9. Negative Keywords & Negation Strategy¶
This cluster contains 3 wiki page entries. Read it as a mini-module: learn the concept, try the workflow, then practice with a report, campaign draft, or simulator scenario.
Pages in this section¶
- [[9.1 Negative Match Types]]
- [[9.2 Negation Strategy by Campaign Structure]]
- [[9.3 Common Negation Mistakes]]
Merged from Complete Data-Filled Guide¶
Complete data-filled section notes¶
Negative keywords are terms you tell Amazon not to target. This is one of the fastest ways beginners can save money because it removes obviously irrelevant traffic.
Negative match types¶
| Type | What it blocks | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Negative Exact | The exact search term or close variation | [used running shoes] |
| Negative Phrase | Any search containing that phrase in order | "free shipping" |
| Negative Product Targeting | Specific ASINs or product targets | Exclude poor-fit products |
Cross-campaign negation¶
When a search term graduates from Broad or Auto into Exact, add it as Negative Exact in the source campaign. This helps the Exact campaign own the term and keeps discovery campaigns focused on finding new terms.
Wasted spend workflow¶
- Download the Search Term Report.
- Filter for high spend or high clicks with zero orders.
- Check relevance before negating.
- Use Negative Exact for one bad term.
- Use Negative Phrase for a bad concept that should never match.
- Log the change.
Common mistakes¶
Over-negating kills discovery. Negative conflicts can block your own good keyword. Using Negative Exact when you need Negative Phrase can let similar waste keep slipping through.
Operator checklist¶
- Explain the topic in plain English.
- Identify the report, console area, or input data needed.
- Make the smallest safe change first.
- Log the action, reason, and expected review date.
- Escalate if the issue touches policy, inventory, account health, or large budget changes.