If you’re running Google Ads and getting tons of clicks—but barely any bookings—it’s probably not your offer that’s broken. It’s your targeting.
The real problem? You’re likely paying for traffic that was never going to convert in the first place. People who are just curious. Or broke. Or applying for a job. That’s where negative keywords and smarter budgeting come in.
This guide lays out how we at The Med Spa Agency help med spas stop paying for the wrong clicks and start attracting high-quality leads.
Why Negative Keywords Are Your Budget’s Best Friend
Not every “Botox” search is created equal. Someone might be hunting for training, side effects, or a DIY video. That’s fine—but not worth your ad spend.
Negative keywords tell Google which searches you don’t want your ad to show up for. When done right, they’ll filter out window shoppers and time-wasters.
Must-Have Negative Keywords for Med Spas
Cut the fluff. Here’s where your money’s leaking:
Low-Intent or Freebie Seekers
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free
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cheap
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at home
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DIY
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how to
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reviews
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side effects
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risks
Researchers (Not Buyers)
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before and after photos
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what is [treatment]
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does [treatment] work
Career or Supplier Searches
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jobs
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training
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certification
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machines
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supplies
Out-of-Area Clicks
Unless you’re going national, block searches from other cities or states.
How to Build Your Negative Keyword List
Start with what you know.
Build a “gut list” using the categories above.
Check the Search Terms Report often.
Inside Google Ads: Keywords > Search Terms. That’s where the weird stuff lives—stuff you didn’t think to block.
Match types matter.
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Use [exact match] for laser-precise blocks (e.g., [botox job])
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Use “phrase match” for slightly broader filters (e.g., “botox reviews”)
Budget Hacks That Actually Work
1. Track Everything First
No tracking? No spending.
At a minimum, track:
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Form fills
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Calls
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Booking confirmations
Pro tip: Use Google Tag Manager + Google Ads conversion tracking.
2. Be Ruthless with Location Targeting
Focus tight:
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10–15 miles from your location
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Zip codes with proven high spenders
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Avoid areas dense with competitors if funds are limited
3. Daypart Like a Pro
If bookings mostly come in weekdays, 10–6?
Shut ads off nights and weekends. Simple.
4. Organize Ads by Intent
Each keyword group needs its own ad and landing page:
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“Botox near me”
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“Botox cost”
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“Best Botox clinic”
This improves Quality Score and lowers cost-per-click.
5. Spend Where You Profit
If CoolSculpting has a 3X margin and Botox is 1.5X:
Push 70% of your spend into CoolSculpting.
Let Botox retarget lost traffic.
6. Don’t Let Visitors Disappear
Run remarketing on Display, YouTube or social media.
Serve past visitors a strong offer like:
“$50 Off First Treatment” or “Free Consultation.”
It All Adds Up
When you block out the junk and budget smartly, you don’t just save money—you shift it to where it works.
We’ve seen this combo drop cost per lead by 25–40% and boost consultations by 15–20%.
Want Help?
Still running ads without a negative keyword strategy? Or unsure where the budget’s leaking?
📞 Book a free ad audit. We’ll show you what’s wrong, or talk about how we can fix it for you.
