Google Ads Keyword Match Types Explained

Google Ads keyword types match is an essential aspect of search engine marketing that helps businesses target their ideal audience by specifying the keywords they want to use in their advertisements. The match type determines the relevance of keywords to the search query and how closely they need to match to trigger an advertisement. Understanding the different keyword match types is crucial for effective ad targeting and maximizing the return on investment for your advertising spend.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive explanation of the various keyword match types, what is a phrase match, including broad match, exact match, etc. Whether you’re new to Google Ads or have been using it for a while, this article will provide you with the knowledge of how to add keywords to Google Ads that you need to create effective campaigns and reach your target audience effectively. 

What are keyword match types?

Match Types are settings that determine how closely the keyword you have chosen must match the terms that users search for in Google. They help you control who sees your ads and where they appear by defining the keywords that trigger your ads. For this reason, knowing how to add keywords to Google Ads is an essential aspect of Google Ads management. 

Types of Google Ads Keyword Match Types

Keyword match types are a way to control how closely the keyword you specify needs to match the search query made by a user in order for your ad to appear. Do you know what is phrase match in google ads? There are four different types of keyword matches in Google Ads. Phrase match is one of them. 

  • Broad Match: This is the default match type and the most general match type. When you specify a keyword in broad match, your ad will show for any search query that includes that keyword or close variations of that keyword. This match type will cast a wide net, which could lead to irrelevant impressions and clicks.
  • Broad Match Modifier: With this match type, you can specify a keyword as a broad match and also specify certain words that must appear in the search query in order for the ad to appear. The words you specify are designated with a plus sign (+) before the keyword. For example, if you specify +best +dog food, your ad will only show for searches that contain both “best” and “dog food.”
  • Phrase Match: With phrase match, you can specify a keyword that must be matched in the exact order you specify. 
  • Exact Match: Exact match is the most restrictive match type and requires the search query to match the keyword exactly. For example, if you specify [best dog food], your ad will only show for searches that include that exact phrase. This match type can be useful for highly specific keywords or if you want to target only a small group of potential customers.

Choosing the right keyword match type is important to ensure that your ad is seen by the right audience and to maximize the effectiveness of your ad spend.

How to add keywords to Google ads?

google ads keyword match types
  • Login to your Google Ads account: Go to the Google Ads website and sign in to your account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one.
  • Go to the “Keywords” tab: Once you’re logged in, click on the “Keywords” tab in the main navigation.
  • Create a new keyword list: Click on the “+ Keyword List” button on the right side of the page.
  • Choose the right keyword match type: You can choose from three keyword match types: broad match, phrase match, and exact match. Choose the one that works best for you.
  • Enter keywords: Enter keywords that are relevant to your business and are most likely to be used by people searching for your products or services.
  • Save your keyword list: Once you’ve entered all of your keywords, click on the “Save” button.
  • Add keywords to your campaigns: Go to the “Campaigns” tab and select the campaign you want to add keywords to. Then, click on the “Keywords” tab.
  • Add keywords to your ad group: Click on the “+ Keywords” button and select the keyword list you just created. Then, click on the “Add” button.
  • Set bids for your keywords: You can set a bid for each keyword. This is the maximum amount you’re willing to pay for each click.
  • Save your changes: Once you’ve set bids for all of your keywords, click on the “Save” button.

Note: Make sure you regularly review and update your keyword match types to make sure you’re getting the best results possible.

What is phrase match in google ads?

Phrase match is a keyword type that allows you to target your ads to searches that include your exact keyword phrases or close variations of your keyword phrases, in the order you specify. For example, if you use the keyword phrase “red sneakers,”  your ad will be pop up for users who search for “red sneakers,”  “buy red sneakers,”  or “red sneakers for sale.”

However, it will not be shown to users who search for “sneakers red” or “red shoes.” Phrase match allows for more control and specificity in your targeting compared to broad match, but still allows for some flexibility in variations of your keyword phrases. It is a good option if you want to target specific phrases, but still want to reach a wider audience than just using exact match

The Impact of Keyword Match Types on Ad Performance

Keyword match types are an important aspect of pay-per-click (PPC) advertising that can significantly impact ad performance. They determine how closely the keywords that trigger your ads must match the search terms used by potential customers. The impact of keyword match types on ad performance can vary based on the goals of the campaign, the target audience, and the level of competition for the keywords.

For example, broad match keywords will generally lead to higher impressions and clicks, but lower quality scores and conversion rates. On the other hand, exact-match keywords will result in fewer impressions and clicks, but higher quality scores and conversion rates. Ultimately, the impact of keyword match types on ad performance will depend on a variety of factors, and it is important to regularly monitor and adjust campaigns to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Final Taught 

In conclusion, understanding and utilizing the different Google Ads keyword match types is essential for creating effective and successful campaigns. By utilizing the different match types, and what is phrase match in Google Ads, you can target your audience more precisely and reach the right people at the right time. From the broad match, which allows you to reach a large audience, to the exact match, which is more targeted, each match type has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Therefore, it’s important to understand the different match types and choose the one that suits your business goals and target audience. As a marketer, it is essential to continually monitor and adjust your keyword match types based on the performance of your campaigns to ensure the best results. Understanding how to add keywords to Google Ads is a crucial aspect of PPC advertising. It will help you achieve your business goals and reach your target audience more effectively.

We believe in working smart, not hard, and that's been our life motto. We're self-taught learners who are passionate about sharing knowledge. We've created this website as a platform to empower individuals and businesses with marketing insights. Our team at Unlimited Marketing is driven by a desire to educate and provide accessible marketing wisdom. We believe in the transformative power of effective marketing, whether for personal growth or business success. Our mission is to simplify and make marketing knowledge easily accessible to all.