What Happens With Keyword Duplicates?

Answer

When a new keyword is to be created as part of a rule or automation, the system automatically checks whether an identical keyword with the same match type already exists in the selected ad group. Only if the keyword text together with the match type (e.g., broad, phrase, exact) does not already exist, the keyword will actually be created.

If a keyword with the same text and match type already exists in the ad group, no new creation takes place – in this case, there will be no New KW entry in the Adjustment Logs. If the text is the same but the match types are different, both keywords can exist side by side and the new keyword will be created.

The system also checks for negative keywords to see if an identical entry (same text and match type) already exists in the corresponding ad group. Only if this is not the case will a new negative keyword (New neg. KW) actually be created. If the keyword is recognized as a duplicate, no new entry is made, and the log will not show an entry for it.

For ASIN targets, the system likewise checks if the target already exists in the respective ad group (e.g., same ASIN value). If a duplicate is detected, no new target is created and there is no structural change entry. If a new target is created, this will appear in the Adjustment Logs.

Through automations and rules, both bid adjustments and structural changes are automated, including the creation of new keywords or negative keywords. With each change, the system checks if an identical element already exists in the same ad group and with the same match type. This reliably prevents duplicate entries. All successful or skipped changes can be viewed in the "Adjustment Log", including the option to revert changes.

For audience targets as well as ASIN targets, the system also checks if the target already exists in the respective ad group (e.g., same ASIN value). If a duplicate is detected, no new target is created and there is no structural change entry. If a new target is created, you can see this as a structural adjustment or in the Bid Adjustments tab.

Accessing the Function

You can find an overview of all adjustments in the so-called Adjustment Logs. Depending on where you start your review, the approach will be slightly different:

To access it, go to Segment Management and then Adjustment Logs. In the detailed view, you can click Details on a log entry to open a detail screen with the Bid Adjustments and Structure Adjustments tabs.

Limitations & Special Notes

• The duplicate check always applies per ad group and match type. The same keyword can exist in different ad groups or with different match types without being counted as a duplicate.
• Negative keywords and targets are also deduplicated only per ad group and type.