Does AdWords Keyword Matching Even Work?

Looks like no...

[moderngamer]

Is it even worth the time to set up Ad Groups with different keyword matching?

Example (real life)

Bid term is: widget for typex

AdGroup 1: Broad

KW: widget for typex
-"widget for typex"

Adgroup 2: Exact

kw: [widget for typex]

Just going over analytics and received a conversion from the broad keyword term with the exact search query of widget for typex.

Why on earth? Let's check the bids

widget for typex QS7 bid .65 EFP .50
[widget for typex] QS7 bid .85 EFP .50

Both are new Ad Groups set-up at the same time so no Ad Rank history.

So I am at a loss as to why the broad matching term is showing for the exact term that I am trying to target with a separate Ad Group.

This type of inconsistency makes me question the extra effort of setting all these Ad Groups up (for high performing keywords) if it doesn't even work? Maybe I am missing something - do I need -[widget for typex] as well?

Ughh - any thoughts?

/rant

[netmeg]

Did you run a search query report to see what the *actual* keyword on that broad match was?

[moderngamer]

Hi netmeg thanks for the response.

Sorry I should have mentioned that in the first post - yes I have analytics filters in GA set up for AdWords keyword capture as well as E-Commerce transaction keyword capture.

[kameo]

Could try to add different parametrs to Ads destination url and check which will appear.

[Digmen1]

Is it even worth bothering with Adwords ?
I have an actual product for sale and have set up lots of keywords and have had hardly any impressions, let alone clicks or let alone sales !
So unless I increase my bids to about $1.00 per click I can't see how I am going to get any where with it.
As far as I can tell its a waste of my time, that could be better spent on my website optimisation and direct phone call marketing.

[James_WV]

adwords is definitely worth it - do your KW research and go for the long tail - and also work on improving your Quality Score so you can lower your CPC

[AdWordsAdvisor]

Is it even worth bothering with Adwords ?

I know the page I have linked-to below is probably too basic for folks who are members of this forum. So forgive me. :)

Still, when a 'core' question such as the above comes up, I think it is a good idea to take a fresh look at where one stands relative to basic principles of how to succeed with AdWords, before throwing in the towel.

All that said, here is one of my favorite pages in the AdWords Help Center:

Tips for success
[adwords.google.com...]

The topics covered on that page - which are essential to using AdWords effectively, in my opinion at least:

1. Identify your advertising goals.
2. Organize your account for maximum effectiveness.
3. Choose relevant keywords and placements.
4. Create straightforward, targeted ads.
5. Optimize your website for conversions.
6. Track your account performance.
7. Test and modify your campaigns to get the results you want.

AWA