Phrase to Broad Match Ratio for Single Keywords

mattesh · 01-10-2012, 03:09 AM

I've been checking search volume using Market Samurai for some single word keywords and have found the Phrase to Broad Match Ratio (PBR) is less than 100%.

My understanding is that PBR refers to the % of searches where the exact term in the same order is entered. Surely if the term is a SINGLE keyword, the PBR should always be 100%?

Can anyone explain why this is not the case?

mattesh · 01-30-2012, 06:32 AM

Seems nobody on here knows the answer!

Never mind - I contacted Market Samuari and they gave this response:

"This is a question about an issue I think we need to be explaining better in our training, because it affects a few other areas as well. Google's numbers for total searches are estimates - and there are a variety of reasons why those estimates may change, ranging from testing new algorithms to one datacenter not being synced with the others in Google's sprawling network of servers.

The PBR number is a ratio, which in this case means it's a ratio of two estimates. So there will be times when the results don't make sense, and in particular when it comes to single-word cases, that's going to be "more often than not".

That said, for the areas where PBR is intended to be used - phrases of 2-5 words - it's still a very helpful tool for pre-screening large lists and highlighting instances where more study is warranted."

As usual, can't fault them for their detailed explanation. Hope this helps anybody else with the same issue.

01-10-2012, 03:09 AM	#1
mattesh Warrior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Phrase to Broad Match Ratio for Single Keywords I've been checking search volume using Market Samurai for some single word keywords and have found the Phrase to Broad Match Ratio (PBR) is less than 100%. My understanding is that PBR refers to the % of searches where the exact term in the same order is entered. Surely if the term is a SINGLE keyword, the PBR should always be 100%? Can anyone explain why this is not the case?

01-30-2012, 06:32 AM	#2
mattesh Warrior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Phrase to Broad Match Ratio for Single Keywords Seems nobody on here knows the answer! Never mind - I contacted Market Samuari and they gave this response: "This is a question about an issue I think we need to be explaining better in our training, because it affects a few other areas as well. Google's numbers for total searches are estimates - and there are a variety of reasons why those estimates may change, ranging from testing new algorithms to one datacenter not being synced with the others in Google's sprawling network of servers. The PBR number is a ratio, which in this case means it's a ratio of two estimates. So there will be times when the results don't make sense, and in particular when it comes to single-word cases, that's going to be "more often than not". That said, for the areas where PBR is intended to be used - phrases of 2-5 words - it's still a very helpful tool for pre-screening large lists and highlighting instances where more study is warranted." As usual, can't fault them for their detailed explanation. Hope this helps anybody else with the same issue.