phrase match or exact?

Broad, Phrase and Exact Matches

When performing keyword research within the Google Keyword Tool, we are presented with results displayed in broad, phrase and exact match types. These match types represent the data provided to us based on users search activity.
Heres a quick overview of the different match types within the Google Keyword Tool, along with their definitions, how they vary, and a basic example of each. For this demonstration, lets look at “mens tennis shoes”.

Match Type Broad match
Keyphrase mens tennis shoes
Monthly Search Volume 18,100

Broad match keywords may contain the actual phrase typed in any variation. As an example, if you searched for mens tennis shoes you might get results such as

• The best tennis shoes for men
• Cheap men’s tennis shoes
• Nike tennis shoes for men

And so on. As you can see, the search results can be quite broad in their definition – hence the match type identifier. When performing keyword research using the Google Keyword Tool, its best to not use broad match type at all as it serves no real purpose. Broad match type often shows the most search volume within Google’s Keyword Tool, but this is typically because its not targeted.

Match Type Phrase match
Keyphrase “mens tennis shoes”
Monthly Search Volume 4,400

Phrase match keywords are somewhat more focused as they contain the actual phrase itself within the search query. Again using mens tennis shoes as an example, we have

• Cheap mens tennis shoes
• Balance mens tennis shoes on sale
• Nike mens tennis shoes discount store

Although phrase match is somewhat more targeted, it can still be considered a little too broad. Especially if you’re wanting to really focus in on search volume data. Phrase match isnt a match type that I use personally to perform keyword research or to measure search volume. Instead I only use exact match.

Match Type Exact match
Keyphrase [mens tennis shoes]
Monthly Search Volume 1,300

Exact match phrase is the most accurate keyphrase to use as the results are exactly as shown. Again using the example of mens tennis shoes, we would only receive the following results

• Mens tennis shoes

As you can see, exact match means exactly that - exactly as shown. This is the match type that you want to use when performing keyword research, as it’s the most accurate in terms of measuring search trends, search interest and potential demand for a topic or product.

If you're doing keyword research, you'll want to check the exact match option. The results are more accurate for what you are looking for.

@Ramone_johnny: Good explanation! I liked your post.


- Steve

Use the exact match phrase to make your final keyword decisions.

BUT - the phrase match often throws up things you may not have thought about and you may overlook some hidden gems if you don't also scan these results too.

Sam

Some good tips being offered here.

Just think of the different types of matches as a tool of the trade like a plumber has his set of spanners.

The plumber selects the appropriate spanner to do the task out of his toolbox. IM select the relevant search settings.

Just bare in mind there's more to KW resarch than number crunching, though it's an important aspect of KR.

Taffiliae