Keyword groups help make alerts more precise.
With the new keyword system:
keywords inside the same group use OR logic
different groups use AND logic
excluded keywords always remove matching items
matching is case-insensitive
How it works
An item must match:
at least one keyword from each group
none of the excluded keywords
Example
If an alert has:
Group 1:
nike,adidasGroup 2:
hoodie,sweatshirtExcluded keywords:
kids,fake
Then a listing can match if it contains:
nike hoodieadidas sweatshirt
But it will not match if it contains:
kidsfake
So this setup means:
(
nikeORadidas)AND (
hoodieORsweatshirt)AND NOT (
kids,fake)
Important rules
1. Keywords in the same group are alternatives
Use one group for words that mean almost the same thing, or for different ways sellers might describe the same item.
Example:
Group:
hoodie,sweatshirt,pullover
The item only needs one of them.
2. Different groups narrow the search
Use multiple groups when you want to combine conditions.
Example:
Group 1:
nike,adidasGroup 2:
vintageGroup 3:
jacket,coat
The item must match:
one brand from Group 1
and
vintageand one clothing type from Group 3
3. Excluded keywords always filter items out
Excluded keywords are applied to the whole alert.
If a listing contains any excluded keyword, it will not match, even if it matches all your groups.
Example excluded keywords:
kidsdamagedreplica
4. Matching is case-insensitive and accent-insensitive
Uppercase, lowercase, and accents do not matter.
For example:
Nike, NIKE, nikePokémon, pokemon
These are treated the same.
Best practices
Put synonyms or close alternatives in the same group
Put separate requirements in different groups
Use excluded keywords to remove common false positives
Start simple, then add more groups only if needed
Mobile app compatibility
The mobile app does not support editing keyword groups.
If an alert was created or updated with keyword groups on web
On mobile:
the alert can still be opened
non-keyword settings can still be edited
keyword groups and excluded keywords cannot be edited
if keyword fields are changed from mobile, those changes are ignored
This protects the advanced keyword setup created on web.
If an alert was created on mobile
Mobile alerts still use the older keyword format and continue to work normally.
They can also be opened later on web.
Common questions
Why am I not getting results?
The alert may be too restrictive.
Remember that every group must match. If you add too many groups, very few items may qualify.
Why am I getting too many results?
Try:
splitting broad keywords into better groups
adding another required group
adding excluded keywords for common unwanted matches
Can I manage keyword groups from mobile?
No. Keyword groups are currently a web-only editing feature.
Mobile can still edit the rest of the alert, but not the advanced keyword logic.