Ad tech glossary

Match Types

Technical definition

Settings that control how closely a search query needs to match your keyword for your ad to enter the auction.

The ADLINGO translation

The dial between control and reach in search. Exact match gives you precision and lower volume. Broad match gives you reach and a search terms report full of surprises. Phrase match sits in between and has been progressively eroded toward broad match behavior over the years. The practical implication: the more you rely on broad match, the more you need to monitor the search terms report, because Google's definition of "relevant" and yours will diverge.

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