Dynamic Keyword Insertion (DKI) is an advanced feature in Google Ads that automatically updates your ad text to include the keyword from your ad group that triggered your ad.This makes your ad copy highly relevant to the searcher’s query, which typically increases Click-Through Rate (CTR) and Quality Score.

You implement DKI using a specific code snippet, which also includes a default text as a safety net.

Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing DKI

You can use DKI in the Headlines and Description lines of your Responsive Search Ads (RSAs).

1. Navigate to Ad Creation

1. Log in to your Google Ads account.

2. Navigate to the Campaign and Ads where you want to apply DKI.

3. Click Ads in the left-hand menu, then click the blue plus button      to create a New responsive search ad or edit an existing one.

2. Insert the Dynamic Keyword Code

In the Headline or Description field where you want the keyword to appear, type the opening brace ( {  ). A drop-down menu will appear.

1. Select Keyword insertion from the drop-down.

2. In the pop-up box, you must provide two things:

• Default Text: This is the fallback word or phrase that Google will use if the inserted keyword is too long for the character limit, or if the keyword is not grammatically correct in the context of your ad.

3. Review the Syntax

If you use the manual method (by typing it yourself) or the guided method, the final code format must be: {KeyWord:Default Text}

• Note: There should be no space after the colon (:) separating the keyword code from the default text.

4. Save and Test

1. Click Apply (if using the guided method) or finish writing your ad text.

2. Use the Ad preview feature on the right-hand side to check how your ad looks with different keywords from the ad group.

3. Click Save ad.

Understanding the Capitalisation Options

The way you capitalise the word keyword inside the brace controls the formatting of the text that is dynamically inserted.

Example Scenario (UTDS Optimal Choice)

Company: UTDS Optimal Choice (utds.io) – selling software solutions.

Ad Group Theme: “ERP System Features” (Keywords are highly related: ERP system dashboard, ERP software integration, ERP reporting tools).

DKI Best Practices & Notes

• Tightly Themed Ad Groups: Never use DKI in an ad group containing keywords that aren’t closely related.If your ad group contains keywords for both “Office Chairs” and “Stationery Supplies,” the resulting ad copy will be nonsensical (e.g., “Buy Office Chairs Supplies”).

• Always Set Default Text: The default text acts as a grammatically safe, generic alternative. If the inserted keyword is too long or violates a Google policy (like trademark rules), the default text will be used instead, ensuring your ad still makes sense.

• Avoid Broad Match: Use DKI primarily with Phrase Match and Exact Match keywords where you have tighter control over the inserted term. Using it with Broad Match increases the risk of displaying irrelevant or awkward phrasing.