--- title: Using Exact vs Partial Match Settings to Personalize Search Results description: Learn how to use Exact vs Partial Match controls on your Sierra Interactive website and CRM to personalize searches, keep buyers engaged, and boost lead conversion. image: https://www.sierrainteractive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Website-Preview-V2A.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/using-exact-vs-partial-match-settings-to-personalize-search-results#main-content) [Contact Support](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) [![Sierra Interactive logo](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sierra%20interactive%20logo.png?width=250&height=34&name=sierra%20interactive%20logo.png)](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter?hsLang=en) - [Sierra CRM Login](https://client.sierrainteractivedev.com/login.aspx?sn=sierrainteractive.com) - [Sierra Support](https://share.hsforms.com/1-PkIvKPkRJ2Oe4iP28LPugcrxj0?__hstc=240356316.ca34a03f98730f420ad639300528f2a2.1764955183725.1783970890126.1783975123568.351&__hssc=240356316.31.1783975123568&__hsfp=3cbed2008eb4c720102b6f72b9dd6767) - [Training & Learning](https://info.sierrainteractive.com/live-training-learning-opportunities) Show submenu for Training & Learning - [Sierra Academy](https://info.sierrainteractive.com/sierra-academy) - [Live Training Sessions](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/join-live-training-sessions-explore-sierra-learning-resources) Show submenu for Live Training Sessions - [Tuesdays 11AM ET](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81520282538) - [Wednesdays 1:30PM ET](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84246589732) - [Fridays 3PM ET](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86964951435) - [Sierra YouTube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/@sierrainteractive/featured) - [Sierra Facebook Mastermind](https://www.facebook.com/groups/sierrainteractive) - [Referral Dashboard](https://www.sierrainteractive.com/customer-referral-dashboard/) - [Operations & Closures](https://info.sierrainteractive.com/sierra-interactive-observed-holidays) - [System Status](https://status.sierrainteractive.com/) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Sierra CRM Login](https://client.sierrainteractivedev.com/login.aspx?sn=sierrainteractive.com) - [Sierra Support](https://share.hsforms.com/1-PkIvKPkRJ2Oe4iP28LPugcrxj0?__hstc=240356316.ca34a03f98730f420ad639300528f2a2.1764955183725.1783970890126.1783975123568.351&__hssc=240356316.31.1783975123568&__hsfp=3cbed2008eb4c720102b6f72b9dd6767) - [Training & Learning](https://info.sierrainteractive.com/live-training-learning-opportunities) Show submenu for Training & Learning - [Sierra Academy](https://info.sierrainteractive.com/sierra-academy) - [Live Training Sessions](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/join-live-training-sessions-explore-sierra-learning-resources) Show submenu for Live Training Sessions - [Tuesdays 11AM ET](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81520282538) - [Wednesdays 1:30PM ET](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84246589732) - [Fridays 3PM ET](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86964951435) - [Sierra YouTube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/@sierrainteractive/featured) - [Sierra Facebook Mastermind](https://www.facebook.com/groups/sierrainteractive) - [Referral Dashboard](https://www.sierrainteractive.com/customer-referral-dashboard/) - [Operations & Closures](https://info.sierrainteractive.com/sierra-interactive-observed-holidays) - [System Status](https://status.sierrainteractive.com/) - [Contact Support](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/kb-tickets/new) Search Help Center - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Help Center](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter?hsLang=en) 2. [Lead Generation & Capture](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/lead-generation-capture?hsLang=en) 3. [IntelliSearch](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/lead-generation-capture?hsLang=en#intellisearch) September 14, 2026 # Using Exact vs Partial Match Settings to Personalize Search Results ## 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. ### Table of Contents 1. [Why This Matters](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/using-exact-vs-partial-match-settings-to-personalize-search-results#why) 2. [How This Helps Your Business](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/using-exact-vs-partial-match-settings-to-personalize-search-results#helps) 3. [Before You Begin](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/using-exact-vs-partial-match-settings-to-personalize-search-results#before) 4. [Step-by-Step Instructions](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/using-exact-vs-partial-match-settings-to-personalize-search-results#steps) 5. [Best Practices](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/using-exact-vs-partial-match-settings-to-personalize-search-results#best) 6. [When to Use Each Match Type](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/using-exact-vs-partial-match-settings-to-personalize-search-results#when) 7. [Troubleshooting & Common Questions](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/using-exact-vs-partial-match-settings-to-personalize-search-results#faq) --- ### 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 [back to the top](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/using-exact-vs-partial-match-settings-to-personalize-search-results#top) --- ### 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 You’ll configure Match Types while building or editing a search. 👉 If you haven't created a saved search yet then visit: [Creating Saved Searches with IntelliSearch](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/creating-saved-searches-with-intellisearch?hsLang=en) [back to the top](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/using-exact-vs-partial-match-settings-to-personalize-search-results#top) --- ### 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. ![exact\_vs\_partial\_match](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/hs-fs/hubfs/exact_vs_partial_match.png?width=553&height=297&name=exact_vs_partial_match.png) You’ll see the option to choose: - **Exact Matches:** Only displays listings that match *all* of your active filters exactly. - **Partial Matches (All Match Types):** 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. Select the option that best fits your client’s needs. Once saved, your search, alerts, or results will follow this logic automatically. #### 3. 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) #### 4. (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](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/boost-your-seo-by-creating-a-unique-community-pages-template?hsLang=en) [back to the top](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/using-exact-vs-partial-match-settings-to-personalize-search-results#top) --- ### 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 [back to the top](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/using-exact-vs-partial-match-settings-to-personalize-search-results#top) --- ### 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. - **How do I stop my E-alert from sending Partial Matches to Buyers?** When saving your E-alert, you can check a box that says "Include Exact Matches Only" to filter out any Partial matches in search results sent to leads. 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