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Broad match

Broad match is a keyword match type that can allow queries related to the meaning of a keyword.

Positive keyword match types

  1. Broad · related searches
  2. Phrase · includes meaning
  3. Exact · same meaning or intent
Scope comparison, not literal text rules. Exact is not limited to identical text; negative keywords follow different rules.

How it works

Review reported search terms, conversion goals and negative keywords.

Example

Example: A flower-delivery keyword may cover a related query about sending a bouquet.

Common mistakes

Do not treat broad match as a list of spelling variants only.

How can you check this in practice?

Monitor search terms and measured conversions: broad can include related searches beyond the literal phrase. Maintain appropriate negatives and reliable measurement. Inspect the semantic relationship before treating every different wording as a matching error.

Distinctions and limitations

Broad is not unlimited serving for every query or a literal text mask. Phrase and exact also use meaning and intent. The distinction concerns eligible semantic scope, not merely punctuation.

Official sources

Editorial responsibility: Biser Bozhinov · PPC Specialist

Updated: 05/11/2026

For a correction or question: office@z-consult.bg