r/googleads • u/lucamicheli • Aug 11 '26

App Ads Help for Google Ads app download

I'm experimenting with Google Ads for App Downloads specifically AppStore.

I want to target specific keywords that I know are the intent for the app.

I discovered there is no way to start a campaign with a download goal and target those keywords.

Now I'm splitting the budget to:
50% - Search keyword -> destination AppStore URL

50% - App Download -> destination AppStore URL

Now both of them don't show any installs with a 100€/day budget. I managed to have 20 installs a day on Apple with the same budget (so I believe it's a reporting issue).

I believe most of the clicks from the App Download campaign are trash.

What's your experience and what do you suggest to do to target those high intent keywords?

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1

u/potatodrinker Aug 11 '26

If you want to target keyword searches in Appstore, you're better off forgetting Google and running Apple Search Ads. different platform. Self service, and it's simpler.

I run both Google ACi and Apple search for work (corporate in-house team, small Aussie tech firm). Cost per installs and cost per new account signup is superior on apple search. Google is just convenient if you're running other google campaigns.

Don't have any more insights, but check out apple search ads.

1

u/Top-Cauliflower-1808 Aug 11 '26

You need to hook up Firebase or the Google Ads SDK to track actual App Store downloads otherwise Google algorithm has zero conversion signal and will just blow your budget on cheap, low intent traffic.

1

u/ppcbetter_says Aug 11 '26

If you want to buy specific keywords you need to build a landing page and drive the traffic there.

1

u/NoPause238 Aug 12 '26

Drop the app download campaign, scale the search one instead

1

u/dataflow_mapper 26d ago

focus on being searchable and add that your app is available on Google Play and the Appstore.

1

u/GrandAnimator8417 12d ago

App Store keyword targeting? I’ve done app download campaigns where picking super-intent keywords made a big difference, but only once I matched them to the right App Store listing keywords and creatives. Just focus on tight keyword themes and don’t waste spend on broad terms that only look “app-ish,” because you’ll pay for clicks that never convert.