Ask How do you handle a Google Ads campaign that is getting clicks from outside the target location?

[Newman]

This is more common than people think. Even when you set a specific location in Google Ads, the platform sometimes shows ads to people outside that area if it thinks they are interested in that location. For example, someone in another city searching for "hotels in Abuja" might see an ad meant for local Abuja visitors. To fix this, you go into the location settings and switch from "presence or interest" to "presence only." That tells Google to only show your ad to people who are physically in your target area. So what do you think is the best way to monitor whether location targeting is working correctly in a campaign?

 

[Luna Logics]

The best way to monitor location targeting is to regularly check the "user location" report inside Google Ads instead of only relying on campaign settings. This report shows where your clicks are actually coming from, not just what you targeted. If you notice traffic from outside your intended area, it's a sign your settings or keywords need adjustment. It also helps to compare performance by location to see which areas are really converting. In simple terms, ongoing review of actual user locations and conversions is the most reliable way to ensure your targeting is working correctly.

 

[Anthony Joshua]

The first thing to check is the location settings in the campaign. Sometimes Google Ads is set to show ads to people who are interested in a location rather than only those physically present there. Changing the setting to target people who are actually in the selected location can reduce unwanted clicks