What should I do if I can’t get the whole company name to exact match?
Short Answer: You should use phrase match for the company name. Putting the company name as a phrase match keyword ensures that your ads don’t show up for variations of that company name.
Full Explanation
When managing keywords for advertising or SEO, getting an exact match of a company name might not always be feasible. Instead of relying solely on exact matches, where your ad or listing shows up only when the company name is typed exactly as is, you can use phrase match. Phrase match means that the keyword is considered within a broader search query but still maintains the core company name in sequence.
By setting the company name as a phrase match keyword, your content or ads avoid appearing on searches that contain variations, misspellings, or additional words before or after the company name. This allows for better targeting and prevents your ads from showing when the search intent might be different or less relevant.
Step-by-Step Breakdown
- Identify the full company name you want to target, for example, “Speedy Air Conditioning.”
- Instead of trying to use an exact match, add the company name as a phrase match keyword in your keyword list.
- Phrase match ensures your ads show only when the query contains the company name phrase in the correct order, but may have other words before or after.
- This method prevents your ads from showing up on unrelated or variant searches that do not contain the full phrase, improving the relevance of your ad displays.
Real Examples
Consider the company name Speedy Air Conditioning. When you add “Speedy Air Conditioning” as a phrase match keyword, the ad platform looks for search queries that include the exact phrase in that order. It will not show ads if the phrase is broken up or if key words are swapped around.
This way, searches like “Speedy Air Conditioning services” or “reviews Speedy Air Conditioning” will trigger your ad, but something like “Air Conditioning Speedy” or “Speedy Cooling” will not.
Common Mistakes
- Trying to force an exact match when it’s difficult to get all variations covered.
- Assuming phrase match will work the same as broad match, which can lead to irrelevant ad impressions.
- Not including the company name as a phrase match keyword and relying on broader or exact matches exclusively.
FAQs
Can phrase match completely replace exact match?
While phrase match offers flexibility and improved targeting for the company name, it is not always a complete replacement for exact match. However, when exact match cannot be used, phrase match is a reliable alternative.
Will phrase match show ads for misspelled company names?
No, phrase match requires the exact phrase in the correct order. Misspellings or changes in word order usually prevent the ad from showing.
Key Takeaways
- Use phrase match for company names when exact match is unavailable or impractical.
- Phrase match helps control when your ads appear, focusing on queries containing the company name phrase.
- This strategy improves relevance and reduces unnecessary ad impressions.