From the 1st April 2017, Google AdWords initiated changes to the way in which close match variants work on exact match keywords. The introduction of this change will see an expansion of close variant matching, to include the rewording and reordering of exact match keywords. In an effort to make it easier to reach consumers in different ways they search.
This change has been met with mixed reviews, with writers such as columnist Adam Levy summing up the problem in one simple sentence, that this change will affect “two major parts of what we advertisers have historically loved about exact match: preserving word order and keeping out filler, or “function,” words”. With an air of uncertainty surrounding this change, combined with the previous resistance of the introduction of close variants in 2012, it is no wonder companies are worried about the impact this change will have on their accounts.
But not to worry, for as Google’s trust in machine learning continues to grow, there is the belief that advertisers can let the algorithms take over, allowing them to focus more on other aspects of their companies. The positives continue to grow as writer Ginny Martin explained how Google pronounced that their early tests “indicate advertisers could see up 3 percent more exact match clocks on average while maintaining comparable click-through and conversion rates.”
Google is also attempting to soothe advertisers concerns, stressing that they will not change the word order or function words in exact match, if it would alter the meaning of a consumers query. With this matter resolved, it is hard to ignore the benefits this update holds for advertisers. This expansion, will grant reach for advertisers to target audience’s they never could before, as well as preventing them from having to create large lists of keywords, a vital time-saving aspect.
Although this change might take a while to adjust too, savvy companies will know how to make the most of this update, ensuring they stay in control by revisiting not only their keywords but also their negative keywords, to guarantee exact match is making as much impact for them as possible.