Last updated: November 2026 · Answers by Andrew Gorton, freelance PPC specialist based in Chorley, Lancashire

Each answer leads with the short version. Prices are in pounds sterling and reflect the UK market as of November 2026.

18 questions on this page

Why am I getting clicks but no leads?

The usual causes are irrelevant search terms, broad location targeting, Display or Search Partner traffic, weak or slow landing pages, an unclear offer, or broken conversion tracking that is hiding real leads. Start with the search terms report and your tracking.

Why are my Google Ads not showing?

Common reasons: ads or keywords disapproved, low search volume, bids too low for the Ad Rank threshold, budget exhausted, ad schedule or location excluding you, billing problems, or negative keywords blocking searches. Use the Ad Preview and Diagnosis tool rather than searching yourself.

Why can’t I see my own Google ad?

Searching for your own ad repeatedly without clicking can stop it showing to you, and your location, device or schedule may be outside targeting. Use the Ad Preview and Diagnosis tool to check without affecting data.

Why is my Google Ads account suspended?

Suspensions usually relate to policy issues such as suspicious payments, circumventing systems, unacceptable business practices, misrepresentation or failing advertiser verification. Read the notice, fix the cause and submit an appeal with evidence.

Why am I getting spam leads from Google Ads?

Spam usually comes from Display, Search Partners, Performance Max or Demand Gen inventory, or from bots hitting forms. Add reCAPTCHA or honeypot fields, review placement and network reports, and import lead quality so bidding learns which leads are real.

Why is my Google Ads spend so high with poor results?

Usually loose match types, missing negatives, aggressive smart bidding with poor tracking, auto-applied recommendations or broad location targeting. An audit of search terms, settings and tracking usually reveals the cause.

Why is my Google Ads impression share low?

Either your budget is too small (lost IS budget) or your Ad Rank is too low (lost IS rank). Increase budget for the first, and improve bids, Quality Score and ad assets for the second.

Why has my cost per click gone up?

More competition, a change in bidding strategy, Quality Score drops, seasonal demand, broader match types or expanded targeting. Check Auction Insights and change history.

Why are my Google Ads conversions suddenly zero?

Almost always a tracking break: a website update removed the tag, a form changed, consent settings changed or the conversion action was edited. Test the conversion path immediately with Tag Assistant.

Why are my Google Ads showing in the wrong locations?

Location targeting is probably set to "Presence or interest", which includes people interested in your area. Switch to "Presence" and check the location report.

Why is my campaign status "learning"?

Smart bidding is recalibrating after a launch or significant change, such as a new strategy, target or budget change. Avoid further big changes until it finishes.

Why are my ads showing for job seekers?

Searches containing jobs, careers, vacancies, salary or apprenticeship are matching your keywords. Add these as negative keywords across the account.

Why are my Google Ads getting impressions but no clicks?

Ads may be irrelevant to the searches, sitting in low positions, or less compelling than competitors. Review search terms, improve ad copy and assets, and check your position metrics.

Why did Google Ads charge me when I didn’t get leads?

Google charges for clicks, not leads. If clicks are not converting, the problem is usually search term relevance, landing page quality, the offer or tracking. Google may refund some invalid clicks automatically.

Why is my Performance Max campaign not spending?

Possible causes include low budget or high targets, poor asset or feed quality, limited conversion history, a too-restrictive ROAS or CPA target, or product disapprovals in Merchant Center.

Why are my Google Shopping products disapproved?

Common causes are missing or mismatched price and availability, missing GTINs, image issues, policy restrictions, unverified website or shipping and returns settings. Check the Diagnostics page in Merchant Center.

Why does Google keep recommending I raise my budget?

Because your campaign is limited by budget or Google estimates more conversions are available. Raise budget only if the campaign is already profitable.

What do I do if a competitor is clicking my ads?

Check invalid click reports, exclude suspicious IP addresses in campaign settings, and contact Google support with evidence if you see patterns. Google filters much invalid traffic automatically.

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