Digital marketing

Why your Google Ads are getting clicks but no leads

KKahu team·Updated 1 Oct 2026·6 min read

Illustration for the KahuLogic guide: Why Your Google Ads Are Getting Clicks but No Leads
Quick answer

Clicks without leads usually mean the wrong people are clicking or the right people are leaving. Check the search terms report for irrelevant searches, make sure conversion tracking works, then look at the landing page and offer. Fix tracking first, because without it you cannot tell what is working.

Step 1: confirm tracking works

Submit your own form and make a test call. Check that each one appears as a conversion in Google Ads. Many “no lead” campaigns are producing leads that are not being counted, or counting page views as leads.

Step 2: read the search terms

The search terms report shows what people actually typed. Look for job seekers, DIY searches, competitors’ names and places you do not serve. Add them as negative keywords.

SearchIntentAction
“plumber near me”Ready to hireKeep
“how to fix a leaking tap”DIYNegative keyword
“plumber jobs”Job seekerNegative keyword
“plumber [other city]”Outside areaExclude location

Step 3: check the landing page

  • Does it load quickly on a phone?
  • Does the headline match what they searched for?
  • Is the phone number and form visible without scrolling?
  • Are there reasons to trust you: reviews, photos, licences?

Step 4: check the offer

If competitors offer same-day visits or fixed prices and you do not mention yours, searchers will compare and leave. State what makes you the easy choice.

Where Kahu fitsKahu SitesTell Kahu what you do and it drafts your whole site in your own words, hosts it, and keeps it updated when your hours or prices change.Written in your words from one conversationHosting, domain and SSL includedHours and prices update themselvesSee Kahu Sites →bayphysio.co.nzPhysio in Mount Maunganui, same-week appointmentsBook onlinePricesACC claimsYou changed Saturday hours in chat · site updated 2 min ago

Frequently asked questions

Why is my click-through rate high but no conversions?

A good ad with a weak page, or broad keywords attracting browsers. Check search terms and the page.

Should I switch to Performance Max?

Not to fix this. Fix tracking and the page first, or Performance Max will optimise towards the wrong signals.

How many clicks before I should see a lead?

It depends on your conversion rate, but a well-matched service page should start producing enquiries within the first few dozen clicks.

Further reading

  1. Google Ads Helpsupport.google.com
  2. Google Search Central: SEO Starter Guidedevelopers.google.com
  3. Meta Business Help Centerfacebook.com