If you’ve ever noticed your business ranking for terms like “free junk removal” even though you don’t offer free services, you’re not alone. We get this question a lot, and it usually sparks a little confusion. Here’s the deal: showing up in search results for terms like “free junk removal” is often part of how Google’s ecosystem works, especially when paid and organic searches overlap.
Let’s break down why you’re seeing this, how it impacts your ad budget (it doesn’t), and why this blend of paid and organic results can be beneficial.
1. Why You’re Seeing “Free Junk Removal” in Your Organic Results
If you’re seeing your business show up for “free junk removal” searches, it’s because Google views “junk removal” and “free junk removal” as closely related keywords. This overlap happens because both terms are popular search queries with similar intent, so Google often categorizes them side-by-side. Even though you’re not bidding on “free junk removal” keywords, your organic results are still boosted by your paid campaigns.
Here’s the key takeaway: your paid ads and organic listings influence each other. Running ads for junk removal signals to Google that you’re an active advertiser in this niche, which sometimes boosts your organic rankings for related terms—like “free junk removal”—even if those keywords aren’t in your paid strategy. Google sees your presence and assumes you’re relevant for related queries, including free service searches.
2. You’re Not Paying for These Free Keywords
One of the biggest concerns we hear is, “If I’m showing up for ‘free junk removal,’ am I paying for those clicks?” The answer is no.
Your paid campaigns are set up with layers of negative keywords, including anything related to “free.” Negative keywords act as a safeguard, blocking irrelevant terms and ensuring your ad spend is focused on high-quality traffic. In fact, your junk removal campaign alone has over 1,000 negative keywords—keywords we’re actively filtering out to protect your budget.
We’ve specifically excluded “free junk removal” from your paid campaigns, meaning that if someone clicks on your listing for that term, you’re not being charged. This is an important distinction: Google’s organic listings are separate from your paid ad budget, even though they can sometimes appear together in search results.
3. Why “Free Junk Removal” Shows Up but Not Other Keywords
Google search competition plays a big role here. Keywords like “junk removal” are highly competitive, with some companies paying upwards of $500 per click to hold top positions. If you’re bidding on “junk removal,” you’ll likely compete against well-funded national chains for those prime spots. By contrast, “free junk removal” has almost no competition—there’s little to no bidding on it because most businesses aren’t paying for clicks on free services.
Google’s algorithm still needs to fill those search results, though. So if you’re a paying advertiser in junk removal, Google might list your business in the organic rankings for “free junk removal” simply because the competition is so low. It’s basically Google saying, “We know you’re active in this space, and we have to provide some results, so you’re a relevant option here.”
4. Why Your Listing Shows as “Sponsored” in Searches
If you’re searching for yourself and seeing your listing marked as “Sponsored,” that’s Google’s way of indicating you’re an active advertiser. When you pay for ads, Google associates your account with the “sponsored” tag in search results, even if the clicks for certain keywords (like “free junk removal”) are organic and not costing you a dime. This blending of paid and organic visibility is part of how Google’s ecosystem functions.
In Summary:
• Google’s ecosystem creates overlaps: Paid and organic listings influence each other, leading to organic visibility for related terms.
• You’re not paying for “free” keywords: We’ve set up exclusions in your campaigns to prevent charges for irrelevant clicks.
• “Free junk removal” appears due to low competition: Since few businesses bid on it, you may rank for this term organically, especially as an active advertiser.
• Sponsored label doesn’t mean paid clicks: Being marked as “Sponsored” is part of Google’s approach to show advertisers more visibly, but it doesn’t mean you’re being charged.
Google’s search environment can feel complex, especially when you see unexpected terms popping up in your results. But this dynamic can also be beneficial—it’s Google’s way of helping your business reach more potential customers without affecting your ad budget. As long as you’ve got the right safeguards in place, like negative keywords, you’re set up to avoid unnecessary costs.
If you’re seeing any unusual patterns or have more questions about how your campaigns are performing, we’re here to dig in and make sure everything’s running as efficiently as possible.✌️
Justin Hubbard
PLUS: Whenever you're ready, here are three ways I can help you grow your business:
1. Get Personal Help with a FREE Strategy Call
Need fresh insights on your business strategy? Book a FREE 30-minute call with me. I help identify winning strategies to boost your bottom line and enhance your quality of life.
You’ve hired experts for your golf game and finances—now hire a coach to help your business thrive. As a fellow small business owner, I understand the challenges and know how to navigate them for growth and success. Book your strategy call HERE.
2. adimize: Grow Your Business with Our Proven Google Ads System
Want to maximize your ad spend and drive results? Get a FREE Google Ads account review with adimize. Our team specializes in optimizing ad campaigns to drive leads and increase bookings. With over a decade of hauling industry marketing experience, we help your business grow using intent-driven, results-focused strategies. And with no contracts, there’s nothing to lose. Schedule your free review HERE.
3. Order My New eBook: Beyond Breaking Even | Unlocking Profit Potential In Hauling Businesses
Discover how to generate sustainable revenue and growth. This book provides targeted, efficient strategies specifically designed for the hauling industry. Inside, you'll find actionable insights on how to scale your business, optimize operations, and increase profitability while minimizing risk. Learn from real-world examples and proven methods that have helped businesses like yours go beyond survival to achieving success. Purchase your copy HERE.
Comments