Understanding Google Ads Keyword Types

Here are the 3 types of keyword match types that you can use in your Google Ads Campaign.

 

Google Ads has 3 match types:

 

• Broad Match: Can target a wide variety of search queries that could be totally unrelated to what keywords you are bidding on. Broad match keywords typically are good to use with automatic max conversion bidding strats and for low-volume niche keywords. We recommend you do not use these at the start of your Google Ads Campaign
• Phrase Match: phrase match nowadays acts as the previous broad match modified. It will attract more relatable search queries that are closer to the keywords you are targeting. These are best used when you start an account and need to collect data.
• Exact Match: Exact match or exact match close variant are typically the best keywords to use when it comes to campaigns that focus on conversions. They target the exact keyword you are bidding on or a close variant to the keyword. For example: Best Landscaper Near Me can trigger the variant for Landscaper near me. Exact match has loosened up a lot in the last year and is not as “exact” as it used to be.

Key Takeaways

• • Understand the different types of keywords in Google Ads for successful campaigns

• • Google Ads keyword types are categorized to help advertisers manage their campaigns more efficiently

• • Effective keyword selection is essential for targeting the right audience and driving conversions

• • Optimize your campaigns by experimenting and refining your keyword selection to improve relevancy and reach

• • Stay up-to-date with Google Ads keyword best practices for continued success

Types of Keywords in Google Ads

Google Ads provides several keyword types that advertisers can use to target their ads to potential customers. Understanding the different keyword types is essential for creating effective Google Ads campaigns that deliver results. Let’s explore each type of keyword and examine how they can be used to make your campaigns more successful.

Broad Match Keywords

Broad match keywords allow ads to appear when users search for variations of a specific keyword, as well as related terms. For instance, an ad targeting the broad match keyword “running shoes” can also get matches for “sneakers for running” or “jogging shoes” to reach a broad audience. However, it can also attract irrelevant searches which is why this approach needs constant monitoring.

Exact Match Keywords

Exact match keywords trigger the display of your ad when users search for precisely that keyword without any other words before or after. This type of keyword allows you to showcase your ad for those search terms that most closely match the keywords you’ve selected. For instance, if your exact match keyword is “men’s loafers,” your ad will only appear when someone searches for that exact phrase or similar variations such as “loafers for men” or “men’s leather loafers.”

Phrase Match Keywords

Phrase match keywords allow ads to show up when users search for a specific keyword phrase or a close variation of it. However, the search queries can have other words before or after the keyword phrase. For example, if your phrase match keyword is “outdoor furniture,” your ad might appear for “buy outdoor furniture” or “outdoor furniture sets,” but not for “furniture for indoor-outdoor living spaces.”

Negative Keywords

Negative keywords are keywords you select to avoid displaying your ad when a user searches for certain phrases. These keywords can reduce irrelevant clicks, hence, saving budget. For example, if you are selling high-end laptops, you might add “cheap laptops” as a negative keyword to avoid appearing for searches that aren’t relevant to your business.

Keyword Categories in Google Ads

Google Ads categorizes keywords into groups based on their relevance to different topics. Key categories include Brand terms, Competitor terms, Products, Services, and Generic terms. Encapsulating your keywords into categories, helps you organize them and decide on the best campaign structure for your business needs.

Keyword Categories in Google Ads

Keywords form the foundation of a successful Google Ads campaign. Within Google Ads, keywords are grouped into different categories, each with its unique set of characteristics and advertising potential.

By understanding these keyword categories, you can more efficiently manage and optimize your advertising campaigns, resulting in increased click-through rates and conversions.

Types of Keyword Categories in Google Ads

There are three main types of keyword categories in Google Ads, each with its unique attributes and benefits:

• • Broad match: Keywords that trigger ads for a wide range of search queries related to the keyword.

• • Phrase match: Keywords that trigger ads for search queries containing the keyword in the same order.

• • Exact match: Keywords that trigger ads for search queries that exactly match the keyword or a close variant.

There are also negative keywords, which prevent ads from showing for specific words or phrases, and dynamic search ads, which automatically generate keywords based on the content of your website.

Benefits of Keyword Categories

By organizing your keywords by category, you can gain valuable insights into how your ads are performing. You can analyze which categories are generating the most clicks and conversions and adjust your bidding and targeting accordingly.

For example, if your broad match keywords are generating a lot of clicks but few conversions, you may want to adjust your targeting to focus on more specific keywords or use negative keywords to exclude irrelevant search queries.

Using Keyword Categories to Improve Your Campaign

To effectively use keyword categories, you should continually review and refine your keyword selection to ensure they are relevant to your target audience and aligned with your campaign goals.

Also, keep in mind that your keyword categories may shift over time as your business and industry change. Regularly analyzing your campaign performance and adjusting your keyword categories can help you stay competitive and reach your advertising goals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the different types and categories of keywords in Google Ads is essential for running successful campaigns. As we have seen, keyword types such as broad match, phrase match, and exact match offer unique benefits and require different approaches for optimization. Additionally, utilizing keyword categories such as brand keywords, competitor keywords, and product keywords can provide valuable insights into your campaigns’ performance.

By taking the time to understand and experiment with these keyword types and categories, you can maximize the relevance and reach of your ads and ultimately drive conversions. Don’t be afraid to keep refining your keyword selection to find what works best for your business. With the right strategy and approach, Google Ads can be a highly effective tool for reaching your target audience and achieving your advertising goals.

Thank you for reading this guide on Google Ads keyword types and categories. We hope it has provided valuable insights and useful tips for your future campaigns. Keep in mind the SEO-relevant keywords: google ads keyword categories, types of keywords in Google ads, keyword types in Google ads, and google ads keyword types explained.