Ever launched a Google Ads campaign with high hopes, only to watch it sputter like a car running on fumes? We get it. It's like setting out on a road trip armed with a GPS, only to find yourself lost in the wilderness without a signal.Don't worry, you're not alone. Running a successful Google Ads campaign can be like navigating a maze blindfolded - tricky, frustrating, and often leaves you feeling a bit lost. At Blackpepper, we've seen it all when it comes to Google Ads, and we're here to shed some light on why your campaign might be falling short of expectations. Whether you're a seasoned marketer working internally for a brand or are just dipping your toes into the world of online advertising for your own business, understanding the common pitfalls of Google Ads can make all the difference in your campaign's success.Let’s take a look at five possible causes for an underperforming Google Ads campaign. Reason #1: Irrelevant KeywordsKeywords are the foundation of any successful Google Ads campaign. They determine when and where your ads appear, making them crucial for targeting the right audience. However, using irrelevant keywords can derail your campaign before it even starts.One of the primary reasons for an underperforming Google Ads campaign is targeting irrelevant keywords. This occurs when advertisers choose keywords that are too broad, generic, or unrelated to their products or services. For example, a shoe retailer targeting the keyword "footwear" may attract users searching for various types of shoes, including athletic, casual, or formal footwear, leading to irrelevant clicks and wasted ad spend.Related: Understanding Your User’s Search IntentImpactThe consequences of targeting irrelevant keywords can be detrimental to campaign performance. Advertisers may experience low click-through rates (CTR) as users fail to find their ads relevant to their search queries. Additionally, high exit rates and low conversion rates may result from attracting unqualifie...