When I handle Google Ads Search campaigns, I want to learn more than the number of clicks or conversions I get. I also want to know which searches make my ads show up and how Google’s automation helps the campaign do better.
This is where AI Max reporting comes in handy. Google Ads offers ways to look at data for AI Max Search campaigns, including new summary rows in the Keywords section. These help me see how traffic from AI-driven matching affects my results.
New Feature in AI Max Keywords Section
With AI Max turned on, I can look at two new summary rows at the bottom of the Keywords report:
- Total: AI Max expanded matches: Total traffic from broad-match keywords created by AI Max for Search campaigns, based on the keywords I added.
- Total: AI Max landing page matches: Total traffic from search queries that matched because of my landing pages or assets, outside of my keywords.
These rows help me understand how AI Max brings traffic to my campaign beyond the keywords I added manually. By reviewing both rows, I can better understand where my campaign traffic comes from and evaluate its performance.
This gives me an idea of where the campaign traffic is coming from instead of only looking at the keywords I added on my own.
Use AI Max Keyword Reporting
When I look at a campaign, I can compare these summary rows with how my existing keywords are doing. This helps me see how traffic AI Max is bringing and if that traffic is useful.
For example, if AI Max brings searches that’re related to my products or services I can check their clicks, conversions and cost to see if they are valuable. If the traffic is not useful, I can look at the search terms. Decide if I need to exclude them.
I would not base performance on how much traffic is there. My focus would be on whether the extra searches help the campaign reach its conversion goals.
Looking at Search Terms and Landing Pages
The keywords report is one part of the process. I can also use the Search Terms report to see the queries that made my ads show up.
Google’s AI Max reporting includes a view that links search terms with the headlines and landing pages used in the customer journey. This helps me check if the ad message matches what the user is searching for and if the landing page is relevant.
If I find a search term or landing page that keeps doing, I can look into it and add a negative keyword or URL exclusion if needed.
Does This Mean Traditional Keyword Research Is No Longer Needed?
I would not stop doing keyword research just because AI Max can help expand campaign reach. Keyword research still helps me learn what people are searching for understand their intent and build a campaign structure.
The difference is that I can now use AI Max reporting to see how Google’s automation helps beyond the keywords I choose manually. Combining keyword research with search terms and conversion data helps me make choices.
Where to Find AI Max Keyword Reporting
To access this feature, I first open my Google Ads account and select a Search campaign with AI Max enabled. From the Campaigns menu, I open the Keywords report and scroll to the bottom of the report table.
There, I can find two summary rows: Total: AI Max expanded matches and Total: AI Max landing page matches. These rows help me review traffic generated through AI Max keyword expansion and landing page matching.
I can also open the Search terms report to review the actual searches that triggered my ads and understand how AI Max contributes to campaign performance.
What This Means for Advertisers
For advertisers, these changes in reporting make it easier to see how AI Max helps Search campaigns perform. Of looking only at the keywords, also check traffic from AI-driven matching and landing page expansion.
This helps to make decisions about campaign budgets, negative keywords and landing page relevance. Find which searches bring visitors look into unhelpful traffic and change my campaign when needed.
For agencies working with client accounts these insights can also make campaign reviews more helpful. Explain how AI Max helps with results find areas that need work and make improvements based on data instead of guesses.
Final Thoughts
AI Max reporting gives me insight, into how automated matching helps Google Ads Search campaigns. By checking the AI Max expanded matches and landing page matches rows I can better understand where traffic comes from and see if it is valuable.
For me the goal is not just to reach searches. It is to use the reporting information to get the users make the campaign work better and get real conversions.
Need help managing or optimizing AI Max campaigns? Contact our team to discuss your Google Ads campaign goals and find ways to improve performance.
