Pinpoint Underperforming Search Terms in Amazon Ads

How to Detect Underperforming Search Terms

The most effective way to find underperforming search terms is by regularly reviewing your advertising reports for metrics such as spend, sales, ROAS (Return on Ad Spend), and conversion rates. Search terms that consume budget without producing sales, or those that drive sales at an unprofitable level, should be flagged for further action. Automated tools—like the Amazon Negative Keyword Tool by Todoza—can help rank and prioritize which terms need attention by analyzing multiple campaign metrics together and suggesting concrete next steps for cleanup or exclusion.

Best Practices for Managing Inefficient Terms

Once underperforming search terms are identified, you can address them by adding them to your negative keyword list or adjusting bids. In team workflows, reviewing flagged suggestions with manual approval provides better control and helps avoid accidental performance drops. Regularly repeating this process ensures that your campaign remains focused on terms that are likely to contribute positively to your bottom line, rather than allowing waste to accumulate over time.

When This Matters Most

• Rising ad costs: During periods of increasing click prices or reduced margins, identifying wasted spend becomes crucial for profitability.
• Product-level optimization: For large catalogs or multiple marketplaces, targeting inefficient terms at the product level preserves budget for bestsellers while cutting loss-makers.