Ah, that’s a tough one, but don’t worry, you can bounce back! Here’s the best way to recover after accidentally pausing a high-performing keyword:
Step 1: Re-activate the Keyword Immediately
First things first — turn the keyword back on with the same bid and match type it had when performing well. Avoid making major changes right away; let the system re-learn and stabilize.
Step 2: Give It Time to Reoptimize
Even if you reactivate it, the keyword may not instantly pick up where it left off. Campaigns often go through a short relearning phase, so expect a small delay in full performance returning — give it at least 2–3 days.
Step 3: Monitor Closely
Watch metrics like impressions, CTR, and conversions over the next few days. If it’s underperforming compared to before, consider slightly increasing your bid to help it regain traction faster.
Step 4: Duplicate as Backup
Create a duplicate ad group with just that keyword as a test. This lets you compare performance and ensure the original isn’t stuck in a suppressed state.
Bonus Tips:
Use a labeling system to flag high-performing keywords so you don’t accidentally pause them again.
Regularly back up your campaigns or export a list of your top performers so you can quickly spot issues like this.
Turn the keyword back on exactly as it was, give it time to reoptimize, and monitor closely. You’ll likely see performance bounce back, just keep a close eye on it for the next few days.