance
Show ads only for searches that match your service.
✔ Reduce wasted spend
Remove irrelevant or poor-performing keywords.
✔ Boost conversions
Add high-intent keywords for better results.
✔ Maintain control
Keep the campaign focused on what matters most.
✔ Improve Quality Score
Better keywords = higher quality = lower CPC.
Where Keyword Management Happens
You manage your keywords under the:
- Keywords Tab
- Search Keywords section
This gives you complete control over:
- Adding new keywords
- Changing match types
- Editing bids
- Removing poor performers
How to Add Keywords to an Existing Campaign
Step 1: Go to Your Google Ads Account
Open the campaign where you want to add keywords.
Step 2: Click on the Ad Group
Keywords are added at the ad group level, not campaign level.
Step 3: Click “Keywords”
Then click Search Keywords.
Step 4: Click the “+” Button (Add Keyword)
This allows you to add new keywords.
Step 5: Enter Your Keywords
Type your new keywords in the format you want:
Examples:
- Exact Match:
[digital marketing services] - Phrase Match:
“digital marketing agency near me” - Broad Match:
digital marketing company
Step 6: Save Your Keywords
Once saved, the new keywords begin running immediately.
How to Edit Existing Keywords
Method 1: Edit Keyword Text
You cannot directly change the text of an existing keyword.
BUT you can:
- Remove the old keyword
- Add a new one with updated text
Method 2: Change Match Types
To change match type:
- Select the keyword
- Click Edit
- Choose Change match type
- Select:
- Broad
- Phrase
- Exact
Method 3: Edit Keyword Bids
If you’re using Manual CPC:
- Go to the Max CPC column
- Click the amount
- Enter a new bid
- Save
Method 4: Edit Final URL or Ad Relevance
You cannot edit keyword-level URLs anymore. But you can edit:
- Ad copy
- Landing pages
- Negative keywords
- Bidding strategies to influence how the keyword performs.
How to Remove (Pause/Delete) Keywords From Your Campaign
Step 1: Go to Search Keywords Tab
Open the keyword list.
Step 2: Choose the Keyword You Want to Remove
Check the box next to the keyword.
Step 3: Choose Action
You can:
✔ Pause Keyword
- Keyword stays in your account
- Will no longer trigger ads
- You can reactivate later
✔ Remove (Delete) Keyword
- Permanently deleted
- Recommended for very bad keywords
- Cannot be reactivated
Step 4: Save
Your keyword is now paused or removed.
Real-Life Example
Example: “Interior Design Services Campaign”
After running the campaign for 2 weeks:
Good Keywords (Add More Like These)
- “interior designers near me”
- “modular kitchen designers”
Add new similar keywords:
- “home interior design near me”
- “best modular kitchen design company”
Edit Keywords (Optimize)
- Phrase: “interior works” → not clear
Change to Exact Match
[home interior design]
Remove Bad Keywords
- “interior paint” (not relevant)
- “interior wallpaper shop” (wrong intent)
- “cheap interior materials” (not service-based)
Removing these improves lead quality.
Best Practices for Managing Keywords
✔ Add high-intent service keywords
✔ Use Phrase + Exact match for quality leads
✔ Regularly remove irrelevant keywords
✔ Review search terms weekly
✔ Add negative keywords daily/weekly
✔ Avoid too many broad match keywords
✔ Create separate ad groups for different keyword themes
✔ Monitor CPA before making changes