Mistake #2: Combining Too Many Targeting Types

This is particularly common in Display campaigns.

Advertisers sometimes place:

  • interests
  • topics
  • placements
  • retargeting audiences
  • keywords

into a single ad group.

Why This Creates Problems

The system naturally favors the strongest-performing targeting.

As a result:

  • some audiences receive little delivery
  • reporting becomes difficult to interpret
  • optimization opportunities remain hidden

When performance changes, it becomes hard to identify which targeting type caused it.

Better Approach

Keep major targeting strategies separated whenever possible.

This provides:

  • cleaner reporting
  • better budget control
  • easier troubleshooting

Topic content Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting