What's the difference between broad and exact match in Google's keyword research tool?

[davhad]

The exact match option shows you much smaller numbers. And Google's explanation of each isn't comprehensive. Can someone explain the difference between the two with examples? Also, which one is it better to target while doing SEO research?

[roadrider75]

Hi,

Exact match is best to base decisions for SEO and PPC. Broad Match records any search string which features the keyword/s you're interested in, plus any other words. These other words could be irrelevant to your search. Exact is where only the keywords you're interested in have been entered. Also pay attention to the region and language settings.

[davhad]

Thanks. Can you give examples of a specific keyword and what could its broad matches be? Also: what is the relation between ranking well for a specific keyword and the resulting ranking for the related broad terms?