Harvesting High-Performing Search Terms

This guide focuses exclusively on the process of harvesting high-performing search terms from automatic, broad, and phrase campaigns using Sellegr8's Ads Performance Dashboard. This strategy enables advertisers to promote proven queries into manual exact match campaigns, where they can be more precisely managed for profitability and efficiency.

Harvesting Search Terms from Auto/Broad Campaigns

When it comes to optimizing your advertising campaigns, one effective strategy is to transfer proven search terms into manual exact match campaigns. By doing so, you can enhance your control over the targeting and improve overall campaign performance.

Steps

1. Navigate to Ads > Ads Performance > Auto Search Terms.
2. Apply the following Metric Filters:
   • Conversion Rate (CR) > 10%
   • Attributed Orders ≥ 2
3. Identify qualifying search terms.
4. Use the Copy Search Terms function to save selected terms.
5. Repeat the process for Manual Broad/Phrase ad groups by navigating to Ads > Ads Performance > Manual Search Terms and filtering for Broad and Phrase match types.
6. Create or update Manual Exact Match campaigns and target the harvested terms.

Benefits

• Increased ROI
• Improved ad targeting precision
• Reduced spend on unqualified traffic
• Better control over bid and budget allocation

Best Practices

• Review search terms weekly for new high performers
• Prioritize terms with both volume and conversion consistency
• Reduce bids over time of the auto/broad/phrase campaign after adding to exact
• Use the Metrics Filters to isolate terms with the best CR/ROAS ratio
• Track harvested terms over time to assess manual campaign impact

Summary

Harvesting search terms is one of the most effective ways to improve targeting precision and campaign profitability. By identifying high-performing terms from automatic, broad, and phrase campaigns - based on metrics like conversion rate, ROAS, and attributed orders - advertisers can selectively promote these queries into manual exact match campaigns. This transition enables more controlled bidding and budget allocation, reduces wasted spend, and capitalizes on proven buyer intent. When done consistently, search term harvesting transforms exploratory campaigns into efficient, conversion-focused channels that deliver stronger returns over time.

FAQ: Harvesting Search Terms

What’s the ideal performance threshold for a term to be harvested?

A good rule of thumb is: CR > 10%, Orders ≥ 2, and either ROAS > 5 or ACOS < 20%. Adjust based on your profitability model.

Should I pause harvested terms in the original campaign?

Yes, this prevents overlap and competition between campaigns and allows the exact match version to fully control the bidding.

How often should I harvest search terms?

Weekly or bi-weekly, depending on campaign activity. More frequent reviews during peak traffic periods are recommended.

Can I bulk copy harvested terms?

Yes. Sellegr8 allows bulk selection and copying of qualified search terms directly from the Search Terms dashboard.

Should I use the same bid in the new manual campaign?

Not always. Start with a conservative bid and adjust based on performance. Exact match terms often require a higher bid to compete for precise placement.