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How to Use Exact vs Partial Match Settings to Personalize Searches and Boost Trust

How to Use Match Type Controls in Sierra Interactive to Deliver More Targeted Listing Results

Overview

Match Type controls in IntelliSearch allow you to choose whether saved searches, e-alerts, and listing results show only exact matches or include similar listings. This helps you tailor results based on where your clients are in their home search.

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Why This Matters

Not every buyer is looking for the same level of precision.

  • Early-stage buyers benefit from seeing a range of options, including close matches they may not have considered.
  • Ready-to-act buyers expect listings that strictly match their criteria.

Using Match Types correctly ensures your results feel intentional—not random—helping you build trust and guide clients more effectively.

How This Helps Your Business

Using Match Types effectively allows you to:

  • Deliver a more personalized client experience
  • Build trust with accurate, intentional results
  • Reduce confusion from irrelevant listings
  • Turn your Sierra website and CRM into stronger lead conversion tools

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Before You Begin

Match Type controls are part of IntelliSearch, which is used to:

  • Create saved searches
  • Set up e-alerts and market updates
  • Suggest listings to clients

👉 Creating Saved Searches with IntelliSearch

You’ll configure Match Types while building or editing a search.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Create or Edit a Search in IntelliSearch

Start a new search or open an existing one.

Apply your desired filters (price, beds, location, etc.) as you normally would.

2. Choose Your Match Type

Before selecting Save & Continue, look at the banner above the listings results.

You’ll see the option to choose:

  • Exact Matches
  • Partial Matches (All Match Types)

Select the option that best fits your client’s needs.

3. Understand What Each Match Type Does

  • Exact Matches:
    Only displays listings that match all of your active filters exactly.
  • Partial Matches:
    Includes listings that match some—but not all—filters, along with the closest possible alternatives.
    These also account for small variations like price differences, feature flexibility, and even typos in search terms.

✅ Result: Once saved, your search, alerts, or results will follow this logic automatically.

4. Save and Apply Your Search

Click Save & Continue to finalize your search.

This Match Type setting will now apply to:

  • Saved searches
  • E-alerts and market updates
  • Any place this search is used (including page components)

5. (Optional) Use in Community Pages

You can display search results on community pages by adding the “Listings from Saved Search” page component.

  • This allows you to control whether those pages show exact or partial matches.
  • While helpful for SEO, this is best used strategically to balance relevance and discovery.

👉Boost Your SEO by Creating a Unique Community Pages Template

6. Identify Match Types in Results

On listing results pages, you’ll see a label above the listings indicating:

  • Exact Match, or
  • Partial Match

Use this as a visual cue when reviewing results or explaining listings to clients.

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Best Practices

  • Align Match Type with Buyer Stage
    Use partial matches for new or exploratory leads
    Use exact matches for clients ready to make decisions

  • Review Searches Regularly
    Client needs and market conditions change, update match types as needed.

  • Use Partial Matches for Discovery Conversations
    Great for showing buyers what’s possible slightly outside their criteria.

  • Be Intentional on Community Pages

    Use exact matches for niche, hyper-targeted areas
    Use partial matches to keep broader pages dynamic and engaging

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When to Use Each Match Type

Buyer Stage Recommended Match Type Why
Early / Browsing All Match Types Encourages exploration and discovery
Mid Funnel Adjust as Needed Helps refine preferences
Ready to Buy Exact Matches Only Keeps results highly relevant and focused

Troubleshooting & Common Questions

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • I’m still seeing partial matches after switching to Exact Matches
    Make sure you updated the Match Type before saving the specific search. Each saved search or page component must be updated individually.
  • Older saved searches aren’t following my new settings
    Existing searches keep their original configuration. Open each one and manually update the Match Type.
  • Listings don’t seem to match my filters exactly
    Check if the search is set to Partial Matches. These include near matches based on your criteria, including flexible pricing, features, and variations.
  • I’m not sure which Match Type to use
    Use partial matches for exploration and exact matches for precision. When in doubt, start broad and refine as your client’s needs become clearer.

FAQs

  • What happens if I don’t change anything?
    Your site will continue showing both exact and partial matches, just like before.

  • Can I control this for each client?
    Yes, you can adjust match types at the saved search level, letting you customize results for every lead.

  • Will this change how buyers see listings on my site?
    Only if you set your community pages or saved searches to exact matches. Otherwise, visitors will continue seeing a mix of exact and close results.

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