How To Pause Or Cancel Google Ads Campaign

Running Google Ads campaigns can be a powerful tool for driving traffic and boosting conversions. But sometimes, you may need to pull the plug and shut down a campaign that’s no longer serving you well. Whether you’re shifting marketing strategies, winding down a product, or simply optimizing your budget, canceling a Google Ads campaign is a straightforward process. This step-by-step guide will equip you with the knowledge to confidently navigate the cancellation process and avoid unwanted charges.

Before You Stop Your Google Ads Campaign:

Before diving into the steps, it’s important to consider the implications of stopping or pausing your ad campaign.

• Campaign Cost and Performance: Analyze your campaign’s performance data. Is it meeting your goals? How much budget has been spent compared to the remaining budget? Understanding these factors will help you make an informed decision.
• Consequences of Stopping: Stopping a campaign will immediately halt ad display and potentially reset its optimization progress. Consider pausing instead if you anticipate resuming the campaign later.
• Alternatives to Cancellation: Explore alternative actions, such as adjusting budget, targeting parameters, or ad creatives, before opting for complete cancellation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cancellation of Google Ads Campaign:

1. Navigate to “Campaigns”: Log in to your Google Ads account and navigate to the “Campaigns” tab.
2. Select the Campaign You Want to Cancel: Click the checkbox next to the campaign(s) you want to deactivate. You can cancel multiple campaigns at once.
3. Choose “Edit”: Click the “Edit” button from the drop-down menu above the campaign list.
4. Select “Change campaign status”: From the new menu, choose “Change campaign status.”
5. Opt for “End date”: Choose “End date” from the options.
6. Set the End Date: Select a date to definitively end the campaign. Ensure this date aligns with your budget and objectives.
7. Click “Save”: Confirm your choice by clicking “Save.” Your campaign will cease displaying ads at the designated end date.

Pausing Your Google Ads Campaign:

1. Navigate to “Campaigns”: Follow the same initial steps as for cancellation.
2. Select the Campaign(s) You Want to Pause: Choose the campaign(s) you want to temporarily halt.
3. Change Campaign Status: Click the “Change campaign status” option from the drop-down menu.
4. Select “Pause”: Choose “Pause” from the available options.
5. Optional: Pause Reason: Select a reason for pausing your campaign for future reference. This is entirely optional.
6. Click “Save”: Confirm your choice by clicking “Save.” Your campaign will immediately stop displaying ads.

Bonus Tips:

• Download Data Before Cancellation: Consider downloading campaign data (clicks, impressions, cost) before ending a campaign for future analysis or record-keeping.
• Reactivating Paused Campaigns: To resume a paused campaign, simply follow the same steps and choose “Enable” instead of “Pause” in the final step.
• Seek Expert Advice: If you’re unsure about the best course of action, Google Ads offers comprehensive support resources and even the option to connect with a Google Ads Specialist for personalized guidance.
• Be sure of your choice: Pausing is reversible while deleting is permanent. Ensure you understand the implications of each action before proceeding.
• Check for running ads: Before pausing or deleting, check if any ads are currently running within the campaign. You might want to adjust your budget or schedule to avoid unexpected charges.
• Clean up billing: If you’re canceling due to budget constraints, remember to adjust your overall billing settings to avoid surprise charges.

Pausing and canceling campaigns are essential tools for managing your Google Ads budget and optimizing your marketing efforts. By following these simple steps and considering the factors above, you can confidently navigate the process and maintain control over your advertising.

Azjargal (Azaa) Gankhuyag

Azjargal (Azaa) Gankhuyag is the founder of ByteCode Digital Marketing Agency. With expertise in data-driven strategies and authentic storytelling, she helps startups and sustainability-focused brands grow through impactful digital marketing.