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Learn Understanding Match Types | Keyword Strategy & Match Types
Google Ads Mastery: From Fundamentals to Pro-Level Campaigns

bookUnderstanding Match Types

Match types are how you control who sees your adsβ€”and when. In this chapter, you'll get a clear, practical breakdown of broad, phrase, exact, and negative match types so you can reduce wasted spend, tighten your targeting, and reach the right audience more consistently.

Key Points:

  • Match types define how closely a search query must match your keyword before your ad is triggered;
  • Broad match casts a wide net β€” use cautiously with automation and strong negatives;
  • Phrase offers balance, matching phrases in order while allowing flexibility;
  • Exact match delivers the most precise targeting β€” ideal for high-intent, high-value keywords;
  • Negative keywords block irrelevant or low-converting traffic and should be used in every campaign;
  • Mix match types strategically: exact for control, phrase to scale, and broad with automation;
  • Maintain a growing negative keyword list to continuously improve ad efficiency.
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SectionΒ 3. ChapterΒ 2

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bookUnderstanding Match Types

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Match types are how you control who sees your adsβ€”and when. In this chapter, you'll get a clear, practical breakdown of broad, phrase, exact, and negative match types so you can reduce wasted spend, tighten your targeting, and reach the right audience more consistently.

Key Points:

  • Match types define how closely a search query must match your keyword before your ad is triggered;
  • Broad match casts a wide net β€” use cautiously with automation and strong negatives;
  • Phrase offers balance, matching phrases in order while allowing flexibility;
  • Exact match delivers the most precise targeting β€” ideal for high-intent, high-value keywords;
  • Negative keywords block irrelevant or low-converting traffic and should be used in every campaign;
  • Mix match types strategically: exact for control, phrase to scale, and broad with automation;
  • Maintain a growing negative keyword list to continuously improve ad efficiency.
Everything was clear?

How can we improve it?

Thanks for your feedback!

SectionΒ 3. ChapterΒ 2
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