Setting Location Exclusions in a Performance Max (PMax) campaign is essential for ensuring your ad budget (e.g., for UTDS Optimal Choice‘s UK service) is not wasted on clicks from regions you cannot serve.

Unlike other exclusions, PMax location exclusions are handled in the same way as standard Search campaigns, allowing you to prevent your ads from showing in specific countries, regions, or cities.

Step 1: Access Campaign Settings

1. Click Campaigns.

2. Click the name of your specific Performance Max Campaign.

3. In the campaign menu (top rail), click Campaign Settings.

4. Expand the Locations section.

Step 2: Set the Exclusions

The exclusion process is identical to that of a standard Search campaign.

1. You will see a heading for Excluded locations.

2. Search Box: Type the name of the area you want to exclude (e.g., “India,” “Scotland,” or a specific non-service city).

1. Click the location name when it appears in the drop-down.

2. Click the Exclude button next to the location.

3. Click Save.

Method B: Advanced Search (Bulk Exclusion)

1. Click Advanced search (usually below the main search box).

2. Check the box next to Add locations in bulk.

3. Paste or type the names of up to 1000 locations you wish to exclude (one location per line).

4. Click Search to review the matched locations.

5. Click Exclude all and then Save.

Important Note: Exclusion takes priority. If you target the United Kingdom but exclude Scotland, the exclusion will apply, and your ads will not show in Scotland.

Step 3: Review Advanced Location Options (Presence)

While setting exclusions, it is crucial to review your overall location targeting settings to ensure maximum control.

1. Still in the Locations section of the campaign settings, click Location options (usually located below the map).

2. Under Target, ensure your option is set to:

• Presence: “People in or regularly in your targeted locations.”

By setting this to Presence, you limit your campaign’s tendency to show ads to users outside your target area who have only expressed an interest in it (e.g., someone in the $\text{US}$ searching for “UK software pricing”).