Brian Deeker - A True Google Ads Expert

How a Poor Website or Landing Page Affects Google Ads Performance

Learn how a bad website or landing page can negatively impact Google Ads campaigns and discover optimization strategies for better conversions.

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What Defines a Poor Website or Landing Page?

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A poor website or landing page is one that fails to engage visitors, load quickly, or provide a seamless user experience. Google Ads prioritizes landing pages that offer value, fast performance, and relevance to users.

Common Issues with Poor Websites or Landing Pages

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1. Slow Page Speed

Google and users expect fast-loading pages. A slow website increases bounce rates, reducing conversions and Quality Score.

2. Poor Mobile Responsiveness

Over 60% of searches happen on mobile. A non-responsive page leads to a frustrating experience, negatively affecting rankings and ad performance.

3. Irrelevant Content

Landing page content must align with ad intent. If users do not find relevant information, they leave, lowering engagement and Quality Score.

4. Confusing Navigation

A complicated layout makes it hard for visitors to take action. A clear structure improves user experience and conversion rates.

5. Lack of Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)

Users need direction. Weak or missing CTAs result in lower conversions and wasted ad spend.

6. Too Many Ads or Pop-Ups

Excessive ads and pop-ups frustrate users and lead to higher bounce rates, harming ad campaign effectiveness.

7. No HTTPS Security

Google prioritizes secure websites. If your site lacks SSL certification, it may deter visitors and reduce ad performance.

8. High Bounce Rate

If users leave without engaging, Google may interpret the landing page as low quality, impacting ad rankings and cost-per-click.

How a Poor Website Affects Google Ads Performance

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1. Lower Quality Score

Google assigns a Quality Score based on relevance, landing page experience, and expected CTR. A poor landing page lowers this score, increasing CPC.

2. Increased Cost-Per-Click (CPC)

Low Quality Score leads to higher CPC, making your ads more expensive without improving results.

3. Poor Ad Rank

Google prioritizes ads with high relevance and user experience. Poor landing pages result in lower ad placements.

4. Reduced Conversion Rates

Users abandon unoptimized pages, wasting ad spend and reducing ROI.

5. Account Suspension Risk

Landing pages that violate Google Ads policies (misleading content, low-quality user experience) risk ad disapproval or account suspension.

How to Optimize a Website or Landing Page for Google Ads

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1. Improve Page Speed

  • Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to analyze load times.
  • Optimize images and minify CSS, JavaScript, and HTML.
  • Use a reliable hosting service with fast servers.

2. Ensure Mobile Responsiveness

  • Use a responsive design that adjusts to all devices.
  • Test the site on multiple screen sizes for usability.

3. Align Content with Ad Intent

  • Ensure landing pages match the ad’s promise and keyword intent.
  • Use engaging headlines and structured content.

4. Simplify Navigation

  • Ensure clear menus, logical page structures, and easy-to-find information.
  • Minimize distractions and unnecessary links.

5. Create Strong Calls-to-Action

  • Use clear, action-oriented CTAs like "Buy Now," "Sign Up," or "Learn More."
  • Make CTAs prominent with contrasting colors and strategic placement.

6. Reduce Pop-Ups and Intrusive Ads

  • Limit pop-ups to necessary uses (e.g., exit intent offers).
  • Ensure ads do not interfere with user experience.

7. Secure Your Website

  • Use HTTPS with an SSL certificate to improve trust and rankings.
  • Ensure secure payment processing for e-commerce sites.

8. Monitor and Optimize

  • Use Google Analytics and Google Ads Conversion Tracking.
  • Perform A/B testing to improve landing page elements.
  • Continuously update and optimize content based on performance data.

Conclusion

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A poorly optimized website or landing page can significantly harm Google Ads performance by reducing Quality Score, increasing CPC, and lowering conversions.

By focusing on speed, mobile responsiveness, relevant content, strong CTAs, and security, businesses can create high-quality landing pages that maximize ROI from their Google Ads campaigns.

Book a 15-minute No Obligation Call