How to Conduct a Rapid Search Term N-Gram Analysis Using Python and Google Ads Data
Extract 1-gram, 2-gram, and 3-gram patterns from massive search query logs to identify systemic negative keywords and high-performing long-tail expansions.
SSarah Jenkins VP of Paid Search & Performance MediaSep 10, 2026 8 min read
SEO Runway Platform Verified: This guide utilizes live telemetry, algorithms, and automated workflows from the Google Ads Search Queries Explorer (Navigation coordinate: /projects//google_ads/queries/).
1. Why Sentence-Level Query Reviews Fail at Scale
When an account generates 50,000 distinct search queries per month, human media buyers cannot manually inspect each row. Individual low-volume queries (1 or 2 clicks) appear harmless, but when aggregated by shared word stems, they reveal tens of thousands of dollars in wasted budget.
LIVE PLATFORM SCREEN & TELEMETRY
SEO Runway Google Ads Search Queries Explorer — Active Workspace
Below is the exact production screen with live parameters and dummy data illustrating the diagnostic findings and remediation buttons.
Search Term Query Mining & Negative Keyword Dispatch
Showing 4 of 24,810 records
Triggered Search Query
Ad Campaign
Clicks / Spend
Conversions
Instant Action
free home gym equipment plans pdf
Commercial Racks & Cages
148 clicks · $582 spend
0 Conv (Waste)
diy homemade barbell weight ideas
Weightlifting Barbells
92 clicks · $312 spend
0 Conv (Waste)
titan commercial power rack review
Brand Protection
340 clicks · $142 spend
42 Conv ($12.8k)
High Value
cheap secondhand weights used craigslist
Adjustable Dumbbells
84 clicks · $288 spend
0 Conv (Waste)
How to Read & Execute on This Screen in SEO Runway
①Zero-Conversion Spend Threshold
Sets rules that automatically highlight any query spending over $50 without a verified conversion.
②1-Click Negative Keyword Sync
Pushes negative match terms directly to your Google Ads account via real-time API without manual spreadsheets.
③Paid vs Organic Cannibalization
Identifies keywords where you rank #1 organically so you can lower PPC bids and preserve marketing budget.
2. Executing N-Gram Reviews in SEO Runway
In SEO Runway → Google Ads → Search Queries, click the 'N-Gram Breakdown' tab. The tool groups queries into 1-gram, 2-gram, and 3-gram frequencies, highlighting cost-per-conversion anomalies for immediate negative keyword addition.
// WORKFLOW VERIFICATION BENCHMARKSTATUS: PRODUCTION READY
This is one of the clearest architectural explanations of this topic on the web. Sharing this directly with our senior delivery team. As a Agency Founder & Managing Director, this provides exactly the architectural depth we look for.
T
Tariq MansoorSep 11, 2026
The point about isolating parameters in the audit crawl depth is pure gold. Saved our engineering team dozens of hours. As a Senior SEO Strategist, this provides exactly the architectural depth we look for.
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Rachel VanceSep 10, 2026
Bookmarked. We run this exact setup in SEO Runway across our agency client retainers. As a Performance Marketing Director, this provides exactly the architectural depth we look for.
This is one of the clearest architectural explanations of this topic on the web. Sharing this directly with our senior delivery team. As a Agency Founder & Managing Director, this provides exactly the architectural depth we look for.